Westerkappeln between nature and the town center

Westerkappeln combines nature trails with a distinctive town center, historic buildings, and cultural and craft themes. The range of possible highlights includes walks through varied landscapes, as well as the town church, art, and a former manor house. This makes it easy to explore the town through the themes that matter to you during your stay.

Nature trails and varied landscapes

Along the Westerkappeln Nature Trail, the route passes wet meadows, bodies of water, woodland, orchards, and pollarded willows. The megalithic, or large stone, tomb known as the “Sloopsteine” also lies along the route. If you would like to experience a variety of landscape features on a walk, you will find a varied sequence of meadows, water, woodland, and distinctive trees here.

The long circular route through Westerkappeln offers a different experience: it runs mostly along paved paths and leads from the north of the municipality through the “Düsterdieker Niederung” bird sanctuary and nature reserve to the protected areas in the hilly south, the “Mettener Schweiz.” The Nature Trail focuses on the landscape features along the route; the long circular route is characterized by its north–south course and predominantly paved surface.

The Schachselwiesen premium walking trail features a geocaching tour for children. A matching treasure map is available from the TouristInfo. This adds a specific activity to the nature trails and gives families looking for a geocaching tour a dedicated starting point for their plans.

The town church and church square in the town center

The listed Protestant town church is a prominent focal point of local life. It was first mentioned in the 12th century, was originally Romanesque, and has been remodeled several times. Both its long history and its repeated alterations shape how the building is seen today.

The church square next to the town church is right in the town center. It was redesigned in 2013, and the newly paved area is accessible to people with disabilities. The water feature offers refreshment during the summer months; the square also includes a small playground and outdoor dining. It is used for many events throughout the year. This central spot in the heart of town brings together a historically significant church and a square with a variety of uses.

Buildings, art, and local history

The former manor house Haus Cappeln lies on the northwestern edge of Westerkappeln. The stately estate is designed in the Renaissance style and has a moat and gardens around the building. A moat is a water-filled ditch; together with the gardens, it is part of the estate’s appearance. Haus Cappeln therefore offers a different architectural accent from the town church in the center, which has been remodeled several times.

The fountain with the “Golden Hare” stands at Kreuzplatz. It was created in 2003 based on a design by conceptual artist Heinrich Brummack. Another link to local history is the collection of paintings commemorating Westerkappeln artist Gustav Künnemann: it comprises around 600 works and can be viewed at Bilderlager, Bahnhofstraße 5, in the town center. Visits with a guide must be arranged in advance.

Grain and bread from Velpe Watermill

Velpe Watermill also represents the craft traditions of Westerkappeln. There, organically grown grain is milled using water power and then baked into wholegrain bread in a stone oven. The process brings milling and bread baking together: after the grain is milled, it is baked in the stone oven. This food production adds another local highlight to the town’s nature and architecture themes.

Discover more destinations: Ibbenbüren, Laer, Hörstel, Wettringen, Lengerich, Tecklenburg, Steinfurt, Mettingen.

Return to the main travel overview: Steinfurt.