Discover Werne

Werne offers a variety of reasons to visit: the town’s history around the historic market square, the town museum, swimming at the saltwater bath, Sim-Jü, and walking and cycling routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Werne, the focus of your trip can help you choose. Plan guided tours, event dates and current opening information to suit your visit.

Historic Town Centre and Local History

The Old Town Hall on the historic market square was built between 1512 and 1514 and finally completed in 1561. The construction period and later completion mark two distinct stages in its history. St Christopher’s Parish Church is also an important stop on a town tour. Highlights there include an octagonal baptismal font and a Madonna in rays from the 15th century. A classic guided tour of Werne’s historic town centre lasts about an hour and a half. Check with the town about the specific arrangements for your visit.

Another historic site is the Jewish cemetery in Werne, which has been protected as a historic monument since 1985. The Capuchin monastery and church on the southern wall are happy to give visitors a glimpse behind the monastery walls. Arrange your visit in advance with the monastery or the town.

Museum and Half-Timbered Houses

The Werne Museum of Cultural History is located in the Old District Office on Kirchhof. Its four floors cover prehistory and early history, the Middle Ages, the history of Werne and that of the Upper Bishopric of Münster. Its subject matter therefore ranges from early periods to local and regional history.

The historic town centre is home to the half-timbered ensemble known as the Wärmehäuschen, dating from the late 16th century. Part of the Wärmehäuschen is used by the neighbouring town museum. Among other things, it displays a chasuble—a priest’s vestment found in the parish church in 1995. If you would like to see the chasuble, check whether it will be on display when you visit.

Walking and Cycling

The town of Werne, together with the Werne hiking club and the Sauerland Mountain Association, has developed nine hiking trails in and around Werne. Local trail information can help you choose a route that suits your plans; check the latest details with the town. If you are interested in pilgrimage routes, note that Werne lies on the Baltic-Westphalian Way of St James.

The signposted RadKreisUnna cycle route also passes through Werne. It is 100 kilometres long in total and runs from Unna via Werne to Ternscher See in Selm. The total distance refers to the entire route, not just the section through Werne. Check the current route signs before setting off. The bike station at Werne railway station offers rental bicycles and e-bikes; check in advance whether they are available for your travel dates.

Sim-Jü and the Saltwater Bath

The traditional Simon-Juda market has been part of Werne since 1362. Today, Sim-Jü is the largest fair on the Lippe and draws tens of thousands of visitors to the town centre every year. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the dates for your chosen year.

Werne Saltwater Bath offers outdoor swimming in six-percent brine across an area of 560 m². This gives the bath a different focus from the town’s historic sites and walking routes. Check the latest operating information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Unna, Kamen, Selm, Bergkamen, Bönen, Lünen, Holzwickede, Fröndenberg/Ruhr.

Back to the main travel overview: Unna.