Discover Warendorf

Warendorf combines historic urban culture with distinctive places and landscapes along the Ems. During your stay, you can choose from the history of the old town, museums, the North Rhine-Westphalian State Stud and the Emssee. The EmsRadweg also passes through the city. This mix offers different focal points: architectural history, equestrian culture, and the lake and cycling route each offer a different perspective on Warendorf.

Old Town and Medieval Traces

The historic old town contains more than 600 listed properties. Its character includes a cohesive ensemble of historic façades, with buildings from six different centuries. The long history of construction is evident not only in individual buildings, but also in the way the façades work together.

The Bentheim Tower is a striking remnant of the medieval town fortifications. Dating from the 13th century, it is considered the most distinctive surviving relic of the fortifications. Its historic features can be seen in its barred window openings and loopholes.

Museums in the Old Town

The Decentralized City Museum of Warendorf brings together a total of five museum sites in the historic old town. Its name refers to a museum structure spread across several sites rather than confined to a single building. Together with the historic townscape, this offers another way to explore Warendorf’s history.

Since 2014, the West Prussian State Museum has welcomed visitors to the former Franciscan monastery on the eastern edge of the old town. Its permanent exhibition is on the upper floor. The former monks’ cells serve as galleries and form stops along a historical tour. The exhibition venue and its former use are thus directly connected: the monastery’s rooms themselves become part of the museum experience.

The North Rhine-Westphalian State Stud

The North Rhine-Westphalian State Stud was founded in 1826 by the Prussian King Frederick William III. You can explore its extensive grounds and historic stables during opening hours, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. This lets you choose whether to visit independently or follow a guided tour. Check the current opening hours before your visit, as operational details may change.

Emssee and Parkland

The Emssee is around 1.4 kilometres long, lies within a spacious park and incorporates a former channel of the Ems. The lake, park and river history are therefore all part of this landscape. Emssee Park has become a popular local recreation area for Warendorf residents. This refers to its importance to the city’s inhabitants.

Cycling Route and Regional Transport

The EmsRadweg runs through the Warendorf city area. Its route follows the Ems from Hövelhof in the Senne to its mouth in the North Sea near Emden. For cycle tourists, this connection places Warendorf along a long river route stretching from the Senne to the coast.

Warendorf has two regional transport connections: Warendorf railway station and the Einen-Müssingen stop. Regional train 67, known as “Der Warendorfer,” currently runs hourly between Münster and Bielefeld. If you are planning to travel by train, check the timetable before your journey: the stated frequency is a useful guide, but does not replace the latest travel information.

Discover more destinations: Sassenberg, Oelde, Ahlen, Sendenhorst, Drensteinfurt, Telgte, Ostbevern, Beelen.

Back to the regional travel overview: Warendorf.