Spar­ren­burg Biele­feld

Ex­per­i­ence me­di­ev­al ad­ven­ture and en­joy the mag­ni­fi­cent views: Spar­ren­burg Castle sits en­throned high above Biele­feld and of­fers a won­der­ful view of the Teuto­burg Forest. Parts of the build­ing, such as the stone walls and dun­geons, tell stor­ies from an­oth­er time. Vis­it­ors can learn more about the lives of its former res­id­ents on guided tours.

The most famous landmark of Bielefeld in the Teutoburg Forest is perched high above the university town: the Sparrenburg sits some 60 metres above the city centre, stretching on for 180 metres. Visitors can first admire the castle from below and then enjoy the view from the top once they have climbed the 37-metre castle tower. It boasts a wonderful view not only of the city, but far across the Teutoburg Forest surroundings.

The history of the imposing castle dates back to the 13th century. The thick stone walls, dark dungeons and narrow light wells say a lot about the lives of medieval people and the soldiers who defended the castle and town from enemy conquests. On tours, visitors can learn more interesting facts about life at Sparrenburg, whose fortifications, which date back to the 16th century, can still be seen today.

The Sparrenburgfest, held every year on the last weekend in July, attracts numerous visitors to the castle. The fortress is transformed into the historic backdrop for a medieval castle spectacle. Jugglers, minstrels, merchants and knights take visitors back to a bygone age. Throughout the year other events like murder mystery dinners, readings and culinary walks are offered.

The Sparrenburg is particularly well located for hikers: one of Germany’s most beautiful mountain trails, the Hermannsweg Trail, runs right past. For hikers who only want to stop by for a short while, a stroll through the above-ground part of the castle, which is accessible free of charge, is worthwhile.