Bielefeld's most famous landmark in the Teutoburg Forest towers high above the university city: Sparrenburg Castle is located around 60 meters above the city center on the 180-meter-high Sparrenberg. Visitors can first admire the castle from below and then enjoy the view from above once they have climbed the 37-metre-high castle tower. From here, the view extends not only over the city, but also far into the surrounding Teutoburg Forest.
Sparrenburg Festival in July
The history of the imposing castle complex dates back to the 13th century. The thick stone walls, dark dungeons and narrow light wells tell us a lot about the lives of medieval people and the soldiers who defended the castle and town from enemy conquests. In guided tours, visitors can learn even more exciting facts about life at Sparrenburg Castle, whose fortifications, which are still visible today, date back to the 16th century.
Every year on the last weekend in July, the Sparrenburg Festival attracts numerous visitors to the castle. The fortress is then transformed into the historical backdrop of a medieval castle spectacle. Jugglers, minstrels, merchants and knights take visitors back to times long past. Other events are also offered throughout the year, such as murder mystery dinners, readings and culinary walks.
Sparrenburg Castle is particularly well located for hikers: one of the most beautiful high-altitude hiking trails in Germany, the Hermannsweg, leads right past it. For hikers who only want to stop by for a short visit, there is a free tour of the above-ground part of the castle complex.
