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Bielefeld is an attractively situated city in the heart of Germany, in the northeast of
the Bundesland North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the centre
of Eastern Westphalia (Ostwestfalen-Lippe). More than 320,000 inhabitants live on the edge
of the Teutoburg Forest (a unique range of low
mountains) and benefit from the advantages of a modern industrial centre, but with the parks
and open spaces of a garden city (with 4,800 hectares of forest). The older part of the
city with its medieval castle Sparrenburg (see photo below) reminds visitors of its history,
while the new shopping district is
designed in contemporary style. Bielefeld offers itself as a industrial and cultural Metropole
with
well-known art galleries (reference Kunsthalle Jean) and excellent sport and recreation facilities.
Universit¨at
Bielefeld also home to University of Bielefeld. Although relatively young, the oldest of its
15 faculties being about 25 years old it is supported by one of the best
libraries in Germany (including 1.8 million volumes).
Bielefeld University combines the best German university tradition with innovative
research and teaching structures. Life and work at Bielefeld University benefit from the
unique design of the university building. All 14 faculties, are housed under one roof and are located
within a short distance of each other. This construction provides an ideal framework
for successful study and research with a high density computer network, installed in
all departments, which can be used by all students free of charge round the clock.
The central hall of the main building is a meeting place, a lively centre of communication.
With its shops and cafés it forms an inviting centre in which to chat, relax, meet people
and find out what is happening. For recreation the university offers an indoor pool,
a gymnasium, tennis courts and a football (soccer) field, all located on
the campus of Bielefeld University.
Sparrenburg
The Sparrenburg Tower lies on the edge of the Teutoburger forest and is only a stones throw from
the town centre. It is easilt accessible by tram or bus and is only a few minutes walk... all
hill admittedly, but well worth it. There is a fantasic view of Bielefeld , the forest and all the
surrounding area from various viewpoints at Sparrenburg. There is a restaurant at the top, and frequently
there are also public banquets, where the public are treated to rustic authentic food and can explore the
dungeons at their peril.
The townhall
The historical town hall, which wasbuilt in 1904, is a perfect example of fused Gothic and
Rennaissance style. A beautiful building that is also home to the Irish pub, situated in the basement.
A common ritual in Bielefeld associated with the town hall, is that if you are not married by the age of 30,
you must sweep the steps of the town hall... (and be publicly jeered by your friends).
The Nicolai church is the towns oldest church, dating back to 1340. It was built in the
Gothic period with high pointed roofs, its interior also contains a precious Antwerpener carved
altar with 9 carved shrines and over 250 figures.
The bells from the church also ring daily at 9.00, 12.30 und 18.00hrs
The Leineweber Monument, from the year 1909, symbolises the business development in Bielefeld
which began with the production of linen.
The Museums yard
The old town
The old town has a lot of character. It is situated in the town centre and completely pedestrianised, with cobbles stones
During the sommertime it comes alive and has a happy atmosphere. The plentiful cafes and bars all have seating outside,
and is a common gathering point where people come to enjoy the sunshine, drink beer, eat ice-cream
and listen to music.
The animal gardens in Olderdissen accommodate
approximately 450 domestic animals of 100 types. Here many
animals are protected all year round enabling rare and threatened species like eagle owls to breed under protected conditions.
Open since 1930 and covering an area of 11 hectares, it is situated in the delightful Teutoburger forest,
in the midst of meadows and ponds. It is open all year round and the entrance is free.
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