Altenberge

The Baiersche Brewery Gebrüder Beuing in Altenberge, founded in 1860, was a centre of beer production, renowned for its innovative cooling techniques. The brewery’s ice cellar played a crucial role in producing high-quality beer. To rapidly cool the wort to the required cellar temperature, the freshly brewed beer was brought into the ice cellar, where stored ice provided consistent cooling. This process was essential for the fermentation and maturation of the beer, resulting in a particularly refreshing and flavoursome product. The brewery’s beer earned widespread acclaim.

The ice cellar, which maintained the ideal temperature for secondary fermentation and maturation, was a masterpiece of engineering. Even after modern cooling technologies such as steam engines and ice machines became available from the 1880s onwards, the ice cellar remained a preferred method due to the cost-effective use of natural cooling from nearby ice ponds.

Today, the ice cellar is a protected historic building that not only reflects the history of beer production but also highlights the importance of cooling for beer quality. Now serving as a winter retreat for bats, the ice cellar links the heritage of brewing with nature conservation and remains a unique testament to technical innovation and the art of beer-making.

EMSDETTEN

The Ems Cycle Route is a long-distance regional cycling trail that runs for approximately 375 kilometres from the source of the Ems in Hövelhof to its mouth near Emden. In Emsdetten, the route passes through the Ems Meadows, a section of the river designed to be close to nature and developed as part of renaturation measures. The aim of these measures was to enhance the ecological value of the river landscape and to improve flood protection.

A prominent point along the route is the Isendorf Suspension Bridge, which has provided pedestrians and cyclists with a crossing of the Ems since 2007. The bridge is designed as a delicate cable-supported structure and blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.

The Ems Meadows provide habitat for numerous animal and plant species and are part of a comprehensive ecological master plan. Visitors encounter an open floodplain landscape with wetlands, meadows and areas of woodland, offering a diverse and natural environment to explore.

GREVEN

Münster/Osnabrück Airport (FMO) in Greven opened in 1972, developing from a former glider airfield. Its establishment was made possible primarily through the cooperation of regional municipalities and the support of the British Rhine Army. Today, FMO is one of the most important regional airports in North Rhine-Westphalia and south-western Lower Saxony.

With two modern terminals, the airport offers scheduled and charter flights to national and European destinations, particularly catering to tourist traffic. Around the year 2000, FMO reached its peak passenger numbers with approximately 1.8 million travellers; currently, passenger numbers are rising again after a period of decline. Plans to extend the runway were not pursued further due to environmental protection concerns.

In addition to scheduled flights, general aviation also plays an important role: FMO hosts sport and private pilots, including a flight school and technical services for small and business aircraft. The ADAC intensive care transport helicopter “Christoph Westfalen” is also permanently stationed at the airport, performing, among other tasks, transfer flights for clinics in the region.

The airport is also economically significant: it secures jobs in the region and provides an important connection for companies, authorities and service providers. Numerous businesses have settled in the adjacent “AirportPark FMO”, particularly in the fields of logistics, administration, industry and aviation technology.

HOPSTEN

The Heilige Meer in Hopsten is not only a scenic and natural gem but also the setting of a mysterious legend. According to the tale, a monastery once stood on the site of today’s lake during the Middle Ages, highly revered by the local inhabitants. One day, however, the monastery fell into disrepute, and the monks were struck by a severe storm. The story tells that the monastery was swallowed by the waves of the Heilige Meer in a tremendous tempest, leaving only the sound of bells and prayers echoing across the water.

From then on, the lake was regarded as a mystical place, where the sunken monastery is said to occasionally reappear. Especially on stormy nights, it is told, the bells can still be heard. This legend contributes to the enigmatic aura of the Heilige Meer, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and lovers of mystery alike.

Today, the Heilige Meer is primarily a nature reserve and a favourite destination for hikers and nature lovers. The lake and surrounding bogs provide habitat for a variety of rare plant and animal species. The area also serves as an important recreational space, accessible via numerous walking and cycling paths. In this way, the Heilige Meer connects its historical significance with its modern role as a natural and recreational sanctuary.

HÖRSTEL

Hof Beckmann has a long-standing tradition, and Gravenhorster Popcorn is rooted in the secret recipes and artisanal methods of times past. Originally created in the old kitchens of a small but ambitious family business, the popcorn was first appreciated as a simple snack. Over the years, however, the craft of perfecting flavours, textures and preparation was refined.

Today, Gravenhorster Popcorn combines tradition and innovation, preserving the classics of the craft while also exploring bold new flavours. Each kernel tells the story of decades in which the passion for quality and handmade production never waned – a treat passed down from generation to generation.

HORSTMAR

Schmeddings Mill traces its origins to a watermill that operated on the Leerbach as early as the 17th century. Later, in 1848, it was replaced by a combined wind- and watermill featuring two grinding sets and an oil press. With its octagonal layout, it is one of the few of its kind in the Münsterland region.

The mill is a technical unique example and can be described as a multifunctional mill, as it combines several forms of power: water, wind, and later steam, diesel, and electric motors. It also integrates various functions, including grain milling with two grinding sets, the oil press, and later a hammer mill for animal feed production.

Originally powered by water and supplemented by wind, the mill had already lost its sails around 1908. In the following years, wind power was replaced by a steam engine, and later by diesel and electric motors.

After this conversion, operations continued with water power and additional electric drive. In the 1950s and 1960s, a turbine and hammer mill were installed, but commercial milling ceased in the 1970s, and the mill was used only for private needs.

In 1993, the Förderverein Technischer Denkmäler (today: Mühlen- und Heimatverein Leer) took the mill on a long-term lease and began comprehensive restoration. In 1996, a new water wheel, based on the historical model, was installed, and by 2012 the entire drive system had been fully restored – since then, the mill has been fully operational.

Today, the upper floor houses historical agricultural equipment and household and milling artefacts. The site is open to visitors regularly on German Mill Day and by appointment.

IBBENBÜREN

The Ibbenbüren power station, particularly its striking 275-metre-high chimney, had been a defining landmark of the town and the Tecklenburg region since its construction in 1985. With its imposing height, the chimney served as an unmistakable symbol of the area’s industrial past and the significance of coal-fired power generation. 

The power station was decommissioned in 2021. Demolition of the facility began on 6 April 2025 with the controlled implosion of the boiler house and cooling tower. The demolition of the chimney is scheduled for autumn 2025. 

With the dismantling of the power station, an era of coal-fired electricity in Ibbenbüren comes to an end. The site is now being repurposed for renewable energy projects – a key step towards a more sustainable energy future.

LAER

Blasorchester Laer e.V. is a vibrant wind orchestra from Laer in the Münsterland region, distinguished by its dedicated youth work, diverse musical repertoire, and strong engagement in community life.

Structure and Musical Profile
The main orchestra consists of around 45 active musicians, approximately three-quarters of whom are under 35 – a testament to the association’s successful youth programme. Under the direction of conductor Roman Reckling, the repertoire ranges from traditional wind and march music to modern arrangements and film scores. Regular rehearsals take place on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:45 pm in the basement of Laer Primary School.

To nurture young talent, the association offers a comprehensive musical education, beginning with recorder courses and progressing through the preparatory and youth orchestras to the main orchestra. This structure enables a continuous musical development pathway within the association.

Engagement and Events
Blasorchester Laer is deeply embedded in the cultural life of the community, accompanying numerous events such as processions, shooting festivals, and concerts. A particular highlight was the open-air concert “A Celebration of Light” in May 2023, which delighted over 1,200 visitors on the town square with an elaborate light and laser show.

For the association’s 20th anniversary, a “Best-of” concert is planned for 17 May 2025, showcasing the best pieces from past years. Former members and new participants are warmly invited to join the orchestra and help celebrate this milestone.

Organisation and Support
To support the association’s activities, a friends’ association was established on 30 January 2025, providing additional financial resources for instruments, sheet music, and organisational matters. The friends’ association is chaired by Thomas Bettmer, with support from Mayor Manfred Kluthe, who serves on the board as an assessor.

Blasorchester Laer e.V. stands for musical quality, community spirit, and successful youth work – a cultural flagship of the municipality of Laer.

Alexandra Oskamp
(Photo: Blasorchester Laer e.V.)

LADBERGEN

The Low German term “Afrouper” means “caller” or “announcer.” In the past, the Afrouper was an important figure in Ladbergen, responsible for delivering news to the townspeople from the so-called Afroupeplatz – today located on Alte Schulstraße in front of the Tourist Information office. This role was carried out by the municipal messenger, known as the Afrouper, until August 1965.

Until the end of the First World War, the task of Afroupen was performed by police attendants. They needed to be able to read and, ideally, write, as they delivered official announcements. For the mayor’s office, Afroupen was one of the most important and simplest methods of informing citizens about official matters.

Around 1800, announcements included notices about banned publications, dates for the mustering of so-called “Hollandgängers,” billeting of soldiers, or information for those intending to emigrate. The Afroupeplatz was therefore a central place of information and community for the people of Ladbergen.

Today, the Afrouper statue standing on the square commemorates this tradition of public announcement and symbolises the cohesion and communication within the village community.

LENGERICH

Experience Railway History

The Westphalian Field Railway Museum Lengerich, run by the Eisenbahnfreunde Lengerich e.V., is a special destination for anyone interested in technology, railways, or regional industrial history. Set within a historic backdrop, the museum vividly demonstrates the role that field railways once played in transporting materials such as limestone, sand, clay, and peat.

Across the extensive grounds, visitors can discover over 50 historic field railway locomotives and around 150 wagons – many of which are still fully operational. A particular highlight is a ride on the museum’s field railway, offering an authentic impression of the workday experience of the past.

The museum deliberately emphasises closeness and interactivity: the displayed vehicles and machines can not only be viewed but also experienced up close.

Another highlight is the large digital H0 DC model railway, housed in the former Lengerich-Nord signal box. With approximately 450 metres of track and meticulously detailed reproductions of stations, industrial facilities, and quarries, it captivates not only dedicated model railway enthusiasts.

The museum is open every second Sunday of the month from Pentecost to October, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. In addition, private group tours can be arranged outside the regular opening hours, including an expert introduction and a ride on the museum railway.

The Field Railway Museum Lengerich combines technical fascination with hands-on history – a living piece of industrial culture that brings the history of technology to life.

LIENEN

The Barefoot Park in Lienen opened in 2002 and offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of natural surfaces barefoot along a roughly 2.5-kilometre circular trail. Visitors can explore materials such as sand, gravel, wooden blocks, bark, chess pieces, stones, metal, tiles, golf balls, and water with their feet, experiencing the full range of sensory impressions.

The park was created to raise awareness of the senses and the body, as well as to strengthen the connection with nature. It is designed for people of all ages and playfully promotes balance, motor skills, and overall wellbeing.

Nestled in the rural surroundings of the Teutoburg Forest, the park complements the region’s tourist offerings. The Barefoot Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is free to use. Lockable storage cabinets for shoes are available for a small fee. Donations collected in a donation box go towards the maintenance and further development of the park.

The Barefoot Park Lienen is suitable for families as well as individual visitors and is regularly used for group activities and events.

LOTTE

The Lotte motorway interchange is an important traffic hub in North Rhine-Westphalia, connecting the A1 (Cologne–Bremen) and A30 (East Westphalia–Hanover) motorways. It was constructed in the 1970s and has since developed into a key junction for long-distance traffic in the region. Its location between the cities of Osnabrück and Münster makes the interchange particularly important for traffic flowing between western and eastern Germany.

With the expansion and upgrading of the motorways in recent decades, the interchange has been modernised several times to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. Today, the Lotte motorway interchange is one of the busiest traffic hubs in the region and plays a crucial role for both the economy and mobility in western Germany.

METELEN

The Metelen mini golf course opened in the 1970s and has since offered a recreational opportunity for visitors of all ages. It is set in a natural environment and features several well-maintained holes with varying levels of difficulty.

The course includes a variety of obstacles, suitable for both beginners and experienced players. The facility serves as a place for physical activity as well as outdoor leisure and relaxation, making the Metelen mini golf course an important part of the local recreational offerings.

METTINGEN

The Mettingen Gummistuten is a traditional sweet yeast bread from the Mettingen region, notable for its soft, elastic texture. Its distinctive flavour comes from a special baking technique that gives it its unique taste. Originally known as potato bread, it was commonly purchased from the baker by local farmers during the potato harvest.

With the introduction of German food law in the 1950s, the name was changed, as the bread contains no potatoes. The current name, Gummistuten, derives from the dough’s rubbery, elastic consistency.

The Mettingen Gummistuten is produced from mid-July to mid-October and is especially delicious when served with butter or jam. It is not only a culinary highlight but also a popular product that keeps regional tradition alive.

In cooperation with Backschmiede Kölker
(Bakery & Confectionery in Mettingen)

NEUENKIRCHEN

The funnel towers at Offlumer See in Neuenkirchen bear witness to the region’s decades-long history of gravel and sand extraction and are now part of a newly developed recreational area. As one of the few preserved examples of regional industrial heritage, they were architecturally reimagined as part of the area’s redevelopment.

The towers were originally constructed in connection with gravel and sand mining, which began in 1951, operated first by the Westfälische Sand- und Tonwerke and later by Euroquarz GmbH. The massive funnel silos served as intermediate storage, collecting the extracted material before it was further processed via conveyor belts.

As part of the Regionale 2004 project, the former extraction site was extensively redesigned under the “Leap Over the Gravel Bank” initiative. The funnel towers were relocated approximately 400 metres, converted into walkable observation platforms, and integrated into the newly created recreational area.

Today, they stand as a highly visible landmark in the landscape around Offlumer See. From the platforms, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding natural scenery.

NORDWALDE

“Leeder un Dönkes up Platt”

Following the motto “To bring joy is to create joy”, the Kiepenkerlchor Nordwalde, founded in 1984, performs in Westphalian dialect, the Münsterländer Platt. The Low German repertoire, interspersed with short humorous tales called Dönekes, has brought cheer and entertainment across the Münsterland region and beyond at various events and concerts. Many of their performances express a deep-rooted connection to their homeland.

In 2009, the choir was honoured for its services as an ambassador of the Plattdeutsch language by District Administrator Thomas Kubendorff with the Homeland and Traditions Award. The eleven singers, led musically by Michael Jahn, have been members of the German Singers’ Association and the Nordwalde Heritage Society for several years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kiepenkerlchor performed volunteer garden concerts at several nursing homes. One project that the choir has been pursuing for the past two years has already shown promising results: well-known songs, such as “Griechischer Wein”, have been given newly written texts in Plattdeutsch. These versions are particularly popular with younger audiences. Unfortunately, the choir was unable to present this project at this year’s concert scheduled for 25 April, as the event had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

To maintain the quality of their performances, regular rehearsals are essential. All interested parties and curious visitors are warmly invited to join a rehearsal evening, to chat and sing together in their native Münsterländer Platt.

Reinhold Kortebrock
(Photo: Kiepenkerlchor)

OCHTRUP

The Ochtruper Nachtigall is an intricately crafted ceramic musical instrument from Ochtrup in Westphalia, distinguished by its original shape, artisanal quality, and unique sound characteristics. It is not only a toy or musical instrument but also a popular souvenir and an important symbol of local craftsmanship. Each vessel flute is a unique piece, lovingly made at the Ochtrup Pottery Museum.

The Ochtruper Nachtigall is a type of water flute. Without water, it produces a bright, whistling sound. When filled with water, however, it emits a gurgling tone when blown. The pitch and timbre can be influenced by breath pressure and water level – a simple yet effective acoustic technique that can be varied with skill, reminiscent of a nightingale’s song.

The Ochtruper Nachtigall exemplifies the thriving pottery tradition in Münsterland and symbolizes the fusion of folk art, music, and regional craftsmanship.

Today, it is also shipped worldwide, and its likeness can be found in public spaces, for example as a sculpture on Valverde-del-Camino Square in Ochtrup – a quiet tribute to the city’s historical significance in pottery.

RECKE

Marina-Recke is situated on a branch of the Mittelland Canal near the town of Recke. The marina offers numerous berths and caters to leisure boaters and water sports enthusiasts.

The Mittelland Canal, constructed between 1906 and 1938, is Germany’s longest artificial waterway at approximately 325 kilometres. It links the Rhine and Elbe rivers and plays an important role in both freight transport and recreational boating.

In addition to berths, the marina provides electricity and water connections, sanitary facilities, and a camping area. A café on-site completes the infrastructure for visitors.

A wide range of recreational activities is available on and around the water, including water sports, cycling and walking tours, and relaxation in the natural surroundings. The combination of a historic waterway, modern harbour facilities, and diverse leisure opportunities makes Marina Recke an important destination for boating and recreation in the region.

RHEINE

Gottegabe Salt has a long history, deeply intertwined with the European tradition of salt production. Sourced from the region’s natural salt springs, this salt has been harvested for centuries with great care and artisanal precision. The name “Gottegabe” points to its divine origin and the high value of this rare resource, which was once traded as a precious commodity.

The saltworks where it was produced are located on historic sites, where knowledge of salt production was passed down from generation to generation. By combining traditional methods with a profound respect for nature, Gottegabe Salt was created, renowned for its pure, unadulterated quality. Even today, it is highly prized in the gourmet world for its purity and distinctive flavour. It is a true heritage of the art of salt, rooted in the region and a testament to the craftsmanship of bygone eras.

SAERBECK

The Saerbeck Bioenergy Park is an outstanding example of renewable energy utilisation and an innovative vision for sustainable energy supply. Located in Saerbeck in Westphalia, the bioenergy park was established in 2006. The project’s aim was to create a site where state-of-the-art renewable energy technologies could be combined – from biomass and wind power to solar energy.

Saerbeck embraced sustainable and future-proof energy production early on by using locally produced agricultural biomass to generate power. The bioenergy park plays a central role in the region’s energy supply, enabling the community to become largely independent of fossil fuels. In addition to producing renewable energy, the park also implements innovative methods for CO₂ reduction and energy efficiency.

The park’s development is closely linked to the municipality’s broader sustainability strategy, which aims to make a model contribution to climate protection. Today, the Saerbeck Bioenergy Park is not only a technical flagship for renewable energy but also an important centre for research and knowledge transfer in sustainable energy production.

STEINFURT

Medical Care with Tradition and a Future

The UKM Marienhospital provides local primary and standard medical care for Steinfurt as well as the surrounding towns and municipalities. As a high-performing hospital, it offers a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services at the cutting edge of medical technology. Within its specialist clinics, focused areas of expertise have developed, with all departments working closely and interdisciplinarily to ensure the best possible care for patients.

A recent example of the hospital’s capabilities is the use of a high-tech surgical robot in knee joint surgery. Our certified Endoprosthetics Centre thus takes a pioneering role in the Münsterland region.

Despite all the professionalism, the human aspect is never overlooked: our social services and complementary offerings help make the hospital stay as comfortable as possible.

Our roots go deep: motivated by Christian charity, the St. Nikomedes parish in Borghorst founded a hospital in 1857 under the guidance of compassionate sisters. In 1863, the then hospital “Maria Trost” opened with 20 beds, supported by the dedication of the Mauritz Franciscan Sisters. Care for the poor and sick—which had already been provided by the canonesses of Borghorst since the 15th century—remained a central concern. This commitment was formalised in the hospital’s statutes, which guaranteed free admission for impoverished patients.

In 1967, the hospital was renamed “Marienhospital.” Today, UKM Marienhospital is a subsidiary of the University Hospital Münster and serves as an academic teaching hospital of Münster University.

Stephan Schonhoven
(Image: UKM Marienhospital)

TECKLENBURG

The vineyards in Tecklenburg are among the northernmost wine-growing regions in Germany, situated on the sunny south- and southwest-facing slopes around the historic old town. Winemaking in the region has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. At that time, monasteries played a central role in introducing and promoting viticulture, as monks spread knowledge about cultivating and processing grapes.

In the Middle Ages, the vineyards were an important part of regional agriculture and the local food supply. Over the centuries, winemaking in Tecklenburg declined, mainly due to climatic changes and economic upheavals. In more recent times, the tradition was revived thanks to the efforts of local vintners and support associations, who sought to maintain the heritage and introduce modern cultivation methods.

Today, Tecklenburg mainly produces white wine varieties such as Riesling and Müller-Thurgau, as well as Burgundy varieties like Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. The combination of a cool-temperate climate and sheltered hillside locations provides ideal conditions for these grape varieties, which are known for their fruity aroma and pronounced acidity.

The vineyards contribute to preserving the cultural landscape and are a popular destination for hikers and wine enthusiasts. They also offer insight into the long tradition of winemaking in the region and reflect the historical significance of viticulture in Tecklenburg.

WESTERKAPPELN

In the heart of Westerkappeln’s town center stands the “Fountain with Hare and Flowers,” created in 2002 – a work of art that has become both a charming and controversial focal point. The fountain itself consists of a cast-iron basin with a diameter of 2.40 meters. In its center rises a natural stone pedestal, topped with a hydraulically operated rotating platform. Upon this platform sits a leaf-gilded bronze hare, seemingly light-footed, surrounded by delicate aluminum flowers. The turntable moves randomly, making the hare appear to look here and there, as if constantly reorienting itself. 

During the colder months, when the fountain is not in operation, the artwork receives a playful safeguard: a blue grille encloses the hare “so it doesn’t run away,” as the artist Heinrich Brummack once humorously remarked. Today, the fountain with the hare is not only an artistic statement but also a symbol of the connection between modernity, humor, and Westerkappeln’s historical development – a quiet, rotating monument that sparks conversation.

WETTRINGEN

The Camping Park Haddorfer Seen in Wettringen is one of the most traditional campsites in the Münsterland region. It is nestled within a picturesque heathland landscape, shaped decades ago by the extraction of gravel and sand—traces of a long industrial history that are now deliberately preserved and integrated into the region’s cultural heritage.

The Haddorfer Lakes were created from large-scale gravel pits starting in the 1950s. In response to growing interest in recreation and tourism, the municipality of Wettringen opened the campsite on one of these former excavation sites in May 1967—at the time a forward-looking project. This makes the park one of the earliest municipally initiated camping facilities in the region.

Over the decades, the site has been continuously expanded and modernized. Today, the campsite is rated 4 stars and offers over 500 pitches for both touring and permanent campers—spaciously arranged, close to nature, and equipped with modern amenities.

The entrance area features a bistro and a small kiosk, while a landscaped natural bathing lake with a beach area and lake bar invites visitors to relax.

Accommodation options are diverse: in addition to classic tent and motorhome pitches, the park offers safari tents under pine trees as well as cozy “cyclist huts” for short stays. The entire site is designed to be family- and pet-friendly, with barrier-free facilities, child-friendly areas, Wi-Fi, and even a dedicated dog shower.