Things To Do
Sparrenburg Castle
The castle is a great place to visit during your stay. The grounds are open all day and free of charge and connected to a big park and promenade. There is also a castle restaurant and cafe. Go have a drink or ice cream and overlook the entire city of Bielefeld from here. If you want to visit the tower or the inside of the castle you can buy tickets at the visitor center.
Alter Markt/Old Market
The center market square of the old part of Bielefeld (the city was founded in 1214) and the perfect place from where to explore the city, find cafes and restaurants or do a bit of shopping. There's also a flower market/farmers market every Saturday.
Kunsthalle Bielefeld
Great museum with a lovely cafe in the heart of the city.
Isselhorst Eselsweg
This is a 18km loop hike/walk/bike ride that starts at the Kirchplatz (Church Square) in Isselhorst. Great way to explore the area (very rural), or just parts of it. Depending on when and for how long you are here, Kit and I will most likely go on a beautiful walk throughout the area and you can join us!
Isselhorst
Isselhorst was founded around 1050 and has a population of just about 5000 people, so it's very small and everything there is to do is pretty much right in front of you. If you are staying at one of the two hotels there, you are right by the town center where, in my humble opinion, the best thing to do is sit at the ice cafe, have lots of ice cream and coffee and go for walks around the area. There's also a weekly market every Friday afternoon.
BEEFERIA
Probably the best food in Isselhorst and inside the same building as the Pölter Hotel. Yes, it's a steakhouse but their fries, salads and sides are so damn good even the vegetarians amongst you will enjoy themselves. Plus their drinks are spectacular!
Saunas and Spas
Germany has a huge sauna and spa culture that, compared to the US especially, is very affordable. Most places have 3-hour or all day tickets (usually ranging from 15-40 Euros) and add on massages and treatments, usually around 70 Euros for 60 minutes. If that sounds like something you would like to take advantage of, here are a few recommendations in the area: Ishara Bielefeld - closest and easily accessable. Their website however is impossible, so if you would like to go and book something in advance, just let me know and I will help you. Note: Mondays is Women only. Bali Therme - if you have a car and don't mind a 45 minute drive, then this is a great place to go: https://www.balitherme.de/sauna-bad-oeynhausen/sauna-bereich/ OR Book a day ticket or a hotel night at Gräflicher Park in Bad Driburg, pretty awesome place. More info to the right.
Gräflicher Park Health & Balance Resort
If you are renting a car and don't mind the hour drive or you are looking for some relaxation to add to your trip, this is an amazing place to go for either a day or overnight. They have day passes for their entire spa and sauna, great add-on treatments and beautiful parks to walk in.
Rheda-Wiedenbrück
This is a beautiful historical town worth a visit. Famous for their castle, park and typical German architecture (Fachwerkhäuser), you can spend a whole day here exploring the town's shops, cafes and restaurants. They also have a farmers market every Wednesday and Saturday.