Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Alter Marktplatz (Old Market Place), Bielefeld
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alter_Marktplatz_Bielefeld.jpg
Author: SPBer
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Bielefeld is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Located on the edge of the Teutoburg Forest, it covers 257.8 sq km (99.5 sq mi) and has a population of 323,000 (2011 estimate). The city observes the Central European Time (UTC+1) and in summer the Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).

Bielefeld is in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe Region, in the northeastern part of North Rhine-Westphalia. Founded in 1215 by Count Herman IV of Ravensburg, Bielefeld in the medievel times became an important manufacturer and trading town specializing in linen. It was a minor member of the Hanseatic League.

Altes Rathaus, Bielefeld
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bielefeld_Altes_Rathaus.jpg
Author: Zefram
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The town developed and modernized in the early part of the 20th century. In the 1920's its local savings bank, the Bielefeld Stadtsparkasse, produced beautiful banknotes printed on silk, linen and velvet, and these quickly become collectors' items.

The town center is dominated by the Sparrenburg Castle built in the 13th century for the ruling Ravensburg family. Of interest to visitors is the Alter Markt, or Old Market, which has a number of interesting buildings including the Nicolaikirche.

Sparrenburg Castle, Bielefeld
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bi_Sparrenburg_pano.jpg
Author: Daniel Schwen
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Visiting Bielefeld, Germany

You can reach Bielefeld by taking a train from major cities of Germany, particularly from Cologne or Düsseldorf. The city can be explored on foot or alternatively, you can rent a bicycle. The bicycle rental place is next to the railway station.

Bielefeld Regional Courthouse
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bielefeld_Landgericht.jpg
Author: Zefram
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Places of Interest in Bielefeld

Altes Rathaus
The Old Town Hall of Bielefeld was built in 1904 in a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It still holds the mayor's office today.
Altstädter Nicolaikirche
The St. Nicholas Church in the Old Town of Bielefeld was founded in 1236. Original structure was damaged during the Second World War and was later rebuilt.
Crüwell-Haus
A late-Gothic town house along Obernstraße was built in the early 16th century.
Kunsthalle
The Art Museum of Bielefeld has a significant collection of 20th century works of art.
Neues Rathaus
The New Town Hall of Bielefeld plays a subordinate role to the Altes Rathaus adjacent to it. It houses administrative offices of the town.
Neustädter Marienkirche
The Church of St. Mary, the largest church in Bielefeld, was built between 1293 and 1512. The Protestant Reformation of Bielefeld had its start here in 1553.
Sparrenburg Castle
The most important sight in Bielefled, it includes a 37m (121 ft) tower and catacombs that are opened to the public.
St. Jodokus-Kirche
Late-Gothic church that houses the famous icon of a Black Madonna from circa 1220.

Collegiate Church of Schildesche, Bielefeld
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bielefeld_Stiftskirche_Schildesche_2.jpg
Author: Zefram
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In the vicinity of Bielefeld

Bad Salzuflen
A charming little spa town with a park.
Enger
Town where the Saxon Duke Widukind was buried in AD 807.
Herford
A picturesque town with many timber-frame houses and beautiful Gothic churches.

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