Discover Rietberg
Accommodation in Rietberg
Rietberg brings together the history of a former county seat and regional capital with half-timbered houses, gardens and trails through varied natural landscapes. In the historic town centre, lovingly restored half-timbered buildings define the streetscape. Other highlights include St. John’s Chapel, the public monastery garden and the Grafenschritte circular trail. If you would rather spend time by the water, Mastholter Lake offers more opportunities for outdoor activities.
Half-timbered houses and Rietberg’s history
The historic town centre reflects Rietberg’s past as a county seat and regional capital. Among the lovingly restored half-timbered buildings, the bright white St. John’s Chapel stands out in particular: it is considered Rietberg’s most significant historic building. Countess Maria Ernestine Franziska von Kaunitz-Rietberg had the chapel built; in 1748 it was consecrated in honour of Saint John of Nepomuk. Its history thus connects a specific place in the town centre with the history of regional rule.
The gardens, too, offer insights into different periods. The former monastery garden is a public park. It is home to bronze sculptures by artist Wilfried Koch, which are open to everyone. The Drostengarten, in turn, was laid out geometrically in 2008: flower beds, hedges, paths and sightlines shape its design. Its model was the traditional aristocratic gardens of Rietberg from the 18th century. The Wilfried Koch Museum displays the paintings and drawings of local artist Dr Wilfried Koch; the museum is temporarily closed.
Grafenschritte between the town centre and nature
The Grafenschritte circular trail follows in the footsteps of the counts, running along the Ems through the historic town centre, which is protected as a listed heritage site, and past a variety of natural landscapes. The route is about six kilometres long. Along the way are the Rietberg Fish Ponds nature reserve, Gartenschaupark, the monastery garden and the ramparts around the town centre. The trail therefore combines historical sights with a range of landscapes.
At the Rietberg Fish Ponds, it is important to note the boundary between the trail and the protected area: the nature reserve is privately owned and not open to the public. A viewing platform on the walking trail along the Ems offers a view of the area from its edge.
A lakeside walk or watersports at Mastholter Lake
At the Mastholter Lake recreation area, windsurfing, sailing and waterskiing invite visitors to enjoy an active stay by the water. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, confirm the current arrangements with the operators before your visit. A 2.7-kilometre circular trail also runs around the lake and is suitable for walks, cycling, jogging and Nordic walking.
The two circular trails offer different experiences: the Grafenschritte, at about six kilometres long, connect the town centre with natural landscapes; the route around Mastholter Lake is 2.7 kilometres long and designated for several forms of exercise. You can choose what you would like to focus on during your trip: culture, a longer walk or time by the water.
Guided tours and culinary experience tours
Groups can book guided tours of the historic town centre and Gartenschaupark Rietberg almost any time. Arrange specific dates with the local tourist information office. Culinary experience tours are offered throughout the year on various dates. They combine entertainment, anecdotes and interesting facts with a delicious treat; check the available dates if you would like to include one in your plans.
When looking for a holiday apartment in Rietberg, you can first consider which of these experiences you would most like to focus on during your stay: half-timbered houses and historic buildings, gardens, a hike or activities at the lake.
Discover more destinations: Herzebrock-Clarholz, Steinhagen, Harsewinkel, Gütersloh, Werther, Versmold, Borgholzhausen, Langenberg.
Go to the main travel overview: Gütersloh.
