Stemwede between moors, mills and a collegiate village

Moor, gardens and outdoor activities

Those interested in the landscape can make the Oppenweher Moor the focus of their visit. Observing rare animals and plants makes this excursion different from visiting historic buildings or a village centre. In autumn, the migration of cranes adds a special nature experience. Guided excursions with a moor expert can be arranged through the Stemwede Tourist Information Centre upon registration.

The gardens offer a variety of experiences, too: Rila erleben features a 20,000-square-metre site in Stemwede-Levern, with international themed gardens that invite visitors to stroll and linger. In Niedermehnen, the NaturGarten, with its art installations, is a two-hectare garden retreat for people and animals, as well as a forum for artists. Guided tours are offered, and the garden is open on selected Sundays during the summer months. Their different sizes and focuses make the gardens destinations in their own right: themed gardens at one, a natural setting and art at the other.

For an active way to explore, try the Stemweder Feld- und Wiesen-Route (Stemwede Fields and Meadows Route). This easy circular cycling route is 18.7 kilometres long and starts and ends at the car park at Haus des Gastes, Buchhofstraße 17, 32351 Stemwede. If you would like to include a bike ride in your day’s plans, this gives you a specific circular route with a named start and finish point. The Hollenmühle car park and motorhome stop is also a starting point for walks and bike rides, and invites you to stay overnight.

Levern: half-timbered houses, collegiate church and local history

The well-preserved collegiate village of Levern is characterised by half-timbered houses and invites visitors to explore on foot. The guided experience tour offers a special glimpse into the historic village centre, with the collegiate ladies accompanying guests in historical costumes. Levern Collegiate Church is one of the oldest churches in the Diocese of Minden. It is a double church: the former monastery church and the Evangelical Lutheran parish church are housed under one roof.

The mills are also part of Stemwede’s local history: three mills of different designs are open to visitors. Levern Windmill is a 1922 gallery Dutch mill. Its distinctive features include the solid rubble-stone lower storey and the timber-clad, shingle-covered hexagonal structure. Henriette Davidis lived in the Pfarrwitwenhaus in Levern from 1838 to 1855. Those interested in local history can also learn about the village’s past and the way people used to live and work in Stemwede at Heimathaus Levern. Heimathaus Wehdem offers similar insights into the history of this village and the way people used to live and work in Stemwede.

Get involved and discover regional specialities

The Sundern pottery offers bookable pottery classes for children and adults; visitors are welcome. It adds a traditional craft experience to walks, bike rides and sightseeing. Another regular event in the annual calendar is Stemweder Open Air, held every August in the district of Haldem since 1976.

At the milling and baking days held at the mills, visitors can try warm mill bread and freshly baked butter cake. Rila Feinkostwelt also offers a wide range of products to taste, buy and discover. Culinary discoveries range from freshly baked mill bread to a broad selection of delicatessen products.

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Stemwede, it is worth first deciding what you would like to focus on: exploring the moor, gardens and cycling are among the options, alongside local history, mills and culinary experiences. The destinations listed are spread across Stemwede and its districts, including Levern, Niedermehnen and Haldem. When choosing where to stay, consider which of these interests matter most for your visit.

Discover more places

If you’d like to explore more places: Bad Oeynhausen Bad Oeynhausen, Hille Hille, Hüllhorst Hüllhorst, Espelkamp Espelkamp, Rahden Rahden, Petershagen Petershagen, Minden Minden, Lübbecke Lübbecke.

Back to the regional travel overview: Minden-Lübbecke.