Hopsten between Tödden history and the Holy Sea

Tödden history in the town centre

The old Tödden houses and half-timbered houses give the historic town centre its character. The Tödden column in the heart of the town centre commemorates the Tödden; it was erected in 1956 in their memory. The Romanesque parish church of St. George is also part of the historic town centre. If you are interested in Hopsten’s architectural history and local traditions, you will find various historical points of interest here, including a monument, houses and the church.

At the Holling farmstead, the Old Brewery displays historical objects, including an old cobbler’s workshop and a hair salon. Guided tours are available there by appointment. Haus Nieland, also known as Poggeburg, offers another way to explore the past. It was built by Hermann Pogge, described as the most influential Tödden wholesaler of his time. The house became well known through the Poets’ League of the Werkleute, founded there in 1912. The owners personally guide visitors through Haus Nieland by prior appointment; you can arrange a time by calling 05458 936866.

Sinkhole lakes and the Heiliges Meer nature reserve

The Heiliges Meer nature reserve, covering around 260 hectares, is located in the municipalities of Hopsten and Recke in the Steinfurt district. Its chain of naturally formed sinkhole lakes developed over thousands of years as underground salt deposits collapsed. In addition to the lakes, the landscape types described include heathland and woodland communities in both dry and wet locations. If you want to give nature and local history different emphasis during your stay, you can combine these experiences with visits to the town centre.

From late March to late October, the LWL Museum of Natural History at Heiliges Meer offers a free exhibition. It covers how the sinkhole lakes formed as well as the habitats, plants and animals in the nature reserve. The Hopsten Heritage Society also offers guided tours through the legendary Heiliges Meer. These require an advance appointment by calling 05458 1386.

Cycle tour, circular route and pilgrimage chapel

The Heiliges Meer cycle tour is 25 kilometres long. It passes through Hopsten, the Aabauernschaft farming community, the Heiliges Meer nature reserve and the Staden farming community. Another option is the St. Anna Route, a circular route through the municipality of Hopsten and the town of Hörstel. It leads to the Heiliges Meer nature reserve, follows the Mittelland Canal, passes Herthasee lake and crosses Ostenwald forest to the pilgrimage chapel of St. Anna in the Breischen farming community in Hopsten.

The St. Anna chapel in Breischen is also the destination of an annual pilgrimage: every August, many believers make the pilgrimage there.

A programme about Tödden history

The Hopsten Tödden Diploma teaches the history of the Tödden through games and learning activities. After passing an exam, participants receive a Tödden Diploma; the programme is primarily intended for groups and clubs. It adds a programme of its own to the historic sites. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Hopsten, the topics that matter to you during your stay—such as local history, arranged guided tours, or nature and tours—can help you prioritise your travel plans, without implying any particular accommodation features.

Discover more places

Find more places here: Lienen, Wettringen, Laer, Altenberge, Steinfurt, Ibbenbüren, Greven and Westerkappeln.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Steinfurt.