Discover Werne: Historic Old Town, Saltwater Baths and Sim-Jü

Culture in the historic centre

The Old Town Hall stands in the historic market square. It was built between 1512 and 1514 and finally completed in 1561. The half-timbered heated booths in the historic town centre also tell the story of its architecture: the ensemble dates from the late 16th century. Some of the heated booths are used by the neighbouring Werne Town Museum. Among other things, a chasuble is on display there—a priest’s vestment found in the parish church in 1995. Check before your visit whether the exhibit is on display.

The cultural history museum is housed in the Old District Office on Kirchhof. Across four floors, it covers prehistory and early history, the Middle Ages, the history of Werne and that of the Oberstift Münster. A visit to the museum thus spans both early periods and local and regional history. St. Christopher’s Parish Church is one of the key stops on a town walk. Highlights inside the church include an octagonal baptismal font and a 15th-century Madonna in Glory. The Jewish cemetery in Werne has been a protected historic monument since 1985.

Fair, saltwater and a glimpse behind the scenes

The traditional Simon-Juda Fair has been part of Werne since 1362. Today, Sim-Jü is the largest fair on the Lippe and attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the town centre every year. As it takes place annually, it is worth checking the dates for your intended travel year in advance. Werne Saltwater Baths offer a different focus: visitors can swim outdoors in 6% brine across 560 square metres. Check the latest operating information before your visit.

A classic guided tour of Werne’s historic town centre lasts around an hour and a half. If you would like to include one in your day’s plans, arrange the details with the town. The Capuchin monastery and church on Südmauer also offer a special glimpse behind the scenes: the Capuchins are happy to give visitors to the town a look behind the monastery walls. Arrange specific visits with the monastery or the town.

Explore on foot or by bike

For walking, the town of Werne has developed nine routes in and around Werne together with the Werne hiking club and the Sauerland Mountain Association. Up-to-date route information will help you plan. If you would like to include a pilgrimage route in your stay, Werne an der Lippe lies on the Baltic-Westphalian Way of St James. The routes therefore differ in purpose, from local walking trails to a pilgrimage route.

The signposted RadKreisUnna cycle route passes through Werne: the route is 100 kilometres long in total and runs from Unna through Werne to Ternscher See in Selm. Check the current signage before setting out. The cycle station at Werne railway station offers rental bikes and e-bikes; ask about the arrangements for your travel dates before your trip. This makes the longer cycling route a distinct option for your stay, alongside the walking trails and the town walk of around an hour and a half.

Choose a holiday apartment to suit your plans

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide first what kind of trip you have in mind. If the town hall, museum, church and historic town centre are your main focus, base your choice on these planned visits. If you prefer swimming, Sim-Jü or tours, compare the accommodation’s location with the destinations you actually plan to visit. The activities on offer range from culture and fairground events to walking and cycling routes; whichever ones shape your stay can help guide your choice of the right location in Werne.

Discover more destinations: Lünen, Holzwickede, Unna, Selm, Schwerte, Fröndenberg/Ruhr, Bönen, Kamen.

Return to the main travel overview: Unna.