Warendorf: Old Town, State Stud and Emssee

Warendorf combines an unusually dense historic townscape with the North Rhine-Westphalia State Stud, the Emssee and a section of the Ems Cycle Route. When planning your trip, the question is therefore less about choosing a single focus and more about which discoveries you would like to put at the heart of your visit: historic buildings, museum visits, equestrian tradition, water and parkland, or a cycling tour along the Ems.

Discover the Old Town and its architectural history

The historic old town includes more than 600 listed buildings and sites. It also features a continuous ensemble of historic façades, with buildings dating from six different centuries. If you are interested in the development of buildings and the town’s history, there is more to see than a single highlight: the façades represent different periods of construction, while the Bentheim Tower is a tangible remnant of the medieval town fortifications. It dates from the 13th century and can be identified by its barred window openings and loopholes.

The Decentralised Town Museum Warendorf brings together a total of five museum sites in the historic old town. Another stop for those interested in culture is the West Prussian State Museum on the eastern edge of the old town. It has welcomed visitors since 2014 in the former Franciscan monastery. The permanent exhibition is on the upper floor of the former monastery; former monks’ cells serve as galleries and form stops along a historical tour. This makes it possible to combine a museum visit with a look at the history of the building, without treating the two aspects as one and the same: here, you encounter an exhibition in rooms where the building’s former use remains evident.

The State Stud and autumn traditions

The North Rhine-Westphalia State Stud was founded in 1826 by the Prussian King Frederick William III. During opening hours, visitors can explore the extensive grounds and historic stables on their own or as part of a guided tour. You can therefore visit independently or choose a guided tour. The Warendorf Stallion Parades offer a different highlight: they are annual autumn attractions. If horses and regional traditions are of particular interest when planning your trip, you can take this seasonal focus into account.

The Emssee and the cycle route

The Emssee is around 1.4 kilometres long, lies in a spacious park and includes an old arm of the Ems. Emssee Park has become a popular local recreation area for the people of Warendorf. The water and parkland thus add a different character to the town’s historical attractions. If you are looking for a quieter landscape-focused experience alongside culture and local history, the Emssee offers a distinct place to start.

Warendorf is also an interesting destination for cycling holidays: the Ems Cycle Route passes through the town. Its route runs from Hövelhof in the Senne region along the Ems to its mouth at the North Sea near Emden. This makes the Warendorf section part of an extensive river route. Whether you are planning a cycling trip or mainly want to explore the town can therefore be a useful distinction when choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home.

Plan your arrival and choose accommodation

Warendorf has two regional rail connections: Warendorf station and the Einen-Müssingen stop. Regional train 67, “Der Warendorfer”, currently runs hourly between Münster and Bielefeld. When looking for a holiday apartment in Warendorf, you can start with your interests: should the historic town centre be the main focus, are the State Stud and equestrian traditions your priority, or would you like to include the Emssee and the cycle route in your trip? This personal focus can also guide your choice of holiday apartment.

Other destinations in this selection: Wadersloh, Ahlen, Ostbevern, Telgte, Drensteinfurt, Beelen, Sendenhorst and Ennigerloh.

Go to the main travel overview: Warendorf.