For years, conspiracy theorists have been spreading the virtual rumour that Bielefeld is only a figment of the imagination. In keeping with the motto, “Bielefeld? There’s no such place!” That’s far from being true, as you will see. Discover a successful, young, university city with a total of seven universities and 35,000 students. Take a look at Campus Bielefeld, which over the next few years will be developed into one of the most modern university locations in the whole of Germany.

Welcome to the heart of the East Westphalia-Lippe region, home to a number of big names including Dr. Oetker and Seidensticker, Alcina and JAB Anstoetz, Dürkopp, Gildemeister and Schüco. Some 330,000 people live here, making Bielefeld one of the twenty biggest cities in the Federal Republic. Built around 1240, Sparrenburg Castle is the city’s most imposing landmark. The 37-metre tall tower offers a superb panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside. A guided tour through the underground passages called the casemates, with their many twists and turns, is a special experience for visitors of any age.

Fascinating monuments to the city’s industrial past, like the Ravensberg Spinning Mill and the Linen Works Museum, are well worth a visit, as are Dr. Oetker World and the art centre, Kunsthalle Bielefeld.

For further information: www.bielefeld.jetzt

Photo: Bielefeld Marketing GmbH, Gerald Paetzer