Things to do in Bielefeld

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Sparrenberg Castle featuring landscape views, heritage architecture and a city
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Sparrenberg Castle showing heritage elements
Sparrenberg Castle showing landscape views, a garden and a city

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Bielefeld must see attractions

1. Olderdissen Animal Park

Enjoy a day of family-friendly wildlife encounters at Olderdissen Animal Park (Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen). The origins of the zoo date back to 1930, when a local forester established a fawn shelter. Today it spreads across a 40-acre (16-hectare) area of the Teutoburg Forest and features meadows, ponds and woodland. Visit Olderdissen Animal Park to discover some 450 animals that represent 90 native species.
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Olderdissen Animal Park showing cuddly or friendly animals and forest scenes

2. Old Town Hall

Bielefeld’s Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) is a splendid building, an administrative headquarters and the seat of the city’s Lord Mayor. Set at the eastern edge of the historic center, the Old Town Hall replaced an earlier legislative office situated on the Old Market Square. Dedicate some time to studying the Old Town Hall’s range of architectural styles and artistic features.
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Old Town Hall showing heritage architecture and a fountain

3. Sparrenberg Castle

Sparrenberg Castle (Sparrenburg) commands a dominant hilltop position in central Bielefeld. Visit the castle to experience the life of the Counts of Ravensberg and medieval traditions such as jousting and minstrel shows. Sparrenberg Castle dates back to around the mid-13th century, although its current appearance was built from the 1500s and onward. Its original purpose was to protect the trade routes that once passed through Bielefeld and the encompassing Teutoburg Forest.
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Sparrenberg Castle featuring chateau or palace, a city and landscape views

4. Theater Bielefeld

Theater Bielefeld (Stadttheater Bielefeld) has been at the forefront of the city’s performing arts scene since its inauguration in 1904. This popular venue for cultural events is a handsome stone building that features a façade decorated with balustrades, friezes and sculpted ecclesiastical characters. Purchase tickets for a show, which could be an adaptation of a Shakespearean play, contemporary dance or philharmonic concert.
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Theater Bielefeld featuring heritage architecture

5. Bielefeld Art Gallery

The Kunsthalle Bielefeld is a contemporary art museum with a focus on international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Find exhibits dedicated to paintings and sculptures in addition to a superb sculpture garden. Get insight into the worldwide modern art movement as you wander between the bright and spacious galleries of the Kunsthalle Bielefeld.
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Kunsthalle Bielefeld featuring a statue or sculpture

6. Nicolai Church

The Nicolai Church (Altstädter Nicolaikirche) is one of the many architectural masterpieces in Bielefeld’s atmospheric historic center. The church has played an integral role in the city’s ecclesiastical activities since being established by Bishop Bernhard of Paderborn in 1236. Visit Nicolai Church to admire its magnificent wooden altar, experience its spiritual tranquility, listen to the daily carillon and relax on the lawns of a tree-shaded garden.
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Nicolai Church showing a garden, outdoor art and a church or cathedral

Recommended things to do in Bielefeld

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Explore Bielefeld in 60 minutes with a Local: $160
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Bielefeld

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Bielefeld? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bielefeld

Olderdissen Animal Park showing cuddly or friendly animals and forest scenes

Olderdissen Animal Park

Get up close to an abundance of animal and bird species while wandering along the pathways of this zoo that is open 24 hours a day.

Olderdissen Animal Park
Old Town Hall showing heritage architecture and a fountain

Old Town Hall

5/5(1 review)

This century-old building, with elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles, stands in contrast to the design of its contemporary counterpart that stands nearby.

Old Town Hall
Sparrenberg Castle featuring chateau or palace, a city and landscape views

Sparrenberg Castle

Capture photos of panoramic views from a watchtower, tour a maze of underground passages and be part of a medieval festival at this fortress that has a history dating back seven centuries.

Sparrenberg Castle
Theater Bielefeld featuring heritage architecture

Theater Bielefeld

Enjoy an evening of superb theatrical entertainment at this century-old theater, which was once occupied by Nazi armed troops.

Theater Bielefeld
Kunsthalle Bielefeld featuring a statue or sculpture

Bielefeld Art Gallery

Discover masterpieces by modern artists, such as Pablo Picasso, displayed in the halls of one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Bielefeld Art Gallery
Nicolai Church showing a garden, outdoor art and a church or cathedral

Nicolai Church

Marvel at the intricate woodcarvings that decorate the 16th-century altar of this church set in the heart of Bielefeld’s Old Town.

Nicolai Church
Neustaedter Marienkirche which includes heritage elements

Neustaedter Marienkirche

One of the oldest churches in Bielefeld is instantly recognizable for its soaring twin towers, decorative 15th-century altar and concert series.

Neustaedter Marienkirche

Schuco Arena

Catch an event at Schuco Arena during your trip to Bielefeld. Amble around the area's parks or visit its spas.

Schuco Arena

Old Market Square

5/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of Bielefeld with a visit to Old Market Square. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Old Market Square

 

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Popular day trips from Bielefeld

Bad Salzuflen

Bad Salzuflen

Photo by Monica Zirina

Guetersloh

Marta Herford Museum featuring modern architecture

Herford

Photo by Monica Zirina

Schloss Holte-Stukenbrock

Photo "Sennestadt" by Muelltonnenschubser (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Muelltonnenschubser (CC BY)

Sennestadt

Photo "Enger" by Hiddenhauser (CC0) / Cropped from original
Photo by Hiddenhauser (CC0)

Enger

Photo "Spenge" by Raoul & Carlos (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Raoul & Carlos (CC BY)

Spenge

Photo "Schildesche-Bauerschaft" by Zefram (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Zefram (CC BY)

Schildesche-Bauerschaft

Frequently asked questions

Is Bielefeld worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and views, discovering cool things to do in Bielefeld is easy. Be sure to add Olderdissen Animal Park to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Bielefeld?
Kick your day off with a visit to H2O Herford and Olderdissen Animal Park. Then, explore other areas of Bielefeld for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bielefeld?
The top tourist attraction in Bielefeld is Olderdissen Animal Park, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Bielefeld?
Three days will give you time to check out many city attractions, such as Olderdissen Animal Park, Theater Bielefeld and Stadttheater Bielefeld. The average stay in Bielefeld is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your break, Osnabrueck isn't far away.
Is Bielefeld a walkable city?
With top attractions like Olderdissen Animal Park close by, Bielefeld is every bit a destination to experience on foot. Up for visiting some hip neighborhoods a walkable distance from the city center? Brackwede is about 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Bielefeld with kids?
Planning what to do in Bielefeld with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Bielefeld for adults?
Adults of all ages will have plenty of things to do in Bielefeld. Whether you're into culture, adventure or just love exploring new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Bielefeld?
In Bielefeld, Olderdissen Animal Park is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Bielefeld.