Rietberg combines a historic town center with gardens and paths through natural landscapes. At Mastholter See, the circular trail and water sports take center stage, while the town center is defined by half-timbered houses and significant buildings. This lets you decide how much to focus on culture or outdoor activities when planning your stay.
Historic Town Center and Gardens
Rietberg’s Historic Town Center reflects the town’s past as a county seat and state capital, as well as its lovingly restored half-timbered buildings. The bright white Johannes Chapel is Rietberg’s most significant historic monument. Countess Maria Ernestine Franziska von Kaunitz-Rietberg had it built; in 1748, it was consecrated in honor of Saint John of Nepomuk. The town’s history and the chapel, with its precisely dated consecration, are among Rietberg’s distinctive cultural highlights.
The gardens also showcase different design ideas. The Drostengarten was laid out in a geometric style in 2008, with flower beds, hedges, paths, and sightlines shaping its appearance. Its inspiration came from accounts of Rietberg’s grand gardens in the 18th century. The former monastery garden, by contrast, features bronze sculptures by local artist Wilfried Koch. The monastery garden is a public park, and the sculptures are accessible to everyone. Those interested in garden design can explore both formal landscaping and art in a public park.
Circular Trails and Activities on the Water
The “Grafenschritte” is a circular hiking trail about six kilometers long. Following in the footsteps of the counts, the route runs along the Ems through the protected Historic Town Center and past a variety of natural landscapes. Along the town’s circular hiking route are, among other places, the Rietberger Fischteiche nature reserve, the Gartenschaupark, the monastery garden, and the ramparts around the town center. The protected area itself is privately owned and not open to the public. A viewing platform on the hiking trail along the Ems, at the edge of the area, offers a glimpse inside.
At Mastholter See, a 2.7-kilometer circular trail is suitable for walks, bike rides, jogging, and Nordic walking. It is shorter than the approximately six-kilometer “Grafenschritte”; the distances give you a direct point of comparison when choosing between the two routes. The Mastholter See recreational area also invites visitors to go surfing, sailing, and water skiing. Check the current arrangements with the operators before your visit.
Guided Tours and Culinary Experiences
Guided tours of the Historic Town Center and Gartenschaupark Rietberg can be booked for groups almost anytime. If you are planning a group tour, ask the local tourist information office about availability. The culinary experience tours are offered on various dates throughout the year, combining entertainment, anecdotes, and interesting facts with a treat for the taste buds. Check the dates and booking options for your travel period.
Discover more destinations: Versmold, GĂĽtersloh, Herzebrock-Clarholz, Verl, Rheda-WiedenbrĂĽck, Halle/Westfalen, Werther, Langenberg.
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