Herford offers a variety of ways to explore art, architectural history and the surrounding landscape: from Marta Herford museum to the Minster and Daniel-Pöppelmann House, as well as destinations nearby. When planning your trip, you can take in the city’s highlights and the opportunities for an outing into the countryside.
Art and architecture at Marta Herford
Marta Herford is an internationally oriented museum of contemporary art. A particular focus is on the connections with architecture and design. The building itself also shapes this impression: it has curved and sloping walls, and its façade was designed by American architect Frank Gehry. The dynamic spatial volumes make every exhibition a unique spatial experience.
It is also helpful to know how to get there: Herford is an IC/ICE station, and Marta Herford is accessible without barriers from the station forecourt. All exhibition and visitor areas can be reached via ramps or a lift. This information covers both access to the museum and routes inside the building.
The Minster and Herford’s architectural history
Herford Minster was the church of the Imperial Abbey of Herford and the original parish church of Herford. Construction of the late Romanesque building began in 1220 under Abbess Gertrud II of Lippe, on the site of an earlier Ottonian building. It is considered the first large-scale hall church in northern Germany. High and late Gothic additions expanded the Minster to the dimensions of a bishop’s church. Its influence extended beyond its own architectural history: it became a model for many churches of the same type and provided significant impetus for the spread of Gothic architecture.
City history at Daniel-Pöppelmann House
Daniel-Pöppelmann House comprises Villa Schönfeld, built for an entrepreneur, and an exhibition hall added later. This architecturally remarkable ensemble is worth a look in its own right. Inside, the Municipal Museum offers a wide-ranging way to explore Herford’s more than 1,200-year history through exhibits and media stations. The Herford Art Association and the Municipal Museum also invite visitors to enjoy a varied program of art and history. The architecture, exhibits and media stations offer different ways to discover the city’s history.
Tower, trails and nature nearby
The Bismarck Tower on the Stuckenberg is a popular destination for an outing and an important historic monument. Its viewing platform offers views across the region. The Hansaweg provides another perspective on Herford: it starts at Herford station, initially follows the Werre river, then climbs towards the Bismarck Tower, with scenic views along the way.
Nearby is the 138-hectare FĂĽllenbruch nature reserve, between the western edge of Herford and Oetinghausen in the municipality of Hiddenhausen. The route of the former narrow-gauge railway from Herford to Enger runs through the protected area and is now a popular regional route for cyclists and walkers. When planning, you can choose between different highlights: a historic viewpoint or a trail through a nature reserve.
Discover Herford through a game
The scavenger hunt through Herford is an interactive city tour. Participants get to know the city through play and discover its historical, architectural and cultural aspects. Lasting around two to three hours, it can be planned as a standalone activity. Alongside the museums, Minster and nearby trails, it offers another way to explore Herford.
Discover more destinations: Bünde, Sundern, Hiddenhausen, Vlotho, Spenge, Rödinghausen, Kirchlengern, Enger.
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