Horstmar combines a medieval town center with a specific cycling theme: the 39.4-kilometer RadBahn Münsterland runs along the former railway line from Rheine to Coesfeld and connects directly to Horstmar. This allows you to plan your trip around two different interests: the architecture of the old town or cycling along a former railway line. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first decide which of these interests you want to shape your stay.
As route infrastructure can change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out.
The medieval layout of the old town
The historic old town has a clearly structured medieval layout. The church and town hall stand at its center; former fortified Burgmannshof estates define the square layout at its outer edges. The townscape thus distinguishes between the center and the outskirts: the two central buildings stand in the middle, while the formerly fortified estates lie around the outside. This spatial arrangement offers an introduction to the town’s history before you look at individual buildings.
Town gate, estates, and architectural history
The Schlosstor, also known as the Burgtor, is the last surviving of Horstmar’s four town gates and is considered unique in Westphalia. The Merveldter Hof, meanwhile, was built in 1561 as a magnificent three-wing complex in the Dutch Renaissance style. A distinctive architectural feature is its “Specklagentechnik” (“bacon-layer technique”). The two buildings make different impressions: the town gate stands out for its place among the former gates, while the Merveldter Hof is notable for its design and Renaissance style.
The Borchorster Hof is another of Horstmar’s historic buildings. It was first mentioned in a document in 1277. The construction date of the Merveldter Hof provides a useful point of comparison: 1277 marks the first documentary mention of the Borchorster Hof, while 1561 is the year the Merveldter Hof was built.
The church and remnants of the former castle
St. Gertrudis Church is a Gothic hall church dating from the second half of the 14th century. Its tower is more than 66 meters high. Arrow slits that are still visible point to its character as a defensive tower. The church’s design, the tower’s height, and its interpretation as a defensive tower offer different ways to appreciate the building.
An archaeological monument stands on the site of the former Horstmar Castle. Sandstone blocks mark the former course of the wall. Horstmar thus preserves different kinds of historical evidence side by side: the Schlosstor survives as a town gate, while sandstone blocks mark the former wall line on the old castle grounds.
In the district of Leer, the Church of Ss. Cosmas and Damian adds sacred art to the architectural highlights. It contains a rare medieval vault painting dating from around 1400. This brings a district of Horstmar with its own distinctive artistic feature into focus alongside the old town.
Regional context: the wider destination of Steinfurt
The wider destination of Steinfurt offers a broader natural and cultural setting. Steinfurt district has 116 nature reserves covering a total of around 13,231 hectares, as well as 78 landscape protection areas covering around 27,774 hectares. These area figures may change as new designations are made. At district level, cycling and cultural highlights also include the EmsRadweg, which runs for around 60 kilometers through the district, and the 100 Castles Route. The latter connects significant historic buildings in Steinfurt district.
Discover more destinations: Leer, Laer, Lotte, Mettingen, Saerbeck, Greven, Hörstel, Ibbenbüren.
Go to the wider travel overview: Steinfurt.
