In Westerkappeln, nature trails, distinctive places in the town center and local features offer different focal points for planning your trip. When choosing accommodation, you can decide whether you mainly want to experience the landscape, discover historic architecture or combine the two.

Nature trails with different focal points

Along the Westerkappeln Nature Experience Trail, the route passes wet meadows, bodies of water, woodlands, orchards and pollarded willows. The megalithic tomb, or large stone grave, known as the “Sloopsteine” is also along the route. To get a sense of the nature trail, you can follow this succession of landscapes rather than focusing on just one type of scenery.

The long circular trail through Westerkappeln offers a different experience: It runs mostly along paved paths and leads from the north of the municipality through the bird sanctuary and nature reserve “Düsterdieker Niederung” to the protected areas in the hilly south, the “Mettener Schweiz.” The circular trail connects the northern and southern landscapes; the Nature Experience Trail passes wet meadows, bodies of water, woodlands, orchards and pollarded willows.

There is a geocaching tour for children on the Schachselwiesen premium walking trail. A treasure map is available from the TouristInfo. If you plan this activity, the treasure map is part of the preparation; the tour itself is specifically described as being for children.

Town church, church square and art

The town church, a listed building, is a prominent focal point of local life. It was first mentioned in the 12th century; it was originally Romanesque and has been remodeled several times.

The church square is in the town center, next to the Protestant church. It was redesigned in 2013, and its newly paved surface is accessible to people with disabilities. The square features a water fountain that offers a refreshing break in the summer months, a small playground and outdoor dining. The square is also used for many events throughout the year. Together, the church and square combine historic architecture with a public gathering place, whose water fountain adds a specifically seasonal touch.

The fountain with the “Golden Hare” stands at Kreuzplatz. It was created in 2003 based on a design by conceptual artist Heinrich Brummack. The fountain adds a more recent design feature to the town center.

Another cultural stop is the Bilderlager at Bahnhofstraße 5 in the town center. It houses a collection of around 600 works in memory of Westerkappeln painter Gustav Künnemann. Visits with a guide must be arranged in advance.

The former Haus Cappeln manor is on the northwestern outskirts of town. The stately estate is designed in the Renaissance style; its features include a moat and gardens surrounding the building.

A glimpse of local production

Food production is also one of Westerkappeln’s special features. At the Velpe watermill, organically grown grain is milled using water power and then baked into whole-grain bread in a stone oven.

For the regional travel overview: Lengerich, Ochtrup, Lotte, Laer, Hörstel, Horstmar, Emsdetten, Neuenkirchen.

For the regional travel overview: Steinfurt.