Werne offers a mix of historic sites in the city center and activities with different planning needs: bathing in the saltwater baths, the annual Simon-Juda Market, and hiking and cycling trails. When planning, it is worth keeping the different time frames in mind: a classic guided city tour lasts about an hour and a half, while the signposted RadKreisUnna cycling route is 100 kilometers long in total.
Half-timbered houses and history in the city center
The Old Town Hall stands on the historic market square. It was built between 1512 and 1514 and finally completed in 1561. Its construction history thus extends beyond the original building period. The half-timbered ensemble of the Wärmehäuschen is also part of the historic city center; it dates from the late 16th century.
Other historic points of interest include St. Christopher’s Parish Church, an important stop on a city walk. Highlights there include an octagonal baptismal font and a Madonna of the Rays from the 15th century. Werne’s Jewish cemetery has been protected as a historic monument since 1985. These sites give the walk different points of focus—from architectural history and church furnishings to a protected cemetery.
City museum and special exhibits
The Werne Museum of Cultural History is housed in the Old District Office on Kirchhof. Across four floors, it covers prehistory and early history, the Middle Ages, the history of Werne, and that of the Oberstift of Münster. Its scope thus ranges from early periods to local and regional history.
Part of the neighboring Wärmehäuschen is used by the city museum. Among other things, a chasuble is on display there: the priest’s vestment was found in 1995 in St. Christopher’s Parish Church. If you are visiting specifically to see this exhibit, check its availability before your visit. Allow about an hour and a half for a classic city walk; coordinate the specific arrangements with the city.
Saltwater baths and Sim-Jü
Werne’s saltwater baths offer outdoor swimming in six-percent brine across 560 m². If this is a focus of your stay, check the latest operating information before your visit.
Another reason to visit is Sim-Jü, the traditional Simon-Juda Market. It has been part of Werne since 1362. Today, Sim-Jü is the largest folk festival on the Lippe and draws tens of thousands of visitors to the city center every year. As it is an annual event, check the dates for your intended year of travel. This lets you plan your stay around a specific period, rather than treating the market as an attraction available at any time.
Hiking and cycling
Werne lies on the Baltic-Westphalian Way of St. James. In addition, the city has developed nine hiking trails in and around Werne together with the Werne Hiking Club and the Sauerland Mountain Association. These options differ from a guided city tour: they let you choose between a time-limited walk and trails whose specific routes you can plan using the latest information. Consult the city’s current information for details about the hiking trails.
For a longer cycling trip, the signposted RadKreisUnna cycling route is one option to consider. It is 100 kilometers long in total and runs from Unna via Werne to Ternscher See in Selm. If you plan to use the route, check the current signage before setting out. Rental bicycles and e-bikes are available at the bike station at Werne railway station; check before your trip whether this service is available during your visit.
A possible glimpse inside the monastery
The Capuchin monastery and church are located on Südmauer in Werne. The Capuchins who live there are happy to give visitors to the city a glimpse behind the monastery walls. Coordinate arrangements for a visit with the monastery or the city in advance.
Discover more destinations: Unna, Holzwickede, Lünen, Schwerte, Fröndenberg/Ruhr, Bergkamen, Selm, Kamen.
Back to the main travel overview: Unna.
