Spend some time in Bad Bentheim and you’ll discover that it’s home to some wonderful museums, a historical castle, decorative churches, and one heck of a great spa.
If you love small spa towns, then Bad Bentheim in Lower Saxony is the place for you. Bordering the country of the Netherlands, this town is centrally located within some of the prettiest countryside you will ever find in the North.
What you’ll probably notice first is the town’s most famous landmark, Schloss Bentheim. The castle’s museum is quite educational in learning about its 700 year history. Not everyone can live in a castle, but everyone and anyone can enjoy the large Schlosspark. There’s even a playground for the kiddies to run around.
One way to explore Bad Bentheim is the Nightwatchman Tour a.k.a. Bergfried or Pulverturm. It’s a wonderful way to see the town, hear its urban history, and all the stories and legends of the city and castle. You’ll hear stories about the Protestant Church, burial place of Bentheim’s Counts (those lucky guys that actually got to live in the castle) and why it had to be rebuilt in the late 1600’s.
The Catholic Parish Church Johannes was built in 1670 from the famous Bentheimer sandstone. So famous and beautiful was the sandstone found here, it was used to build the royal palace in Amsterdam and many other historical buildings throughout Germany.
Besides sandstone, sulfur was discovered here in the early 18th century forever changing Bentheim to a health spa town, adding the word “Bad” to the town name. The Bentheimer Hot Mineral Springs is a great place to unwind and destress. Relax in the pool, the salt bath, or in any of the three whirlpools! :-)
It’s the little things here that make all the difference, down to the underwater music that’s pumped in to enhance the senses. You can enjoy some great music at what is called the Frenchman Ravine, too. Come summer the three unused quarries are the stage for some great classical music concerts.
Bad Bentheim has some beautiful countryside and a great way to enjoy it is on any number of bicycle or walking routes that stretch for over 500 km. For you castle lovers, the 100-Schlösser-Route connects all the beautiful castles and ruins in the area (if Schloss Bentheim isn’t enough).
If you’re lucky enough to be here on the last Saturday in August Bad Bentheim hosts a huge Flea Market attended by what seems like everyone in town.
Also, whether you’re a local or visitor it’s hard not to get into the Christmas Spirit at the annual Christmas Market held in December. It’s here where you’ll get to try that special cookie is made here around here called the Bentheimer Moppen. It’s made with a local spice called Kümmel and simply delicious.
Bad Bentheim has exactly what you need for a great time: history, a place to relax, shopping, and good food. So, get here and just enjoy it all! :-)
