Dorsten has come a long way from its status as a village under the Romans, a monastic stronghold of bishops, an industrial center in the late 19th century and a tragic survivor of world war bombing to be a serene residential hub in recent times.
Dorsten still holds close various remnants of it medieval glory that has survived the war. The Old City Hall now does duty as the local museum and this is a great place to start your tour of the town. A Franciscan monastery dating back to the 15th century and a school building of the 17th century bear witness to its vibrant history.
The imposing facade of the Schloss Lembeck (about 11km/7mi from Dorsten) will certainly draw you to explore and learn all about its origins. It is a moated castle surrounded by water.
Presenting a beautiful baroque style, it now houses three museums exhibiting local history and art. The castle itself is a valuable repository of tapestries, paintings, and historic furniture.
If you like castles, there’s also the Raesfeld Castle with a magnificent baroque chapel you should not miss.
The old Town Hall is another edifice that needs visiting.
Dorsten has other attractions especially for the young such as Atlantis, the swimming hall and an ice stadium.
The Jewish Museum of Westphalia will intrigue history lovers and answer a lot of questions.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, check out the gliding facilities offered at the local airfield. Another pleasant activity would be to explore this picturesque locality on a bike. Just pick your own route from a network of over 4,000 km of sheer natural beauty and find your own castles and lakes.
Lastly, remember to try out the local delicacy known as Tottchen!
