Gesher, known as the Bell City (a.k.a. Glockenstadt), is a hidden gem in the Münsterland region — only 15 km or 8 miles from the border of the Netherlands.
To consider it only famous for its bell work would be a serious injustice to the city, though, as it’s cultured in art and steeped in history that spans more than a thousand years.
There are quite a few museums dedicated to life in the bygone days of life in Gescher. Let me introduce you to five of them (see below)…
The Bell Museum houses centuries of chapel and church bells from the 12th through 20th centuries and information on bell casting in the town.
The Beekeeping Museum shows you how bee keeping has changed through the centuries and even has live bee colonies.
A visit to the Peat Museum has exhibits on the importance of peat mining in the Moorlands for fuel (and the economy) to the town.
The Carriage Museum not only houses exhibits on the days of horsepower but also doubles for local concerts, literary readings, lectures, and children’s programs.
The Museum Yard will show the whole family an indepth look at early 20th century farm life.
Since Gescher is a millenia old city, there are quite a few medieval sights to visit in the area, though a fire destroyed all the town’s buildings in 1570. The tower of the Parish Church Pankratius stands guard overlooking the city.
Gescher sits conveniently located on a wonderful circular bike route through the Münsterland linking 100 castles and locks in the region. There are also many other walking and cycling trails through the protected nature reserves.
To fully appreciate the beauty of the Münsterland, take a stroll through Gescher’s Art Gallery on the Marktplatz. There are quite a few exhibits dedicated to capturing the local landscape. The Pictures of Münsterland exhibit show all the local half timbered buildings, windmills, and water castles in the vicinity. The exhibit by Heribert Schwarthoff shows the marvelous sights of the Münsterland from an aerial view.
In case you’re not able to visit during the winter, you’ll appreciate the beauty of a snow covered Münsterland when you see the Winter Landscape exhibit. The kids will love the expositions on the Münsterland Zoo with plenty of pictures of animals doing what they do best!
