To the southwest of Steinfurt, you’ll find the sweet little town of Horstmar; filled with pizzerias and quaint ice cream shops.
Ah, now you see why I said it was a sweet town.
A quick bite and a few delicious calories aren’t all that Horstmar is known for. And with some 22 cycling and biking routes to follow, there’s no need to worry about any additional caloric intake, is there?
Go right to the Kirchplatz and buy yourself a map to see what route tickles your fancy. One route will take you to the Herrenholz, a Burgruine (castle ruin) that was totally razed in the 1630s.
Another route goes to the Haus Alst, a Dutch Renaissance castle from the 1620s that was built over an earlier one since the original was damaged during the Thirty Years’ War.
There doesn’t appear to be any sordid history at the Haus Loreto, but you’ll like the park and walking paths all the same.
All the exercise makes everyone tired, so a night at farmhouse will do you good. The Bauernhof Raue has pony rides if you want a farm experience without having to spend the night in a barn. ;-)
No one could confuse the St. Gertrude Church with anything farm related. Its exterior is 14th century Gothic creation, while inside has all sorts of goodies — like its Rococo pulpit.
Horstmar’s Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is another one of the town’s gems. It was built in 1571, and is now a meeting room. You can’t miss it — it’s that squat building with blue and white shutters.
Speaking of colors, you should see the greens surrounding its Wind and Watermills, located along the Schöppingenberg. From bright to Hunter green, the explosive colors really catch your eyes in this quiet slice of Heaven.
Come Mühlentag (Mill Day) when the scenery is enhanced by all the eating, drinking, and all around music-making merriment.
Horstmar isn’t a one-horse town, other cultural events range from theater performances to guided bike tours, as well as craft events for the children and the famous Tanz in den Mai (Dance into May).
What another wonderful way to burn off those ice cream parlor calories. ;-)
