For the strictly German town of Isselburg you’ll find it to be quite continental. What does that mean? Let me explain…
In the Game Park Anholt Switzerland (in German: Biotopwildpark Anholter Schweiz), you’ll find an English style landscape with a Swiss Chalet right in the middle. You’ll also find forty species of animal, including black and brown bears.
At the museum in the water castle Anholt (built in 1169) there’s a HUGE collection of art from some of the best Dutch masters. The Dutch border is only a few kilometers away, so it’s only fitting that there would be some influence. This large moated castle has timber flooring that’s over 400 years old and a library with books from the 1400’s. Its Baroque Garden is more than quiet and serene.
So, in the course of only a few of Isselburg’s attractions you have English, Dutch, and Swiss influences. See, continental (mixed with the medieval).
Another medieval attraction is the 15th century military tower and a 16th century medieval City Hall in the village of Werth (one of Isselburg’s seven hamlets).
It’ll be easy to spend a few hours in Anholt Castle (OK, it’ll be easy to spend a few DAYS in here — it’s that awesome!) but, don’t miss seeing the St. Pankratius Church or the town’s romantic windmill (the Netherlands isn’t the only place with them ;-).
Isselburg has so much to see and do that staying more than a night is a good idea. Over at the Hotel Krauseman they’ll even pick you up from the train station. Don’t go expecting large chain hotels in town, though, Krauseman only has ten rooms and offers loaner bikes for guests.
Who knew that in Isselburg in the Münsterland was such an international town. Get lost in her gigantic castle art museum and visit the days of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Just don’t feed the bears. ;-)