Tucked away within the Teutoburg Forest and the Tecklenburger Land is a small town you might never have ever heard of: Lienen.
This is a place where you can bet on the ponies and walk among historical half-timbered houses. And since Lienen is alongside a nature park, you know what that means… lots of outdoor loving fun.
Hold on a second. Did I just say betting on the ponies? Yes, if you’re lucky enough to come in July when the Deutsches Fohlenchampionat, the German Foal Championship, happens. Otherwise, just take advantage of more than 30 kilometers of horse riding trails through the Münsterland.
Equestrian hobbies not for you? That’s OK, because there are many hiking and cycling trails through the Münsterland and the Teutoburger Wald that doesn’t include getting up close & personal with the next Triple Crown winner. The Nature Park TERRA.vita is the best place to come to do all this; and you’ll find it just north of Lienen.
The scenic route Hermannsweg meets up through Lienen, passing through heavily forested area (great for shade and perfect for a picnic) and along fields of flowers and garlic. Think of how delicious the smell will be!
For a unique experience try the 2.5km Barefoot path through the Barfußpark, designed to be experienced without any shoes (of course). Comfy ones are recommended if you’re going out on Lienen’s Nordic Walking trails, though.
After you’ve hiked, walked, and cycled your way around, it’s time for something intellectual. The town’s Evangelical Church might be a plain and simple late 12th century structure, but it’s beautiful to say the least.
By the way, over at the Haus der Gastes, you’ll find the Tourist Office as well as a small exhibit on the town’s history.
For the cultural, there are often all sorts of performances held at the Theater Kattenvenne. There’s also the Bombeiros Show-Night, a Fire Brigade Festival that happens every other year.
Tough luck on that, but with everything there is to do & see in Lienen, the Münsterland, the Tecklenburger Land, the Teutoburg Forest, and the time between the festivals will fly by in no time! :-)
