You’ll simply love exploring every nook and cranny of this 850+ year old town in North Rhine-Westphalia. The scenic beauty of the land will only enhance your visit; maybe you’ll think you many never want to leave this little piece of storybook land! ;-)
In other words, Ochtrup is the Germany of your dreams with romantic old castles and churches.
Your first stop should be to the Old Church or Alte Kirche in the district of Welbergen, a Roman building dating from the 11th century, but has been added-on through the centuries, including a late gothic period.
The original part of the Pin Church dates back a little later than the Old Person Church to the 12th century. The core of the church dates to the 13th century and houses precious artwork and this Catholic Church had a convent and monastery.
The Water Castle House dates back to the 13th century and the castle you see today dates to the 16th century sitting on an island in the middle of water. It’s considered to be on of the area’s oldest water castles.
The town also boasts a 17th century “hotel” that was once used for weary travelers on their way to the neighboring Netherlands. Though a 17th century traveler might have a hard time finding it today, since the “hotel” was moved in the 1960’s from its original location.
In the middle of the city park, there’s the art-nouveau inspired mansion from the turn of the last century with beautiful wooden staircases and its own tower with a uniquely curved “hood.” The park itself is loaded with picturesque old trees, little lakes, and even an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Besides hundreds of years of history, Ochtrup has a wonderful pedestrian zone filled with specialty shops and restaurants. There’s no better way to end a day of touring than to sit and have a nosh, or better yet, head on over to the town’s factory outlet stores and maybe scoring yourself a bargain.
