Ostercappeln loves having visitors and shows it. The town is demonstrably proud of its heritage and can’t wait for you to see it. Why else would they go to all this trouble to keep everything spic and span even while adding to the list of attractions?
For instance, take the gorgeous Eisenzeithaus or Iron Age House in Darpvenne. They’ve gone to the trouble of actually reconstructing this Iron Age dwelling complete with an authentic old world veggie patch and domestic animal farm. You get a more or less clear picture of an ancient lifestyle or as close as it’s possible to do so from our time in history. I don’t know about you but I think it’s awesome.
Ostercappeln’s Schnippenburg Museum is not too out of the way for a quick visit and it’s surely worth the time and effort if you like ancient history. If you do, you really should consider the guided tours conducted by experts. Get aboard a covered wagon to check out Mill Village Treasures, or explore the moorland, may be the Waffle Museum, the list is long and varied.
The St. Lambertus Church will blow your mind with its sheer size and magnificence. Its tall spire is visible from almost anywhere in the town and it surely dominates the skyline. They sure loved huge buildings back then in the 8th century.
The Venner water mill is another antiquarian that comes with the added attraction of cultural events and butter cakes if you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time.
Then the 17th century St. Paul’s Church is not much of a show stealer but worth dropping in if you’re in the area, but not so the Walburgiskirche with its sandstone façade.
Ostercappeln has even more mansions and manors of incredible interest. Check out the old lime kiln dating back to the 16th century. To think that folks went to all that trouble is unthinkable these days when pushing buttons is starting to seem like a chore. Don’t you sometimes wish your washing machine would fold the laundry and put them away? I suppose I should be glad I don’t actually have to go out into the woods and hunt for my food. ;-)
Golf is big in Ostercappeln, and you can see for yourself at the Golf Club Varus. This is also the site of an old battle field, so while you’re here you can check that out as well.
Hiking, walking, and cycling are well supported activities here. Get routes and advice from the Town Hall and off you go. The region is so varied and the routes so many that you really should get all the info you need before you set out. Apparently the guide is a whopping 80 pager, but mercifully pocket-sized. So it should fit in comfortably with your plans.