The twin cities of Rheda-Wiedenbrück are located on ancient trade routes in the North Rhine-Westphalia section of Western Germany. It is a lovely and historic area and is said to have seen Roman incursions as early as 1 B.C..
Charlemagne is thought to have spent much time in the region and fought some of the battles of his Saxon wars nearby. The town’s Heritage Museum has displays that track some of the early history and pre-history of the region. You can also learn a lot about medieval life there.
Both the Wiedenbrück and Rheda sections of the municipality have historic old quarters that date back to previous centuries.
If you visit you must take time to stroll along the Lange Straße (Long Road) in Wiedenbrück. It is filled with block after block of half-timbered houses that will take you back to a by-gone era. They are not just museum pieces, but homes that shelter residents who take pride in the history and previous glory of the place where they live.
St. Aegidius Church is found just off of the Wiedenbrück Town Square. Its construction is thought to have begun about 785 and finished in 1502. Interior features of note in the church include its pulpit, baptismal font, and beautiful rosary window.
The Virgin Mary Church is also worth a visit. You will particularly want to see an archway that connects the church to a Franciscan Monastery across the road.
If you’re after something different, you may want to consider a night’s stay in the Romantik Hotel Ratskeller. It is a half-timbered structure that has been carefully renovated and is filled with inscriptions and carvings.
The old town of Rheda has been similarly restored and maintained. Here you will find a collection of artisan’s homes that feature several different architectural styles. Each home and shop has a symbol on the pavement in front of it that indicates the business or craft that was carried on there.
Rheda Castle, standing guard over the town, hosts a gourmet festival each August, which delights visitors from near and far. The castle combines several styles of architecture including a chapel from the 13th century and Baroque and Renaissance wings.
While in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, visit the Carriage House museum with its collections of toys and costumes.
