In the Teutoburg Forest is the relatively young town of Spenge, or so you would think.
Even though the current municipalities of Spenge weren’t formed until 1969, the little villages that are now Spenge have been inhabited since as far back as the Stone Age. Spenge has had archeological finds, including grave hills, from the Bronze Age.
While Spenge’s history dates back quite a few thousand years, most of what’s to see here dates from the days of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The Parish Church Martin was built in 1470 on foundations from the original 9th century church. The Marienkirche, built in 1096, has a beautiful organ from 1650. Neither of which should be missed!
Schloss Mühlenburg is a majestic old castle (with a romantic pond in the backyard) that was built in 1468 around the same time as the Renaissance style Schloss Werburg. This very castle, having survived countless wars (especially the Thirty Years’ War), has a well maintained gate house, two farms, and a children’s museum, so it’s be prepared to spend a few hours here.
There’s also a great windmill from the 1830’s and lots of half timbered houses. There’s even a memorial stone standing in town for one of Spenge’s residents, a Ms. Franziska Spiegel, who was kidnapped and killed by the SS in November 1944.
Don’t think that all there is to do in this town is some old historical stuff! This town loves to celebrate, especially in the great outdoors. Join in on the Spenger Film Forum, held on the first Wednesday of the month. And, the Spenger City Fest, held on the second weekend in September and the annual RockFest, is incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike.
Also, Spenge has a fantastic pedestrian district for some great shopping and eating, and the town’s City Hall has many art exhibits of local artists.
If that’s not enough for you, then head out of town to explore its jogging, hiking, and walking trails within the Werburger Forest. The forest setting is a great background for Spenge’s two outdoor pools.
As you can see, Spenge looks great at forty and it’s only going to get better.
