Bordering the Netherlands in North Rhine-Westphalia is the town of Südlohn; and I don’t mean like 15km to the border either. I’m talking about right foot in Südlohn, the left foot in a whole other country. Pretty neat, huh? ;-)
OK, when you’re done playing the German/Dutch version of the Hokey-Pokey it’s time to get down to business. The business of festivals and sightseeing, that is.
And in honor of this dual country border there’s no place better to start than at the Turmwindmühle or Tower Windmill that was built in 1812. Inside you’ll find what a 19th century Miller’s house looked like. Just one thing… you have to call ahead to see the inside.
One of the oldest sites to see in Südlohn is the Burgturm, which is a Castle Tower. Well, what was once the castle tower, built in 1353. It’s now partially integrated into a hotel so you won’t have to go far from your bed to be close to all the history.
Pretty much though, the oldest site in town is the chapel at the St. Vitus Church that dates back to 1231. The rest of the church is a late-Gothic style (built 1507) with added Baroque elements. What’s that mean? Think gold, marble, cherubs; and you’ve got the right idea.
Which is also what you’ll find at the St. James Church. This church is famous around town for local music concerts and exhibitions.
Oh, thanks for reminding me about special events. September brings the Südlohner Wiegboldfest and February brings on Carnival festivities before the Lenten season begins.
When you think you’ve done it all in Südlohn, you haven’t. Rent a bicycle and take any one of the network of cycle paths that criss-cross across the Westphalian (and Dutch) countryside. I know, you could walk, so that’s another option.
Just be careful which side of the street you’re on. You don’t want to leave Germany now, do you? ;-)