Wallenhorst lies within the low mountain range known as the Wiehengebirge, midway between Dortmund and Bremen. You can see volcanic Mount Piesbergen rising above the town at 175 meters, where coal mining was the primary industry for hundreds of years till operations closed down in 1898.
You will want to do lots of sightseeing during your visit, and be sure to visit the Old St. Alexander Church. It is more than a dozen centuries old and evokes images of the days when monks and Roman soldiers occupied the area. Many renovations were made over the years, leading to the new parish church built in 1881.
Other sights to look for are the historic Sanctuary of Rull, dating back to 1233, and the excavations of legendary Wittekind Castle. The latter existed for about 500 years after its fortifications were constructed in the 8th century.
You will also want to see the towering monument to Pope Pius IX, erected in 1871, and the Dutch-style windmill Lechtingen, built in 1887 with its sail-like wings. One other picturesque structure is the oldest residence in town, the half-timbered Heimathaus Hollager Hof, built in 1656 and now serving as a charitable facility.
Because Wallenhorst is the fourth largest town in the district of Osnabrück, just ten kilometers north of the district seat by the same name, there are plenty of cultural and recreational activities to choose from here. Concerts, exhibitions, club activities and large events are scheduled throughout the year.
A Green Week is held each year in conjunction with Berlin‘s annual event, and the local Christmas pageant is not to be missed. Also, make sure you attend the weekly farmers market for flowers, fruits, organic vegetables, meat, fish and eggs, right from the local growers.
When it comes time for recreation, you will find everything from canal tours and motor boating to swimming and mini-golf available. Go out and explore the nearby Geopark Terra.vita, Germany’s oldest nature park. With its varied terrain of lakes, woods and hillsides, it is the perfect place to spend a day in the outdoors, biking and hiking.
