Wellness Cycle Route

Sparrenberg Castle, also known as the Sparrenburg (German: Burg und Festung Sparrenberg or Sparrenburg), is a restored fortress in the Bielefeld-Mitte district of Bielefeld , Germany. It is situated on the Sparrenberg hill (180 m or 591 ft altitude) in the Teutoburg Forest and towers 60 m (197 ft) above the city centre. Its current appearance mainly originated in the 16th and 19th century. The Sparrenburg is considered to be Bielefeld's landmark.

The Sparrenburg was erected as a castle sometime before 1250 by the counts of Ravensberg. Following the discovery of gunpowder and the resultant increasing use of cannon and other firearms, the new counts of Ravensberg and the owners of the Sparrenburg, the dukes of Cleves, ordered the expansion of the castle into a fortress of theEarly Modern Periodthat could withstand bombardment from siege guns and also employ its own cannon.

At the end of the 17th century, the Sparrenburg no longer met the military requirements. Therefore, it was partly used as a prison, and partly subjected to decline. The outer walls were torn down by agreement of KingFrederick II of Prussiaand were used for the construction of the barracks 55, which still stands at the Hans-Sachs-Straße.

In 1879, the city of Bielefeld was able to buy the complex from Prussia for a sum of 8,934.90 Marks, although the original value was assessed 70,000.00 Marks. After long discussions concerning the building's design the construction of the new great hall building was started in 1886 using building plans of the architect E. Hillebrand. On April 24, 1888, thegothicbuilding with ballroom, restaurant, and museum rooms was opened.

Ascent of the tower
April - October: daily 10.00 - 18.00

Guided Tours
Visit to the casemates (underground passages)
April - October:
Guided tours daily at 11.00 and 14.30
Guided tours for groups by appointment