Best things to do in Bielefeld

Get in touch with nature at Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen, a park where you can see animals from the region. Some of the creatures you'll encounter include bears, buffalo, wolves, eagles, owls, and more. The animals are comfortably housed in spacious, natural habitats. While the animals are the main attractions, you can also hike or bike the nature trails.

Spend a day of adrenaline-pumping adventure at the famous Phantasialand. Opened as a family fun center in the 1960s, the park has transformed over the years to cater to the thrill-seeking clients with dozens of exciting rides. Ride through the Wild West on the Colorado Adventure rollercoaster and the River Quest rapid-river ride. Next, get spooked while walking through the haunted Mystery Castle. You'll find plenty of family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and accommodations, too. Try to arrive in the morning to avoid long lines and crowds.

Originally constructed in the 1200s, Sparrenburg is a restored fortress--complete with dungeons--that sits atop Sparrenberg hill. Climb the 37 m (120 ft) tower for views of the city and countryside, then check out the original thick fortress walls, as well as the moat, an ancient well, and the underground dungeons. Enjoy a stroll around the grounds, or sample some local Westphalian cuisine at the restaurant. The grounds are open to visitors year-round, though the interior is only open in warmer months.

The Botanischer Garten Bielefeld is a municipal botanical garden located beside the southeast edge of the Teutoburger Wald at Am Kahlenberg 16, Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is open daily without charge.
The garden was established in 1912 on one hectare. It was enlarged in 1914-1915 with the installation of the alpine garden containing about 500 different plant species, and in 1925-1927 enlarged again by a further 2.5 hectares to the west for its rhododendron collection. By 1952 it contained about 3000 species.
Today the garden contains about 2500 plant varieties. Its highlights include a rhododendron and azalea collection, alpine garden, medicinal and herb garden, heather garden, flora of the Buchenwald region, and a half-timbered house dating from 1823.

Outdoor cafes, bars, and restaurants that line Rheinuferpromenade give the area an almost Mediterranean flair. Many popular city attractions sit along the promenade, including the castle tower and the contemporary art museum KIT.

Schnoor Viertel has managed to retain much of its medieval character. If you stroll along this neighborhood's narrow streets, you can admire houses dating back to the 15th century. Don't miss the Schifferhaus, a well-preserved building constructed in 1630. The Landhernamt used to house the authorities administering the State of Bremen. Various shops sell local handicrafts, such as wooden toys, decorative doorknobs, fabrics, glassworks, and homemade candy. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring, consider stopping at one of the area's fish restaurants.