Hopsten: Tödden history and nature at the Heiliges Meer

Hopsten combines a townscape shaped by history with the Heiliges Meer nature reserve. Tödden houses, memorial sites and a Romanesque parish church give the town centre its distinctive character. In the surrounding area, the landscape around the sinkhole lakes takes centre stage. You can plan your stay around cultural history, nature or a combination of both.

Tödden history in the town centre

The historic centre of Hopsten is characterised by old Tödden houses and half-timbered houses. The Tödden column, erected in 1956 in memory of the Tödden, stands in the heart of the town centre. The Romanesque parish church of St. George is also part of the historic centre. Together, these sites show different aspects of the townscape: historic houses, a memorial and ecclesiastical architecture.

Haus Nieland is also known as Poggeburg. It became known through the literary circle of the Werkleute at Haus Nieland, founded in 1912. The house was built by Hermann Pogge, described as the most influential Tödden wholesale merchant of his time. This links a specific name with Hopsten’s Tödden history.

The Old Brewery on the Holling farmstead displays historical objects. These include an old shoemaker’s workshop and a hair salon. These two glimpses bring the exhibition to life without taking the place of the building and its historic character. Tours of the Old Brewery are available by prior arrangement; be sure to book in advance.

Tours and activities by appointment

Haus Nieland is personally run by its owners; visits are by prior appointment. Appointments can be made by calling 05458 936866. If you would like to include this site in your plans, arrange your visit in advance.

The Hopsten local history society also offers guided tours of the legendary Heiliges Meer by prior appointment. You can contact the society on 05458 1386 to arrange a time. The Hopsten Tödden diploma focuses on something different: this entertaining programme combines games with learning about Tödden history and ends with a Tödden diploma after passing an examination. It is aimed primarily at groups and clubs.

Heiliges Meer: sinkhole lakes and habitats

The Heiliges Meer is a nature reserve of around 260 hectares, shared by the municipalities of Hopsten and Recke in the district of Steinfurt. Over thousands of years, a chain of sinkhole lakes formed as underground salt deposits collapsed. The landscape also includes heathland and woodland communities on dry and wet sites. Its geological formations and varied habitats define this natural area.

From the end of March to the end of October, the LWL Museum of Natural History at the Heiliges Meer offers a free exhibition. It covers how the sinkhole lakes formed, as well as the habitats, plants and animals of the nature reserve. It complements the landscape with topics in geology and natural history. The exhibition is seasonal and can be visited between the end of March and the end of October.

Cycling routes and pilgrimage chapel

The 25-kilometre Heiliges Meer cycling tour passes through Hopsten, the Aabauernschaft, the Heiliges Meer nature reserve and the Staden farming community. The St. Anna Route is a circular route through the municipality of Hopsten and the town of Hörstel. It leads to the Heiliges Meer nature reserve, follows the Mittelland Canal, passes Herthasee and crosses the Ostenwald to the St. Anna pilgrimage chapel in the Breischen farming community in Hopsten. The cycling tour has a specified length, while the St. Anna Route is defined by its circular course and the named stops along the way.

Every August, many worshippers make a pilgrimage to St. Anna pilgrimage chapel on the Breischen. The chapel is also a destination on the St. Anna Route. If you choose Hopsten for a cultural or nature-focused trip, Tödden history, the town centre and the Heiliges Meer offer different themes to shape your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Horstmar, Hörstel, Ibbenbüren, Ochtrup, Metelen, Laer, Lienen, Greven.

Back to the main travel overview: Steinfurt.