バートエッセンの天然記念物・トップ20

Limberg Castle looks back on a long and eventful history. It was probably founded in Widukind's time and was owned by the Bishop of Minden 1000 years ago. Limberg Castle has only been officially documented since 1319 and was owned by the Counts of Ravensberg and was one of the four border castles in the Ravensberg region, of which the Sparrenburg in Bielefeld is probably the most famous. The count's house died out in 1346, but the county of Ravensberg remained for a long time under the heirs of the House of Jülich-Berg. The castle changed hands several times, and their names are often found in the region (von dem Bussche, Schloen, Gesmold or Ledebur). Of course, there were also some border disputes. The castle, which has since fallen into disrepair, was approved for demolition in 1695, so that the foundations can still be seen today. Only the keep was preserved and was actually used as a prison for some time. Today, it is the keep that is the most striking feature of the ruins of Limberg Castle. If you like, you can borrow a key from the tourist information office. Despite the fact that most of the castle has disappeared, they really make every effort to present the castle ruins in the best possible way. The grounds are not only extremely well maintained, but are also well signposted. The castle's eventful history alone is described on 4 information boards. There is also further information on the various parts of the building. 2 very interesting audio contributions can also be accessed via QR code! And all of this in a comfortable rest area! There are many castle ruins in this region, but for me, Limberg Castle is always one of the most beautiful due to its state of preservation and atmosphere! Just relax and take in the long history of the castle. PS: In the guest house you can see a model of the castle complex, showing how it is supposed to have looked in its full size.

Some attractions are set up here in addition to the main attraction, the bifurcation.

Just above Gesmold, the Hase forms a bifurcation. Here, the Else branches off from the Hase, causing around 2/3 of its water to flow into the Weser river system. It is still not clear whether this branch was artificially created to supply more water to the watermills of Gesmold Castle. A great environmental education site has been developed at the bifurcation since 2000. And there is also more information at the Terra Tip Bifurcation. Bifurcation Day takes place here every year on the first Sunday in May. Cyclists, families and nature lovers meet for an exciting festival with environmental education activities, concerts and delicacies. The extensive pastures around this striking place are grazed extensively and serve as a refuge for meadow birds such as lapwings, skylarks and also grass frogs.

Very well-preserved dinosaur tracks. The additional features, including two "real" dinosaurs and numerous information panels, liven things up. Absolutely worth a visit for dinosaur fans of all ages!

A destination for young and old dinosaur fans

A bifurcation (fork) is the natural division of a river, in which one of the resulting branches does not reunite with the other, but moves on independently and connects with a foreign river. It occurs on plains where the watershed is very shallow and barely noticeable and represents a rare geographic feature.

Worth it in connection with a nice hike

Flora, fauna and culture Numerous information boards on local conditions along the route.