The Wittekindsland Herford with its spas and climatic health-resorts next to the Wiehenmountains and the Weser river lies in the heart of Eastwestphalia. It belongs to the charming Ravensberger hill country close to the Teutoburg Forest.
Widukind once set the Emperor of the Franks, Charlemagne, at defiance here, wherefore Herford had erect a memorial in his honour, the only memorial in Germany.
Today Herford offers its visitors many worth seeing things like the 750 years old minster, or the Bismarcktower with a panoramic view over Herford, but also something to experience, like the Elsbachhouse, the mirroring ball made by Luciano Fabro and MARTa Herford built by Frank Gehry, which as museum of modern art & design set a new course in this region.
Outside the MARTa-area the municipal museum in the Daniel-Pöppelmannhouse presents more artistic exhibitions, as well as a collection about the history of Herford. Visit also one of the diverse performances in the municipal theatre of Herford or listen to the artists of the resident Northwest-German philharmonic orchestra.
It gets sporting in the H2O sport- and recreationalbaths with one of the biggest sauna area in Germany, as well as in the sports complex Im-kleinen-Felde with various open-air baths and one of the most modern ice rink in EWL. Spend your spare time in Herford's zoo, on Herford's golf course or go to see one of our traditional fairs, funfairs and antique fairs. There are also numerous hiking trails, cycle tracks and bridle-paths, as well as canoeslalomcourses in and around Herford to relax.
The city coat of arms (see top image) shows the historical influence of the electorate of Cologne (black key & black-silver flag) and the abbey of Herford (red-silver flag).
