Warendorf is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and capital of Warendorf District.

The town is best known today for its well-preserved medieval town centre, for horse-riding, and the opportunities it provides for cycling. Bicycles are such a common means of transport in the area that many cycle paths have been built, even alongside main roads outside the town.

Geography

Warendorf is situated on the Ems river in the eastern part of the Münsterland area, approx. 30 kilometers east Münster).

Neighbouring places

Sassenberg Beelen Ennigerloh Sendenhorst

Everswinkel Telgte Ostbevern Glandorf

Division of the town

Warendorf consists of 5 districts:

• Warendorf
• Einen/Müssingen
• Freckenhorst
• Hoetmar
• Milte

Twin towns

• Petersfield (United Kingdom)
• Barentin (France)
• Oleśnica (Poland)
• Navaro (Italy)

History

Warendorf was an important trading centre in the Late Middle Ages and belonged to the Hanseatic League.

Events

Warendorf has hosted several international events, such as the world skydiving championships, riding events, and the national swimming championships. A notable annual event in Warendorf is the celebration on 15 August of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mariä Himmelfahrt).

Sports

North Rhine-Westphalia's "Landgestüt" (stud farm) and the National Olympic Committee for horse-riding are both located in Warendorf.

The Bundeswehr Sports School, the German armed forces physical education center, is also located in Warendorf.

Schools

• Mariengymnasium
• Gymnasium Laurentianum

Notable persons

• One of Warendorf's most famous residents was Paul Spiegel (+ April 2006), the former president of the Central Consistory of Jews in Germany.
• Elisabeth Grümmer died in Warendorf

External links

• Official site
• Tourist information