Herford combines a passion for art, culture and music with a picturesque setting between rolling hills and evergreen forests. The town is set on the Werre River and is home to an award-winning philharmonic orchestra and world-class contemporary art museum.
Things to do in Herford
Walk around the historic centre and admire the architecture from throughout the centuries, including the beautiful Herford Minster built in the Romanesque style. Visit the Neo-Baroque Town Hall designed by German architect Paul Kanold and stroll along narrow streets lined with half-timbered townhouses built in the 16th century. Cafes spill onto the sidewalks and serve local treats like trifles layered with cream cheese, whipped cream and sour cherries.
Herford is the proud home of the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie. Watch the celebrated philharmonic orchestra play symphonies, overtures and concertos at the Stadtpark Schützenhof concert hall. You can also enjoy performances in towns and cities across North Rhine-Westphalia.
Discover fun for the whole family at H2O, a water park with indoor and outdoor attractions. Lush palms and tropical plants surround the enormous indoor wave pool. Enjoy a float along the lazy river and race down colourful slides, then treat yourself to therapeutic massages and well-deserved R&R in the adult’s-only spa and sauna zones.
Admire works by modern masters like Panamarenko, Cai Guo-Qiang and Reinhard Mucha at MARTa Herford. The contemporary art museum is housed in a futuristic building designed by celebrated American architect, Frank Gehry. The curved red-brick facade looks striking against the stainless steel roof. Walk through light-filled exhibition galleries and enjoy lunch in the stylish museum café.
Getting around Herford
Herford is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in North Rhine-Westphalia, a 30-minute drive from Bielefeld and 10 minutes by train. Hanover is one-hour away by car or train and Hanover Airport is a one-hour drive away.