Located just a stone’s throw from Germany’s border with the Netherlands, Nordhorn is a historic town in Lower Saxony. After it was established in the 14th century, it became an important port for cross-border shipping on the River Vechte. In the 1830s, Nordhorn flourished as a textile manufacturing hub, with its “water aprons” particularly famous.
Things to do in Nordhorn
Occupying the historic Povelturm is the Stadtmuseum, which details the history of Nordhorn and its once-thriving textile industry. From its top gallery, there are sweeping views across the town. The Stadtmuseum also manages an exhibition titled “Menschen, Mode and Maschinen” in the NINO-Hochbau and a fascinating museum factory in the Alten Weberei.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss the Nordhorn Zoo, a family-friendly attraction home to around 1,700 animals representing more than 100 species. You can observe endangered squirrel monkeys and two-toed sloths before getting hands-on with a range of rare domestic breeds in the petting zoo. Regional cuisine is served at the zoo’s on-site restaurant and there’s a large playground that kids will love.
A short drive north-west of Nordhorn is the Stiftung Kloster Frenswegen, which was founded as an Augustinian monastery in 1394. It now serves as a venue for conferences and meetings, with a tranquil cloister and scenic gardens to explore. Also within the grounds are a modern chapel and a labyrinth, plus a memorial dedicated to the French POWs who died here during the Franco-Prussian War.
Getting around Nordhorn
Nordhorn is just over an hour’s drive from Münster and 1.5 hours from Dortmund Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Nordhorn railway station and buses travel through the town. The centre of Nordhorn is compact enough to explore on foot.