Once an important centre for German Catholicism, Vechta is a lively university city and the capital of Lower Saxony’s Vechta district. It’s famed for the Stoppelmarkt, a fair that has been taking place since the 13th century, and it also hosts an annual medieval festival featuring hands-on activities.
Things to do in Vechta
Occupying the arsenal of a former citadel is the Museum im Zeughaus, which hosts historical exhibits and educational workshops. It is the oldest surviving military building in the former Prince-Bishopric of Münster and was used for weapons storage, as a granary and as a prison throughout the centuries. Learn about life in Vechta during the Thirty Years’ War and see a recreation of the citadel or attend one of the museum’s medieval courses.
The Museum im Zeughaus forms part of Zitadellenpark, a leafy green space that is also home to the Castrum Vechtense. Based on the centuries-old Vechta Castle, this recreated castle complex features gatehouses, a palace and a watchtower that have been constructed using medieval techniques. Don’t miss a stroll through Garden Island with its medieval monastery plantings.
South of the city is the Vechta Welpe Golf Club, which features 18 tree-lined holes in a landscape of heather and moor. You can practise your skills at the covered driving range, pick up golfing apparel and accessories at the pro shop or relax with a meal at the historic Heuerhaus. Adjacent to the golf course is Naturbad Toncoole, which is a popular swimming spot in the summer months.
Getting around Vechta
Vechta is around an hour’s drive from Bremen and Bremen Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect from Bremen and Osnabrück to the Vechta railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Vechta can easily be explored on foot.