Bielefeld is a city in the north-west of Germany, in the Bundesland of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the largest city in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region and the seventh-largest city in Germany, with a population of 336,000. The city is home to the University of Bielefeld and has a strong industrial heritage, dating back to the 18th century. Bielefeld is also an important cultural and tourist centre, offering a diverse range of museums, theatres and concert venues. The city’s Altstadt (Old Town) is a lively and attractive area, with a mix of traditional and modern buildings. Bielefeld is a green city, with numerous parks and gardens, and is well known for its annual Christmas market.