This North Rhine-Westphalia town tells a story of textile manufacturing through its Gothic St. Martin's Church and medieval center, surrounded by quiet farmland.
Bocholt, a city of 71,000 residents in North Rhine-Westphalia, lies 4 kilometers from the Dutch border. Walk through the market square to see the 1624 Dutch Renaissance town hall, watch century-old steam engines power textile looms at the TextilWerk museum, or cycle along the 120-kilometer network of dedicated bike paths. You'll find the pointed spires of the Gothic St. George's Church rising above modern shopping streets, where local shops mix with international retailers.
Getting Around Bocholt
You can explore Bocholt easily by bicycle using the extensive network of dedicated bike paths that connect all major areas. Rent bikes from several shops in the city center. The train station runs hourly services to Wesel, where you can catch connections to Düsseldorf Airport or continue to the Netherlands.
Historic Market Square
The market square anchors Bocholt's old town, with its town hall from 1618-1624 displaying classic Dutch Renaissance architecture. Local vendors fill the square several times a week, selling fresh produce and regional specialties. Behind the town hall, the Gothic St. George's Church from 1486 rises with its tall steeple visible across the square.
Museums and Culture
At the TextilWerk museum, you can watch operational steam-powered machinery and looms demonstrate actual textile production processes from the 19th century. The sounds of spinning wheels and working steam engines bring the industrial past to life. The City Museum, currently undergoing renovation, includes works by 15th-century engraver Israhel van Meckenem.
Parks and Recreation
Walk or jog around Aasee lake on dedicated paths, use the sports facilities, or visit the Chinese pavilion - a gift from Bocholt's sister city Wuxi. In the Stadtwald, you'll find wild boars and deer in their enclosures, plus hiking trails and a playground for children. The Aasee includes a swimming area that fills with locals during summer months.
Shopping Districts
Walk from independent boutiques in the old town's narrow streets to the modern Arkaden mall, making Bocholt a main shopping destination in West-Münsterland. The area attracts shoppers from both Germany and nearby Dutch communities.
Day Trips
You can cycle to several nearby attractions. The Wasserburg Anholt water castle, 15 kilometers west, contains original furniture and an art collection. Cross the border to the Dutch town of Winterswijk to see the 500-year-old Jakobskerk and experience the weekly markets.
