Summary of Attractions in Minden
Inland navigation has always played a vital role in the city of Minden, located in the northeastern part of North Rhine Westphalia. During the Medieval period, Minden relied on the Weser River for fishing and trade and subsequently became a member of the international Hanseatic League of merchant cities.
In the 1910s, the second-largest aqueduct in Europe was constructed in Minden, channeling the Mittelland Canal across the Weser. This was followed by the completion of a new aqueduct in 1993, which was part of a significant construction initiative.
During Prussian times, Minden functioned as a garrison town, and after Napoleon’s defeat at Leipzig in 1813, an extensive fortress was built to encircle the city and prevent future occupations. Ascending the slope of the city reveals Minden’s Medieval core, a delightful surprise, and visitors must take a boat tour to fully appreciate the innovative design of Minden’s aqueducts and lock systems.
Let us delve into the best things to do in Minden:
1. Minden Cathedral
This iconic cathedral was established by Charlemagne in the year 800 and underwent restoration following damage from bombings on March 28, 1945. Architecturally, the structure consists of two parts: The “Westwork,” which is Romanesque and dates from the mid-12th century.
It features a Saxon-style “bar,” where the two flanking towers have been unified to create a single mass.
The nave and the choir were constructed later in the 13th and 14th centuries.
While the church itself required reconstruction, much of its artwork was preserved, showcasing valuable elements such as the tracery windows on the south side of the nave, the “bishop portal” on the north side of the transept, the Gothic winged Matthias altar, the Baroque Holy Spirit altar, the Romanesque Apostle frieze on the south transept wall, and the Romanesque bronze cross.
2. Minden Aqueduct
Minden boasts the second-largest aqueduct in Europe, transporting the east-west Mittelland Canal over the Weser River.
The original 370-meter aqueduct, constructed in 1914, is a listed monument that required rebuilding post-war, having been demolished by the retreating Wehrmacht in 1945. By the 1980s, that initial structure proved insufficient for modern shipping, prompting the construction of a new steel aqueduct 50 meters north, which was completed in 1998.
The alignment of the pillars for the new bridge with those of the old structure, situated 50 meters upstream, is intentional, accounting for how the river’s water level fluctuates during high water periods.
3. Schachtschleuse Minden (Shaft Lock)
One of the primary challenges faced by the engineers of the original Minden Aqueduct was determining how to elevate river traffic from the Weser to the canal.
The solution involved constructing an impressive lock that measures 85 meters in length and 10 meters in width, elevating vessels by 13 meters to connect with the aqueduct.
From a distance, this lock is identifiable by its pair of Medieval-style sandstone towers.
In 2017, a new lock was added, referred to as the Weserschleuse, measuring 139 meters in length and 12.5 meters in width, accommodating the largest river-going vessels.
4. Obere Altstadt
Despite the extensive destruction Minden experienced during the Second World War, significant portions of the old town remained intact.
This district, situated at the highest point in the city, features a series of quaint cobblestone streets that are bordered by timber-framed and stone-built houses.
Among the most picturesque scenes is the Museumszeile, a row of houses that include the Minden Museum, which will be discussed later.
Another highlight is the Alte Münze (Old Mint), which is the oldest stone house in Westphalia, dating back to around 1260. It showcases Gothic tracery above its portal and a stepped gable.
The old town is also home to four churches, at the top of the Martinitreppe, a historic staircase leading to the upper old town terrace.
On Papenmarkt, you can find the Hansehaus, an esteemed gabled merchant house built for Minden’s mayor in 1549.
5. St. Martini
Located in the very center of the upper old town is the church of St. Martin, originally a collegiate monastery church established in the 11th century.
This religious institution was dissolved in 1810, and since that time, St. Martini has served as a Protestant parish church.
The church is positioned on the periphery of the upper old town terrace, giving it a commanding view of the surrounding area.
The structure is a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles and features a stout tower, a replacement for the original which was struck by lightning and subsequently destroyed in 1773. Renovations in 2014 uncovered remnants of the church’s old weather vane, which was restored and reinstalled on the roof in 2015.
6. Fischerstadt
Situated on the left bank of the Weser, Minden’s fishing quarter was the focal point for the city’s shipping activity until 1910. To mitigate the risk of flooding, a long, wide embankment was constructed along the water, known as the Schlagde.
Today, this area has transformed into a parking lot, yet the 16th and 17th-century cottages remain safeguarded by 19th-century fortress walls still outfitted with cannons.
These timber-framed fishing cottages trace their origin back to the 12th century, where fishermen opted to settle outside the original town walls.
They were granted special privileges, including exclusive rights to fish along a stretch of 50 kilometers of the Weser River, from Stolzenau in the north to Rinteln in the south.
7. Schiffmühle Minden
Located just south of the Glacis Bridge is a reconstructed “ship mill” that debuted in 1998. This floating mill, designed in accordance with 18th-century principles, operates on the river’s surface and is reminiscent of historic floating mills that once graced the Weser.
From April to October, visitors can explore the site any day of the week except Monday to learn about the complexities involved in constructing a floating mill and how the power of the Weser was harnessed to produce flour for baking.
A nearby beer garden offers a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
8. Preußen-Museum Minden (Prussia Museum)
The barracks of Minden Fortress, dating back to the early 19th century, accommodate a museum dedicated to Prussian history.
At the time of this writing in 2017, the museum was closed for renovations but was expected to reopen in 2018. Prussia’s shifting borders and complex history can be understood in this informative setting.
Before the temporary closure, the museum housed galleries filled with porcelain, uniforms, medals, textiles, art, and everyday utensils, offering a rich narrative of four centuries of military, political, and domestic life.
9. Mindener Museum
With a history extending over 1,200 years, Minden’s town museum located in the upper old town serves as an excellent starting point to learn about the local heritage.
The museum is housed within a row of six houses built in the Weser Renaissance style, characterized by their triangular gables and timber frames.
Exhibits detail the history of each house and their various merchant owners, harking back to the city’s time as part of the Hanseatic League.
You will also encounter Bronze Age ceramics, weapons, liturgical artifacts from the Medieval Bishopric of Minden, and cannons from the old fortress.
A unique item from the 20th century on display is a billion Mark banknote from the hyperinflation period of the 1920s, in addition to antique ice skates from circa 1900.
10. Kaiser-Wilhelm-Denkmal
A prominent national monument located a few minutes south of Minden overlooks the Weser River, situated outside the town of Porta Westfalica.
Dedicating this monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I, who passed away in 1888, occurred during the 1890s, when Westphalia was still part of Prussia.
The monument features a platform and canopy designed by the notable architect Bruno Schmitz, while the statue of Wilhelm I was crafted by Kaspar von Zumbusch, who created similar monuments across Germany during that era.
The monument’s strategic location marks the point where the Weser River exits the Central Uplands and meanders into the North German Plain.
The panoramic view to the east over the forest-clad Weser Hills is one to remember.
11. Altes Rathaus
Minden is home to the oldest Gothic town hall in Westphalia.
This structure, much like many others in Minden, was impacted by the Second World War, yet its most exquisite features, specifically the vaults and arcades on the ground floor, were preserved.
Significant discussions surrounded the decision to restore the Altes Rathaus after the war, but the restoration proceeded during the 1950s, utilizing materials from other demolished structures, including a nearby memorial tower dedicated to Otto von Bismarck.
The renovated town hall features a slightly altered design compared to its predecessor, characterized by tall mullioned windows and a crow-stepped gable.
Nonetheless, the Medieval arcade remains intact, encompassing two-pointed arches, a tracery circle, and rib vaults.
12. Potts Park
Located within Minden’s Dützen district is a family-friendly amusement park situated beneath the ridge of the Wiehen Hills.
The park made its debut in 1969 on the site of a former iron ore mine, with an array of rides that predominantly require active participation from visitors, particularly children.
Examples of unique attractions include the Swinsgalopp (a race on mechanical pigs powered by arm movement) and precarious bikes that demand great dexterity and balance.
A notable feature is the giant apartment, where all furnishings are magnified to twice the usual size, allowing parents to experience a toddler’s perspective, alongside a suspended railway reminiscent of the famous one in Wuppertal, also propelled by its passengers.
For those seeking conventional enjoyment, a limited selection of child-friendly roller coasters is available, including the suspended Turbo-Drachen (Turbo Dragon) that was introduced in 2009.
13. Fort C
Near the main train station on the right bank of the Weser, remnants of Minden’s 19th-century defenses can be found.
These fortifications were constructed a few decades after the fortress on the left bank, aimed at protecting the new Cologne-Minden railway terminal and associated service structures dating back to the 1840s.
Fort C stands as the most complete artifact of this era and is located on the southern side of the station, representing the most intact fortification from former Prussia.
Managed as parkland by the Mindener Bürgerbataillon (roughly, Minden Militia), the site features a pentagonal moat centered around a mushroom-shaped redoubt.
This area is open for tours on designated days, and Fort C hosts the Mindener Freischießen, a shooting festival first recorded in 1682 that occurs biennially.
14. Boat Tours
The most authentic way to experience the Minden Aqueduct is by taking a boat trip.
Situated near the Schachtschleuse lock, you can embark on summer boat tours offering various options.
The most common choice is a one-hour tour that provides a sweeping view of the two canal bridges, locks, and all associated infrastructure.
During this journey, you will traverse both the old and new canals, pass through Minden’s old fishing district, and observe the pump house and Schiffmühle (ship mill), accompanied by a running commentary in German.
Since 2017, these boat tours have utilized the new Weserschleuse lock while renovations on the Schachtschleuse are underway.
15. Local Food
Minden offers several local specialties to savor.
Pumpernickel is perhaps the most ubiquitous, a flavor-rich, mildly sweet bread originating from Westphalia, crafted from rye flour and rye berries, ideally paired with cheese and cold cuts.
Another comforting dish to enjoy during chilly winter nights is Grünkohl, a hearty stew named after its primary ingredient, kale.
This dish combines bacon and sausage, slow-cooked with mustard granules, and served alongside ham and roasted or boiled potatoes.
