Things To Do
in Spelle

Spelle is a small, welcoming town in Lower Saxony, Germany, set in the rural Emsland region between larger centers such as Lingen and Rheine. It blends agricultural landscapes, small industrial areas and family-run shops, offering a calm base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The town is known for its community events, cycling-friendly routes and straightforward local life rather than big-city attractions.

Visitors will find easy access to riverside paths, local museums and regional food specialties in a relaxed, low-key setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to St. John's Church, an impressive Gothic structure that offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. After exploring the church, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Spelle, admiring the quaint half-timbered houses that date back centuries. Stop by a local bakery to enjoy a traditional German breakfast of fresh bread and pastries, accompanied by a cup of coffee.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the Spelle Museum to delve deeper into the local culture and history through its fascinating exhibits. Spend some time at the nearby park, where you can relax by the pond or enjoy a picnic surrounded by lush greenery. As the sun begins to set, explore the artisan shops that line the streets, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.

evening
:

As evening falls, find a cozy restaurant to sample some regional dishes, such as schnitzel or bratwurst, paired with a local beer. Enjoy the ambiance as the town's lights illuminate the historic buildings, creating a magical atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, reflecting on the day's adventures.

day 2
Nature Walks and Scenic Views
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike in the scenic surrounding countryside, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Explore the trails that wind through lush green fields and picturesque woodlands, keeping an eye out for local wildlife. Stop at a viewpoint to take in the breathtaking landscape and snap some memorable photos.

afternoon
:

After your hike, pack a light lunch and head to one of the nearby picnic areas, where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Following lunch, visit the nearby nature reserve to explore its diverse ecosystems and maybe even spot some rare birds. Take a leisurely walk along the designated paths, appreciating the tranquility and beauty of the natural surroundings.

evening
:

As the day comes to a close, return to Spelle and unwind at a local café, sipping on a warm beverage while reflecting on your day. If you're feeling adventurous, join a guided night walk to discover the nocturnal wildlife and listen to the sounds of nature after dark. Conclude your evening with a relaxing soak in your accommodation, recharging for the adventures ahead.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
Coffee at a café$3-4
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🛎️Mid-range restaurant dinner for two$40-70
🚆Regional train ticket (one way)$5-20
🏨Night in a modest hotel/guesthouse$60-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, relaxed small-town atmosphere ideal for slow travel
  • Excellent cycling and easy access to riverside scenery
  • Affordable prices compared with larger German cities
  • Close to nature and regional cultural events
  • Limited nightlife and fewer tourist attractions within the town
  • Fewer vegetarian/vegan dining options than in larger cities
  • Public transport is regional — may require planning for day trips
  • Less English signage and service in some local establishments
  • "Hallo / Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist die nächste Bushaltestelle?" - Where is the nearest bus stop?

Places to Visit in Spelle

Visit one of these nice places.

Ems Riverbanks

Peaceful riverside scenes with meadows, reflective water and typical lowland landscapes — great for sunrise or golden-hour shots.

Town Center and Parish Church

Charming small-town streets, traditional buildings and the local church make for intimate architectural and street photography.

Farmland and Country Lanes

Wide-open fields, hedgerows and rural lanes offer classic northern German countryside compositions, especially in late afternoon light.

Local Festivals and Markets

Capture community life, market stalls, traditional costumes and seasonal events when they occur.

Culinary Guide

Food in Spelle

Spelle's cuisine reflects the agricultural Emsland region: hearty, seasonal and straightforward. Expect bread and baked goods, pork and sausages, potatoes, and dairy products, with restaurants serving traditional German home-style dishes alongside occasional international options.

Spelle Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pinkel mit Grünkohl (seasonal)

A north-German winter favorite of smoked sausage (Pinkel) with kale and potatoes; you’ll find it in season at local restaurants or community events.

Must-Try!

Emsland-style Schnitzel and potato dishes

Classic pan-fried schnitzel served with mashed or fried potatoes and seasonal sides — common on many menus in town.

Local cheeses and baked goods

Fresh farmhouse cheeses and strong rye or mixed wheat breads sold at bakeries and farm shops in the area.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Market (Wochenmarkt)

Small weekly market with vendors selling fresh produce, bakery items and regional specialties — a good place to taste local cheese, meats and bread.

Farm Shops (Hofläden) around Spelle

Nearby farms sell seasonal vegetables, jams, cheeses and sometimes home-smoked meats; ideal for picnic supplies.

Climate Guide

Weather

Spelle has a temperate maritime-influenced climate with mild summers and cool, damp winters. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with the warmest months from June to August and the coldest from December to February. Spring and autumn are changeable, with a mix of sunny periods and rain. Overall conditions are typical for northwestern Germany — suitable for outdoor activities most of the year with appropriate clothing.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Be on time for appointments and tours; punctuality is valued in social and business settings.

Politeness and Formality

Address people with formal greetings (Herr/Frau plus last name) in business or older generations unless invited to use first names.

Quiet Hours

Observe Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in the evenings and during midday rest periods in some places; avoid loud noise in residential areas.

Recycling and Waste Separation

Follow local recycling rules (separating paper, plastic, organic waste, and glass). Locals take waste sorting seriously.

Safety Guide

Safety

Spelle is generally safe with low levels of serious crime; usual precautions apply such as watching personal belongings and locking bicycles. In rural areas watch for agricultural traffic and dress visibly at dawn/dusk when cycling. During winter check local weather and road conditions; in case of medical emergencies the nearest hospitals are in larger nearby towns. Keep emergency numbers and local contact information handy.

Tipping in Spelle

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is customary for good service; for cafés and casual bites a small rounding up is typical. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

Payment Methods

Germany uses the euro. Cash is widely used in smaller shops, cafes and markets; debit cards (EC/Maestro) are commonly accepted, while international credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. Contactless payments and smartphone wallets are increasingly available in larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm, often pleasant weather ideal for cycling, hiking and riverside activities. Expect long daylight hours and occasional thunderstorms; bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage make this a lovely time for walks and photography; temperatures cool and some rain is common, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.

Winter

Cold and damp with occasional frost or snow; many outdoor attractions are quieter. Dress warmly and check opening hours for local shops and attractions on public holidays.

Spring

Fields come to life with blossoms and lambing season; a pleasant time for countryside exploration, though mornings can be chilly and showers possible.

Nightlife Guide

Spelle at Night

Nightlife in Spelle is low-key and community-focused: expect a few pubs, beer gardens and cafés that close earlier than city venues. For a wider selection of bars, clubs or live music, nearby larger towns such as Lingen or Rheine offer more options and a livelier evening scene.

Hiking in Spelle

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ems River Trails

Flat, accessible trails along the Ems are ideal for easy day hikes, birdwatching and riverside photography.

Emsradweg sections near Spelle

While primarily a cycling route, many stretches can be walked; scenic, well-marked and connected to other regional paths.

Local Nature Reserves and Moorland Walks

Short drives from Spelle lead to protected moor and meadow areas where marked paths and observation points allow wildlife viewing and quiet hikes.

Airports

How to reach Spelle by plane.

Münster/Osnabrück International Airport (FMO)

Approximately 60–90 km away depending on route; the closest international airport with regional and some international flights. Reachable by car or a combination of regional trains/buses.

Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ)

Located in the Netherlands about 70–100 km away; useful for some European connections and a viable alternative for northern approaches.

Bremen Airport (BRE)

Roughly 120–140 km away; larger airport with more frequent connections to domestic and international destinations, reachable by car or rail with transfer.

Hannover Airport (HAJ)

About 150–180 km away; a major hub with many international flights, accessible by car or train for onward connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Spelle is compact and easy to explore on foot within the town center; sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets make walking pleasant. For exploring wider countryside, cycling is often the best option. Some attractions and farms in the surrounding area will require a bike, car or regional bus to reach.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families and long-term residents

Many households are family-oriented or multi-generational, with deep ties to the region.

Elderly population

As with many rural German towns, there is a noticeable older demographic, active in volunteer clubs and local associations.

Commuters and regional workers

Some residents commute to nearby industrial or service centers for work; there are also workers in agriculture and small manufacturing.

Small immigrant and international community

A modest number of international residents and guest workers contribute to local diversity, often connected to agriculture or local businesses.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Local amateur football clubs are popular and form a central part of community sport and social life.

Cycling

Both recreational and touring cycling are widespread, supported by flat terrain and well-maintained regional routes like the Emsradweg.

Handball and Club Sports

Indoor team sports such as handball and volleyball are commonly practiced through local sports clubs (Vereine).

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic levels in Spelle are generally low compared with urban areas; roads through town can be narrow and agricultural vehicles are common in surrounding areas. Public transport consists mainly of regional buses connecting to nearby towns and railway stations; for flexible travel a rental car or bicycle is recommended. Train access requires using the nearest larger rail hubs in towns like Lingen or Rheine.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Spelle.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited in more traditional restaurants; bakeries, farm shops and cafés usually offer vegetarian-friendly salads, sandwiches and egg or cheese dishes.

Vegan

Vegan choices exist but can be sparse; bring snacks or look for larger nearby towns (Lingen, Rheine) for more diverse vegan offerings.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free products are increasingly available at supermarkets and some bakeries, but always ask staff in smaller establishments as cross-contamination is possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available through local general practitioners and small clinics; pharmacies are present in town. For hospital care or specialist services, the nearest larger hospitals are in Lingen and surrounding towns — reachable by car or regional transport. EU visitors should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) where applicable; international travelers should have travel insurance covering medical care.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide