The extremely attractive landscape of the Baumberge includes some of the highest hills of the region as well as wooded routes between Nottuln, Havixbeck and Billerbeck. The Longinus tower on the Westerberg (180 m high) affords the visitor one of the few sweeping views of the Münsterland’s park landscape. An approximately 8-kilometre route linking the historical towns of Nottuln and Havixbeck is popular with cyclists despite its steep climbs.
In Nottuln, the late-Gothic St. Martinus hall church (Church of St. Martin) forms the focal point of the town and also provides a link between different areas. To the north, there is the Kirchplatz, which is planted with grass, hedges and old trees and is surrounded by half-timbered houses. Here the visitor will also find a textile printer, who continues the traditional indigo dyeing technique, which is typical of the region. The Stiftplatz to the south of the church is quite different in character, featuring an avenue and stream as well as a unique ensemble of baroque curia buildings.
Havixbeck has been able to retain its function as a market town. Old and new architectural styles harmonise here and the visitor is invited to take a “stroll around town” and to visit the sandstone museum (with studio and café). The sandstone, which gives such an attractive appearance to many houses, castles and churches in the Münsterland, comes from the Baumberge.
It is worth spending some time in the old town of Billerbeck, where the Ludgerusdom (Cathedral of St. Ludger) and Johanniskirche (Church of St. John) as well as many attractive buildings, fountains and squares are to be found. The surrounding area too is worth a visit, including the Kolvenburg (Kolven Castle), Berkelquelle (source of Berkel river) and the Benedictine abbey of Gerleve.