The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Borgentreich

Pure idyll can be experienced here at any time of year.

The Borgholz military cemetery is integrated into the castle cemetery. Nineteen German soldiers are buried here, who fell in the final phase of World War II on April 6, 1945, during the battle for Borgholz or in the immediate vicinity. The youngest soldiers among them were only 17 years old. Another 24 American soldiers fell in this battle, but they were not buried here. When the central military cemetery in Brakel was established in 1954, the graves in Borgholz were allowed to remain. The current cemetery was dedicated in 1959.

In front of the entrance to the North Cemetery stands the Liborius Chapel, built in 1742 and dedicated to the patron saint of the Prince-Bishopric and the Diocese of Paderborn. It was extended and remodeled in 1961 to serve as the cemetery chapel for the North Cemetery.

The fire pond (also known as Borgholz Pond) is a very well-maintained area above the historic old town of Borgholz. A park-like path surrounds the pond, and various information panels describe the flora and fauna found there. The pond was built as early as the 14th century to ensure a sufficient supply of water for firefighting in the half-timbered town.

The town tower is a reminder of Borgholz's history as a fortified town belonging to the Prince-Bishopric of Paderborn. The town was once surrounded by a city wall with three gates (Castle Gate, Lower Gate, and Upper Gate). To commemorate the 700th anniversary of the town's founding in 1291, one of the town towers was faithfully reconstructed next to the former Lower Gate in 1991. Only small remnants of the city wall remain (in the street "Im Tal").

The local Jewish community can be traced back to the 17th century and was officially established in 1856 as a synagogue community for Borgholz and the surrounding villages. The current synagogue was rebuilt in 1838 after the devastating town fire of 1836. In January 1937, Nazi mobs vandalized the interior, and it was severely damaged during Kristallnacht in 1938. The synagogue was restored in the 1990s and has since served as a community center. Its historical significance also lies in the fact that it is one of the few remaining rural synagogues in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Construction of a castle began as early as 1290, during the founding of the town of Borgholz. Over the centuries, the castle was garrisoned by the Prince-Bishops of Paderborn, who appointed several castellans and a judge. Ownership changed hands frequently, and nothing is known of the castle's original appearance. In 1880, the von Detten family acquired the manor from the Dukes of Croy and owned it until 1974, when it was acquired by the Möltgen family. The current castle buildings date from the early 20th century. Vacation rentals are also available on the manor.

The parish church of St. Mary's Annunciation is the Catholic church of the village of Borgholz and was first mentioned in 1295, shortly after the town's founding in 1291. The chancel and the tower portal date from the 15th century, while the nave was rebuilt between 1702 and 1706. The interior is very harmonious. The carved pew ends from 1700 have been preserved. Today, the parish belongs to the Börde-Egge pastoral association (comprising the towns of Borgentreich and Willebadessen). I found the church open and was able to visit the beautiful Nativity scene.