Best attractions and places to see around Melle are situated within the Terra Vita Nature Park, bordered by the Wiehen Hills and the Teutoburg Forest. This region features a diverse landscape of rolling hills, woodlands, and river valleys like the Hunte. Melle also offers historical sites, including castles and a historic town center, alongside cultural venues and museums.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Easily reachable, for the more daring you can continue towards Mount Ricordone with a short push stretch immediately after the hill.
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The Devil's Bridge in Dronero, built in 1428 over the Maira torrent, is a remarkable example of medieval civil engineering. This bridge has three arches of different sizes and is slightly curved, with lateral parapets surmounted by swallow-tailed Ghibelline battlements. Originally, on the pillar of the smaller arch towards the centre of Dronero, there was a drawbridge, whose iron hinge was found under the road surface; this was removed in 1810 when the entrance passage was widened and the Ghibelline battlements were restored. The name "Devil's Bridge" comes from a local legend: it is said that, to overcome the difficulties in building the bridge, the inhabitants made a pact with the devil, promising him the soul of the first person to cross it. However, the inhabitants tricked the devil by having a stray dog cross first, infuriating the devil who abandoned the bridge. Today, the bridge is a symbol of Dronero and offers a panoramic view of the town, representing an unmissable stop for those visiting the Maira Valley.
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Characteristic Bridge located in the municipality of Dronero. proceed slowly as it is a pedestrian area.
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The culmination of a tough climb and the start of a crazy network of beautiful downhill trails. Highly recommended place.
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Wonderful panoramic point on Mount Birrone
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Beautiful panoramic hill on the Via dei Cannoni.
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The route passes through the lower part of the town, descends and partly runs along the river under the two bridges
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Monument to the legendary Marco Pantani.
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Melle is surrounded by diverse natural landscapes. You can explore the rolling hills and woodlands of the Teutoburg Forest and the Wiehen Hills, which offer breathtaking views. The Meller Berge, part of the TERRA.vita nature and geopark, is ideal for day-trippers and hikers. For specific panoramic spots, consider visiting Birrone Pass or the Priest Pass, both offering expansive views. The Chapel of San Bernardo del Vecchio also provides a very panoramic setting.
Yes, Melle boasts a rich history. You can explore the ruins of Melle Castle (Schloss Melle) and the impressive 18th-century Baroque Gesmold Castle with its beautiful park. The historic town center itself features charming half-timbered houses. Don't miss the significant St. Petri and Pauli Church. Further afield, you can see Königsbrück Castle and the Ravensberg Castle, which regularly hosts medieval markets. A unique historical site is the Devil's Bridge of Dronero, a medieval bridge built in 1428 over the Maira torrent.
Melle is an excellent base for outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. The region is part of the Terra Vita Nature Park, offering numerous trails. You can find various TERRA.tracks like Holter Berg, Kellenberg, Riemsloher Forest, Königsbrück, and the Meller Balkon. For cycling, there are many routes available, including those for touring bicycles, road cycling, and mountain biking. You can find detailed routes and guides for cycling around Melle, road cycling routes, and MTB trails.
Several attractions around Melle are suitable for families. The Priest Pass is described as a wonderful destination reachable by less trained people who want to enjoy a walk in nature. The Devil's Bridge of Dronero is also categorized as family-friendly and offers an interesting legend for children. Additionally, the nearby Dinosaur tracks (Saurierfährten Barkhausen) provide a fascinating historical attraction for all ages. Many of the nature trails and parks are also great for family outings.
Visitors particularly appreciate the panoramic views and the opportunity for peaceful breaks in nature. For example, the Chapel of San Bernardo del Vecchio is loved for its panoramic location and picnic tables. The Birrone Pass is noted for its beautiful and panoramic views. The historical significance and unique architecture of sites like the Devil's Bridge of Dronero also receive high praise.
Melle offers several cultural sites beyond its historical landmarks. You can visit the Local History Museum to delve into the region's past. For art enthusiasts, there are various art galleries and exhibitions. The Automuseum Melle is dedicated to automobiles, and the Expo-Sternwarte Melle (Observatory) in Melle-Oberholsten features the largest Newtonian telescope for public observation, offering guided tours.
Yes, Melle and its surroundings cater to various hiking preferences. You can find easy circular routes in the Riemsloher Forest without significant inclines. For more challenging hikes, the Wiehensteig trail in the Wiehen Hills offers breathtaking views. The TERRA.tracks, such as those around Holter Berg and the Meller Balkon, provide diverse experiences from moderate to more demanding. The Priest Pass is an intermediate trail that can be enjoyed by many.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Melle. During these seasons, the weather is typically pleasant for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural parks like Terra Vita. The lush woodlands of the Teutoburg Forest and Wiehen Hills are particularly beautiful. While winter offers opportunities for walks, some trails might be less accessible depending on snow and ice conditions.
Yes, there is a notable monument dedicated to a famous personality. You can visit the Monument to Marco Pantani on the Colletta di Rossana. This plaque was placed in May 2016 to commemorate the passage of the Giro d'Italia and pay homage to the legendary cyclist Marco Pantani, making it a destination for tourists and cycling enthusiasts.
While Melle itself is not directly on a large body of water, the nearby Lake Dümmer is a highlight for water sports like sailing. The River Hunte is also ideal for relaxing walks along its banks or for canoeing. For indoor relaxation, the Wellarium offers an indoor swimming pool for winter activities.
Beyond the main attractions, you might enjoy exploring the Zwickenbachtal, located on the edge of the Meller Berge in the Osnabrück Hills, offering a tranquil natural setting. The Bad Essener Bergfriedhof is also a natural cemetery worth visiting for its unique atmosphere. For a pleasant forest walk, consider the Meller Balkon, a circular route through the beautiful Meller Berge forest.


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