Don't give me that line about me supposedly not even existing. It's all rubbish. I haven't been able to laugh about it for a long time. Because I know exactly what I can do and what I have to offer. And I even go one step further and claim that Bielefeld is getting better and better. And smarter! Because I am curious and full of innovative ideas. This year, for example, the new Wissenswerkstatt Bielefeld (Bielefeld Knowledge Workshop) will open in the city centre, making current research topics accessible to everyone. It's a great place to promote dialogue between science and urban society and to initiate joint projects for the future. The only place in Germany where you will find a centre like this is in Bielefeld.
You probably didn't even know it until now. But with the Bielefeld Campus, which unites Bielefeld University and five other universities of applied sciences, I am currently repositioning myself as a young city of science and am preparing to become one of the most modern university locations in Germany. At the moment, I still describe myself as an "underdog" in the start-up scene. But "Made in Bielefeld" has always been a mark of quality. Surely you know Dr Oetker? Schüco and Seidensticker! All brands that grew on my East Westphalian soil.
What's more, Germany's largest flax spinning mill once stood on my land. A factory like a castle, where more than 1,600 women and girls had to work damn hard. Fortunately, those days are over and I actually wanted to demolish the building. But my citizens have ensured that the area around the former Ravensberger Spinnerei has developed into a lively cultural quarter. Perhaps you would like to visit the "Lichtwerk" there or take a seat in the "Hechelei". You're sure to find the right thing for you.
However, you should definitely not miss out on the Sparrenburg Castle during your visit to Bielefeld. The medieval fortress towers high above the city and is my favourite landmark. The view from the tower is spectacular. From there, at the latest, you will see with your own eyes that I really do exist - and how beautiful I am.
