Visitor Information Centre Sparrenburg
Bielefeld's landmark, the Sparrenburg, is enthroned on the crest of the Teutoburg Forest above the old town and was first mentioned in a document in 1256. Visitors can discover the past and present of the castle. Expert guides accompany the visitors into the underground world of the casemates. The excavations tell stories of the former life on the fortress. The 37 meter high castle tower offers a fantastic panoramic view. The first port of call for visitors is the Visitor Information Centre (BIZ), inaugurated in 2014, whose architect Max Dudler and his tamped concrete construction method have received numerous awards. From April to October, employees of Bielefeld Marketing GmbH advise castle visitors daily and provide information on the Sparrenburg, souvenirs, hiking maps and tickets for visitor offers on the Bielefeld landmark.
Barrier-free information
All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - partially accessible for people with walking disabilities".
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report at the end of the text.
- Two parking spaces are available for people with disabilities.
- All rooms and facilities that can be used by guests are accessible without steps/at ground level or via a ramp.
- All doors/passages and paths that can be used by guests and are raised are at least 87 cm wide.
- The consultation table in the customer room is 85 cm high at its lowest point.
- Exhibits and information can mainly be viewed while seated.
- The counter/cash desk is no more than 80 cm high or there is an alternative way of communicating while seated.
- There is a public toilet for people with disabilities in the Sparrenburg restaurant, which can be accessed from one side (at least 90 cm). There are flip-up grab rails at the toilet.
- Guided tours are offered for people with walking disabilities. Advance booking is necessary.
- Mobile or fixed seating is available for people with walking disabilities, which can be used during the tour.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report at the end of the text.
- There is no audio induction loop.
- Guided tours with FM systems (e.g. headphones, neck ring loops) are available for people with hearing impairment. Reservation required.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report at the end of the text.
- Assistance dogs are allowed.
- The entrance to the Tourist Information is not visually rich in contrast, but can be recognized by a tactile change in the floor covering.
- The entrance door is a glass door which is not marked with safety markings.
- All raised areas available to the guest are well lit, i.e. bright and glare-free.
- The public toilet is located in the Restaurant Sparrenburg. In front of the entrance to the restaurant there are two steps, which have no visually contrasting edges. Handrails are not available.
- There is no Braille or prismatic information available.
- Guided tours for visually impaired and blind people are offered. Reservation required. There is a tactile model of the castle.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report at the end of the text.
- Name and logo of the company are clearly visible from the outside.
- The objective of the route (from the car park to the entrance) is within sight.
- There is no information in easy language.
- Guided tours are offered for people with cognitive impairments. Reservation required.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF