today I am sending you greetings from a place that, according to all accounts, doesn't exist. Now that is what I call a real existential crisis, right? Do you want to hear more? Thank keep reading :)
Bielefeld Conspiracy
So you haven't ever heard of the Bielefeld Conspiracy? Then you have come to the rights place. Keep on reading for it's actually quite interesting.
Some years ago, in 1993, a satirical theory originated in the German Usenet claiming that the city of Bielefeld doesn't exist. Many have built upon it and therefore it grew into the proportions it has today. You may have noticed that this theory has actually been mentioned a few time by the German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and it is part of the official city marketing. What is it about then?
It says that the city's existence is only propagated by an entity known only as SIE (German for THEM) that has conspired to create the illusion of the city's existence. There are three questions posed by the theory:
1/ Do you know anyone from Bielefeld?
2/ Have you ever been to Bielefeld?
3/ Do you know anyone who's ever been to Bielefeld?
The trick is to ask the right audience. Trust me, in most cases, you will end up in three NOs in the row. Therefore, the proof is born!
If you are interested more deeply, check this film that has been produced by some students at the Bielefeld University. If it exists of course :) :D
IMDb link here
What to see?
Now, a few spoilers for you, I have actually been there and I am bringing some proofs. So yes, the city does exist. (Or, of course, I could be part of the conspiracy and this is just a big large deception).
Probably the number one tourist attraction in the city is the Sparrenburg (or Sparrenberg) castle reaching high on the top of the hill above the city. You can visit the grounds for free and enjoy many views of the whole old town. If it isn't enough for you, feel free to pay 2 euro entrance fee and climb up the main tower for even more breathtaking views. If, however, you visit the hill outside the tourist season, than i have some bad news for you. Outside is all you'll get.
If you like old European historical town centers (and more specifically German ones), you may definitely want to visit the one here in Bielefeld. Beautiful picturesque streets, majestic churches and a lot of markets and shops are for sure worth a visit. And don't forget to visit the historical pseudogothic town hall.
Are you a fan of contemporary art? Then you should definitely visit the Kunsthalle. For just 8 euro you can visit the most astonishing expresionist exhibitions. And if not, the building itself is the perfect example of modern architecture.
Getting to and around
Bielefeld lies at the direct speedtrain ICE route between Dresden and Düsseldorf or Cologne. You can also choose to arrive by car - there are two major motorways connecting the city to the rest of Germany: A2 and A33.
While moving around the city, there is a quite extensive public transportation system. There are 4 lines of Stadtbahn (basically a local form of tramway) which connected with multiple bus and train routes creates quite of network of public transportation. The standard 90 Minutes fee is 2.60 EUR and you can also buy a shorter ticket for 4 tram/bus stops for 1,50.
So go explore :)
If you arrive at the place and find no city at all, let me know :)
Lex
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