Sculpted from cement
Beckum in the Münsterland region
With just under 37,000 inhabitants, Beckum is a so-called German medium-sized town. But by no means mediocre. Admittedly, not as well-known as Shanghai or Prague. Still, a city with history, recreational areas and enough good reasons to visit.
In 1872, the first cement plant was founded in Beckum. 31 more were to follow. At that time, the Beckum cement district was considered the largest "cement trough" in the world.
From the cement pit to the bathing lake
Until the middle of the 20th century, the cement industry was still dominated by medium-sized companies. After that, large corporations prevailed and took over numerous plants. In 1967, the cement industry in Beckum was also in a deep crisis. Price collapse and a ban on cartels led to an immense decline. Today, there are only two cement plants left in Beckum.
The former quarries have now shed their dusty cement veil. The Phönix Active Park, for example, is a green oasis on the 40,000 square metres lake. Visitors can enjoy the local recreation area in many ways. They can fish, skate, play mini-golf or beach volleyball, climb or simply go for a walk. Those who have never played disc golf or know what it is can try it out here.
Lake Tuttenbrock is located directly at the motorway exit. The former limestone quarry has given way to a bathing lake with a sandy beach. If you don't just want to swim and sunbathe, you have to make a choice: Water skiing, stand-up paddling, or rather a round in the aqua park? Alternatively, you can watch the professionals. In 2021, the open European Wakeboard Championship was held here for the first time.
When the adult child has fallen into the fountain
History buffs are well catered for in the town centre, a good three kilometres away. Numerous works of art can be discovered on a walk through the town centre that deal with the Schildbürger pranks.
Probably the best known is the "Beckumer Pütt". According to legend, the fountain (also called Pütt in Low German) in front of the former town hall was to be cleaned. To do this, a chain of men was lowered into the fountain. When the top man had no more strength, he said: "Hold on tight. I have to spit in my hands." And they all fell into the fountain. This Schildbürger prank is also the eponym for the Pütt Days. The town festival takes place every year at the beginning of September.
The tomcat called Rumskedi
Those who don't want to wait that long can join in the celebrations at the Beckum carnival at the beginning of the year. But the symbolic figure is not a colourful jester's cap. It is the black tomcat Rumskedi. Since 1934 he has been the heraldic animal of the Beckum Carnival and even has his own song. The three verses are a must for every carnival enthusiast in Beckum.
Good view
A little more than a stone's throw away lies the Höxberg to the south of the city. At over 160 metres, it is also the "highlight" of Beckum. Those who climb the steps of the 23-metre-high observation tower - the Soestwarte, formerly a watchtower of the medieval Landwehr - get a good view. From there you have an overview of the nearby animal enclosure, the windmill and the green panorama of the Münsterland.
Insider tips
Blue Lagoon
The blue lagoon is a former limestone quarry. The quiet nature reserve invites you to linger and offers a great view of the turquoise water - a landscape lake and a biotope lake. Both lakes are separated by a cycling and hiking path, on which both the Werseradweg and the Zementroute run. It is not only at the resting place or the vantage point that you can experience a species-rich fauna. More than 70 bird species have a home here. The place is a beautiful spot to take time out in the middle of Beckum.
Tomcat Rumskedi‘s drinking fountain
The redesigned market square was inaugurated in June 2022. The central meeting place for many events. In addition to the Pütt fountain and the new fountain field, Rumskedi the cat now also has a permanent place in the heart of the city - in the form of a drinking fountain. If you want to get to know Beckum and the people, it is best to travel to the city at carnival time. From Weiberfastnacht - Thursday - to Klingeldienstag – Thuesday.- there is a programme every day. 23 official carnival societies take part in the various parades. On Bell Tuesday, the city prince says goodbye and thanks for the session - high above from a crane on the market square.
