Soest Travel Guide (South Westphalia/North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany/Central Europe/Europe)

	1	Explore the city’s historic center and markets.
	2	Visit the Soester Börde countryside.
	3	Hike or bike the Lörmecketurm Circuit.
	4	Explore the Möhne Reservoir.
	5	Take a guided walking tour of the city.
	6	Visit the Burghof Museum.
	7	Relax and soak up the local culture.

Food and Drink Scene of Soest

Soest has a thriving food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to sample:

Must-Try Dishes

Pfefferpotthast: A beef stew served with rye bread.
Spargel: White asparagus, a seasonal delicacy.
Reibekuchen: Potato pancakes served with apple sauce or sour cream.

Local Beverages

Soester Felsenkeller: A local beer made with natural spring water.
Steinhäger: A gin-like spirit made in nearby Steinhagen.
Korn: A traditional German liquor made from wheat or rye.

Where to Stay in Soest: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Soest offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some recommendations:

Hotel Am Wall: A centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
Hotel Susato: A family-run hotel with a cozy atmosphere and great breakfast.
Youth Hostel Soest: An affordable option for backpackers and families.

What to Buy in Soest: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for some unique keepsakes to bring back home, here are some ideas:

Soester Puppenmanufaktur: Handmade dolls and puppets, a local tradition.
Soester Glas: Beautiful glassware made by local artisans.
Soester Originale: Local food products such as mustard, chocolates, and jams.

Local Culture and Customs of Soest

Soest has a rich cultural heritage. Here are some customs and traditions to be aware of:

Soester Fehde: A historical feud between two families that is still celebrated every year with a medieval festival.
Karneval: A festive season leading up to Lent, with parades and celebrations throughout the city.
Kirmes: An annual fair in the city center with rides and attractions.

Best Time to Visit Soest

The best time to visit Soest is in the summer months from May to September when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, the medieval festivals in August and the Christmas markets in December are also great times to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Soest

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your stay in Soest:

Do:

Try the local beer and cuisine.
Visit the city’s historic landmarks and museums.
Attend a medieval festival or other cultural event.

Don’t:

Smoke in public spaces or restaurants.
Take photographs of people without their permission.
Ignore traffic rules when biking or driving.

Safety and Health

Soest is a safe and healthy city for visitors. Here are some tips to stay safe and healthy:

Safety in Soest

Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Keep your valuables secured or in a safe in your hotel room.
Follow traffic rules when biking or driving.

Health in Soest

Drink bottled water to avoid any potential health risks from tap water.
Bring any necessary medications or prescriptions with you.
Be aware of the potential risks of outdoor activities and take necessary precautions.

Getting to Soest: Transportation Options and Logistics

Soest is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are some options to consider:

Airports Near Soest

Dortmund Airport: 55km from Soest
Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport: 35km from Soest
Cologne/Bonn Airport: 125km from Soest

Bus Stations Near Soest

Soest train station: Connections to major cities in Germany
Soest bus station: Local and regional bus connections

Other Options

By car: Soest is well connected to major highways and roads.
By train: Direct trains from major cities in Germany.

How to Get Around in Soest

Soest is a compact city that is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Public transportation is also available, including buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Soest: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Soest is a great jumping-off point for exploring other destinations in the region. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

Dortmund: A vibrant city known for its cultural offerings and football culture.
Sauerland: A picturesque mountain region with hiking and skiing opportunities.
Warstein: A town known for its breweries and production of Warsteiner beer.

Conclusion

Soest is a gem of a city with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or cultural events, it’s a destination that is sure to leave you with lasting memories. Use our comprehensive guide to plan your perfect trip.