Isselburg, enjoyable industrial town

Isselburg was established in 1975 by merge of a small town of the same name with Anholt and several other districts. Anholt has been known since the 12th century when the castle Wasserburg Anholt was constructed. The settlement of Isselburg tracks its history back to the 14th century. Less than in one and half centuries after its first mentioning, it was granted the right of a town and acquired fortress walls, of which only a keep tower (Stadtturm von Isselburg) survived till present. By the end of the 18th century thanks to the iron reserves found here industry development began in the town. Today it is an industrial town manufacturing air conditioning systems, doors, and gates. Industry in Isselburg is balanced by a large nature reserve “Anholt Switzerland” (Biotop Wildpark Anholter Schweiz). There are numerous animals living here, a pheasant farm, amazing flower gardens in the warm season.

In Isselburg you can try all traditional Westphalian dishes. This includes Westphalian ham, beef ragout with freshly grinded pepper, Mettenden sausages dried, smoked and then boiled with peas or beans, Westfälische Stippgrutze sausages with buckwheat, blood sausage Möppkenbrot with flour and raisins, Eintopf soup Knockepott from pig tail, hooves and ears. It is this region that introduced the grain vodka Korn to the world, and it is usually drunk together with beer – one after another or mixing both drinks.

Isselburg is one of those towns that definitely deserve getting to know. A majestic castle of Anholt over the water and nature reserve “Anholt Switzerland” will impress you and stay with you for a long time.