Hanseatic city of Haltern am See

Haltern am See

Situated between Munster and Cologne, MiddleAges documentary evidence from 1017 regards Haltern and its surrounding area as an important crossing point over the River Lippe. This geographical advantage eventually bestowed City status upon Haltern in 1298 by the Prince-Bishop of Munster. This allowed the town the right to build fortifications and the privilege of holding a market. Between 1554 and 1611 the town of Haltern am See was characterised by the many changes by the Hansa League. The historical Town Hall built in 1577, the "Siebenteufelsturm" (a tower of the old city wall ) built in 1502 were both built during this time.

Haltern am See and the Westfalian area get a short footnote in world history when the Roman armies under Emperor Augustus marched up the River Lippe occupying Germania and settled in by building fortifications and other houses for the troops. The Westfalian Romermuseum in Haltern am See displays many archeological finds from this period as well as maps and diagrams of the Roman occupation.