Porta Westfalica

Porta Westfalica is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia that stretches along the point where the Weser breaks through the Wiehen Hills. The administrative unit includes several districts on both sides of the river and connects lowland with mountain landscape.

The current municipality formed in 1973 through the merger of fifteen independent villages as part of administrative reorganization. The oldest documented mention of one of the districts dates from the year 1096.

The name refers to the breakthrough point where the river cuts through the hills, historically regarded as the gateway to Westphalia. Visitors today see the meeting of river landscape and mountains that shaped trade and movement for centuries.

The area can be explored easily on foot or by bicycle, as paths run along the river and through the districts. Rail connections make arrival from larger cities in the region straightforward.

An observation platform on the Jakobsberg telecommunications tower opens views over the Weser valley and surrounding hill country. Access allows visitors to grasp the geographic position of the breakthrough from above.

Location: Minden-Lübbecke District

Elevation above the sea: 70 m

Shares border with: Kalletal, Vlotho, Bad Oeynhausen, Minden

Website: https://portawestfalica.de

GPS coordinates: 52.24010,8.92137

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:03