Bielefeld

City in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, 55 km/34 mi east of Münster, at the foot of the Teutoburger Wald; population (2005 est) 326,900. Manufactured products include linen textiles, drinks, chemicals, glass, machinery, and motor vehicles, and other industries include publishing.

Bielefeld joined the Hanseatic League trade federation in 1270. It has been a centre of the linen industry since the 17th century. There is 13th-century castle and a fine 14th-century church. The Anstalt Bethel, a charitable institution founded at the end of the 19th century, takes in people who are in need of care. It is a university town and the cultural centre of eastern Westphalia and Lippe, with theatres, museums, a modern art gallery (1966-68), and a botanical garden and zoo.