This free app brings the history of Meppen Fortress and the era of the Thirty Years’ War to life digitally. Augmented reality brings long-demolished ramparts, moats, bridges, gates, fortifications, and structures such as the Paulsburg back to life, providing a vivid picture of what was once the most powerful regional fortress in the Diocese of Münster. The “History Tour” takes you on a journey through the old fortified town. The tour introduces structures, landmarks, and historic sites, and provides interesting facts about the town’s and fortress’s history before, during, and after the Thirty Years’ War. With the “AR Tour,” you become part of history. As part of an exciting adventure game, you’ll encounter people and events at selected stops and find yourself swept up in the whirlwind of events surrounding the historically documented conquest of the city and fortress of Meppen by Catholic troops in May 1638.

Here’s how it works:

› Scan the QR code or

Visit the App Store

and download the “Meppen 1638” app

› Follow the installation instructions

› Turn on GPS and camera

› Discover buildings and sights on the “History Tour”—

Facts and interesting information about Meppen

Learn about the history of the fortress or

› Become part of history with the “AR Tour” and

regarding the historically documented conquest of the

The city and the fortress played a role in 1638

For the “AR Tour,” you’ll need the game and puzzle map. You can pick one up at the Meppen Tourist Information Office, the Cultural Office, the Arenbergische Rentei, or the City Museum at the Koppelschleuse. Don’t have your own device? You can rent a mobile device for a deposit at the Meppen Tourist Information Office (TIM).