Rindenmeer

Rindenmeer is a small municipality in the district of Gütersloh, located in the state of North Rhine‑Westphalia, Germany. As of the most recent census in 2023, the community had approximately 4 200 inhabitants. The village lies on the southern edge of the Teutoburg Forest, at an elevation of roughly 115 metres above sea level, and is characterized by a mixture of agricultural fields, mixed woodland and a modest network of streams that feed into the nearby Werre River.

The earliest documentary mention of Rindenmeer dates back to a 1249 deed in which the settlement was recorded under the name “Rindheim”. Throughout the Middle Ages the local economy was based on farming, timber extraction and small‑scale craft production. In the 19th century, the opening of a railway spur on the Lippstadt–Rheine line facilitated modest industrial growth, leading to the establishment of a few textile workshops which operated until the mid‑20th century.

Today, Rindenmeer’s economy is dominated by agriculture, with a focus on dairy farming and arable crops such as wheat and barley. A growing number of residents commute to nearby towns for work in services and manufacturing. The municipality maintains a cultural centre that hosts annual events, including a harvest festival and a folk music series, reflecting its rural heritage. Public amenities include a primary school, a sports field and a small library, while the surrounding forest provides recreational opportunities for hiking and nature observation. The local council, elected every five years, oversees community planning and maintains partnerships with neighboring municipalities in the Ostwestfalen‑Lippe region.