Bielefeld

Bielefeld, city in northwestern Germany at the foot of the Teutoburger Wald, in North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen). An industrial center, the city's manufactures include bicycles, motor vehicles, printed materials, machinery, sewing machines, processed foods, electronics, silks, and linens. An art museum, featuring displays of 20th-century painting, and Bielefeld University (1969) are in Bielefeld. The city was chartered in the early 13th century and joined the Hanseatic League in 1270. Bielefeld's industrial focus has resulted in serious air and water pollution problems. Population (2005 estimate) 328,000.