The Twinning

The twinning was initiated by the then Deputy Mayor of Kendal, John Studholme. At a public meeting in July 1991 a shortlist of four potential twin towns was discussed, and the meeting voted for Rinteln, as it seemed to be the most similar in characteristics to Kendal. The Kendal-Rinteln Association was formed, and the partnership was officially started by the signing of the Twinning Charter on Torchlight evening in 1992.

Rinteln with its small but fine Altstadt (old town) is considered a jewel of the Weser Renaissance (1520-1620). The historic centre with its market place is decked out with gorgeous bay windows, gables, shell ornaments, fan-rosettes, scrolls, cornices and a host of timber frames. A wonderful setting in the Weser Renaissance style, therefore, which, thanks to a new pedestrian zone can be enjoyed even better.

The Ratskeller in the market place


Timber framed building with St Nikolai church


Rinteln area seen from Schaumburg