Cycling tour Built on sand

Take your time and explore the lively university city of Münster on your own. You should definitely visit the historic town hall on Prinzipalmarkt, the Picasso Museum, the cathedral or the LWL Museum of Art and Culture. On sunny days, a visit to the Aasee lake is just as rewarding as a walk through the botanical garden at the castle.

Today you will already experience some of the highlights of the tour. The old aristocratic palace Erbdrostenhof in the middle of the pedestrian zone in Münster is one of the most beautiful sandstone buildings in the world. On the outskirts of the city, Haus Rüschhaus is a real gem. The famous Westphalian poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff lived here. The Droste Museum in Rüschhaus keeps her memory alive. You can reach the poet's birthplace a few kilometres further on at Hülshoff Castle in Havixbeck. You will be fascinated by the extensive park and the castle. In the sandstone museum in Havixbeck you can admire the processing and use of natural stone. Look over the shoulder of the stonemasons and take a short break in the café of the winter garden. Your cycle tour continues along the quiet paths of the park landscape to Steinfurt-Borghorst.

The new day takes you to the idyllic Bagno Park after just a few metres. The centrepiece of the park is the historic concert gallery, where excellent concerts are held today. Only a few pedal turns further on, the moated castle of Steinfurt awaits you. The pretty gatehouse, which also marks the beginning of the picturesque old town , is particularly romantic. Beautiful houses not only form the backdrop to the market square, the buildings in the small side streets are also worth seeing. Garden lovers should not miss a short detour to the district educational garden.

Via Wettrigen with the Offlumer See lake, you reach Rheine on the Ems. The town shows its best side around the market square. Here you will also find the Falkenhof Museum, which is well worth a visit. Only a few kilometres to the north, directly on the Ems, is Bentlage Monastery. The monastery, with its interesting exhibitions and beautiful saline park, is not to be missed. The "Wet Triangle" is one of Hörstel's landmarks. This is where the Dortmund-Ems Canal and the Mittelland Canal meet. Gravenhorst Abbey, not far from Ibbenbüren, is another highlight of the cycle tour. The art house with café always offers interesting projects and exhibitions.

Today's stage starts with a hiking tip. On the way to the "Dörenthe" nature adventure park, you will reach the entrance to the Dörenther Klippen hiking area. A short hike takes you through dense forest to the striking rock formation, which offers a wide view of the Münsterland region. A great experience, especially in the light of sunrise. Only a few kilometres further on, take a tour of the "Naturagart" adventure garden with its numerous flower beds and ponds.

The climb up to the small town of Tecklenburg is definitely worth it. A magnificent view, the beautiful spa gardens and above all the half-timbered houses around the market square are worth the metres of ascent. Via Lengerich with its gatehouse "Der Römer" (The Roman), you finally reach your stage destination Ladbergen.

Today takes you further south into the flat region around Ostbevern. Near Ostbevern, you will discover a true treasure in the Münsterland region: Loburg Castle . Behind the picturesque castle is the wild and romantic park with quiet paths and dreamy ponds. Take a look at the village's parish church or the museum of historical washing technology. You are now approaching the stage destination of Warendorf. The town on the Ems is not only the cultural centre of south-eastern Münsterland, but also surprises with its beautiful old town, characterised by half-timbered houses and sandstone buildings. A special recommendation is a visit to the historic stables at the NRW State Stud.

The Ems and the EmsRadweg are your companions on the way from Warendorf to Telgte. The historic pilgrimage town offers a beautiful townscape. Half-timbered houses characterise the narrow streets, sandstone buildings like the pilgrimage chapel the cosy squares of the town. Plan a little more time to visit the town and the RELíGIO museum. Within sight of Münster, the Pleister Mill on the little river Werse is another nice place to stop for refreshments. Perhaps you'd like to try a canoe trip on the gentle waters. Only a few kilometres later you will have reached your starting point in Münster and can look back on an eventful and relaxing cycle tour.