Winter walks in the Münsterland
When frost freezes small lakes, hoarfrost transforms ferns and branches into works of art and fog accentuates the silence of the landscape, it's time for a winter walk in Münsterland. In warm boots, a cosy hat and a thick jacket, you will discover quiet paths and small wonders of nature. From the heights of the Tecklenburger Land to the heaths in the valley of the Lippe, the Münsterland gives you plenty of space to take a break from everyday life.
Rieselfelder in winter© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
It is a micro-adventure with North Sea flair very close to the city centre of Münster: the Rieselfelder. Numerous birds have found their home in the nature reserve. You can observe them particularly well from spring to autumn. But that doesn't mean it's not worth visiting in winter. When the reservoirs freeze over and the wet meadows glisten, the Rieselfelder exude a charm that is just as breathtaking as in the warmer months. There is a network of several hiking trails of varying lengths in the "nature experience area".
The wintry Nordkirchen Castle© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Nordkirchen Castle rises majestically from the surrounding parkland. Most visitors walk through the park to Venus Island. From here you have a wonderful view of the castle and the gardens of the castle park. The strictly formal park design is fascinating even in winter and contrasts beautifully with the nearby wooded areas. From the main entrance of the castle, the bat circular walk leads you through avenues in a wide arc past the orangery back to the castle and on to the town centre of Nordkirchen.
Length from the car park: approx. 5 kilometres
Bagno Park in winter© Münsterland e.V./Vincent Croce
Located near the old town centre of Burgsteinfurt, the nature reserve combines natural woodland, bodies of water and parkland. The park is of course worth a visit at any time of year, but there is something magical about the frozen Bagno Lake in the centre of the park. The paths through the park can be combined to create circular walks of different lengths. The classic circular walk is 3.5 kilometres long.
The wintry Westrup Heath© Münsterland e.V. / Philipp Fölting
In the winter months, the bizarre shapes of the juniper bushes are the stars of the heath. Knotty and overgrown, they resemble creatures from fables and fairy tales. The sandy paths lead through the stands of evergreen shrubs, which, by the way, can grow up to 600 years old. A good starting point for a walk is the "Westruper Heide" car park. In addition to the wide expanses of heath, there are also numerous mighty juniper bushes here. It is worthwhile to "hike" through the many areas of the heath. Again and again, new vantage points open up. However, the paths also allow numerous shortcuts.
Length: approx. 4 kilometres
Schloss Raesfeld im Winter© Münsterland e.V. / Philipp Fölting
A tour around Raesfeld Castle is one of the most impressive experiences in the western Münsterland region. The highest castle tower in Westphalia stretches up into the winter sky while you explore the circular paths in the historic zoo. The marked circular paths, up to 5 km long, lead through a magnificent winter landscape of forest, meadow and heath. At the end of the walk, the cafés in Freiheit will tempt you with a warm drink.
Walk along the Aassee of Münster© Münsterland e.V. / Moritz Nolte
Just a few metres from the city centre, the Aasee lake in Münster welcomes you. Where joggers, picnic fans and sun worshippers cavort in summer, a soothing silence spreads in winter. Beautiful circular paths between 3 and 7 kilometres long lead through the Aaseepark with its remarkable sculptures. The Freilichtmuseum Mühlenhof, located directly on the Aasee, offers a journey through the history of the Münsterland region.
Triple arch bridge© Münsterland e.V./Stefanie Nacke
Original river courses and unspoilt landscapes: The Stever floodplains in Olfen are a nature reserve where many animals have found their home. In winter, animal encounters are rarer than in summer, but nature is no less beautiful. The Münsterländer Steverauenweg trail takes you through this picturesque natural idyll. It passes meadows, small forests and the River Stever and there are great viewpoints every now and then. One of the most popular photo motifs is the three-arch bridge.
Length: 8 km
Mouflon in the Holy Sea nature reserve© Münsterland e.V./Vincent Croce
Water, forest and meadows are also beautiful to look at in winter! Thanks to its relatively short length and easy difficulty level, the Teutoschleife Heiliges Meer is also recommended in the cold season. The sinkhole lakes in particular, especially the Holy Sea, give this tour its unique character - hence the name!
Length: 9 km
Map | Winter Walks
Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Anja Tiwisina
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