EmsRadweg
© EmsRadweg
On the Ems Cycle Route from the Senne to the North Sea
The Ems is only passable for ships when it has already completed half of its journey. Cyclists, on the other hand, can follow Germany's smallest river from its source. From the source at the edge of the Teutoburg Forest, the Ems Cycle Path follows the water to where the Ems flows into the North Sea near Emden. On the way, a varied landscape and towns worth seeing such as Warendorf and Telgte beckon.
No climbs through northern Germany
The river cycle path leads through the countryside on quiet, asphalted paths away from busy roads, with almost no ascents. The route begins directly at the Ems springs near Hövelhof at the foot of the Teutoburg Forest and meanders through the Paderborn Land and Gütersloh Land regions. Historic towns with half-timbered houses and the Flora Westfalica nature and recreation park characterise the unspoilt landscape.
By the way: If you don't want to plan your own cycling tour on the EmsRadweg, you can take advantage of the multi-day package tours. Whether sporty or leisurely - the choice is yours.
Let yourself be inspired
through the picture-book landscape of the Ems meadows
You cycle along the paradisiacal Ems floodplains through the parkland of the Münsterland region. The Ems floodplains are certainly one of the most beautiful sections of German river cycle paths. This is due to the varied route of the cycle path, which sometimes leads to the left, sometimes to the right of the Ems or on small detours through parks and city centres. Along the way, observation towers, footbridges and information boards along the Ems cycle path inspire new views.
Maritime final stage
The Ems then reaches the green expanse of the Emsland - a region that combines nature and shipping tradition in a special way. Things get really maritime when the river cycle route reaches East Frisia. Here you can already sense the sea and almost get a whiff of the sea air. The Ems finally flows into the North Sea at Emden - the crowning glory of a trip on the Ems Cycle Path along and with the idyllic Ems.
The most beautiful sights along the Ems Cycle Route
© Heimsath
The source of the Ems is located in the small town of Hövelhof near Paderborn. However, it is not just one spring, but numerous seepage springs. You can learn more about the "birth" of the Ems and its 375-kilometre course to the North Sea at the information centre.
© Projektbüro Emsradweg
Since 1991, the largest artificially created biotope in NRW has developed into an important retreat for rare birds and insects. In the Steinhorst Basin, flood protection has been combined with nautical protection in an exemplary way. The shallow water zones fed by the Ems attract countless migratory birds every year.
© Stadt Rietberg
The small town of Rietberg enchants with its picturesque old town. Beautiful and lovingly renovated half-timbered houses line the alleys of the town and exude a very special charm. Rietberg's historic town hall is particularly worth seeing.
© Projektbüro EmsRadweg
Rheda Castle is considered the landmark of the town of Rheda-Wiedenbrück. The mighty and historic building is framed by the historic old town. Wonderful sights such as the Ratskeller, the historic town hall or the Diedrichs altar building workshop invite you to visit the town.
© Stadt Harsewinkel
The Cistercian monastery of Marienfeld near Harsewinkel looks back on an eventful history. The monastery was one of the most important in Westphalia. It reached the peak of its importance from the 12th to the 15th century. The parish church, which is well worth seeing, still attracts many visitors today. The monastery sees itself as a place of rest and meeting.
© Münsterland e.V. / Philipp Fölting
For over 185 years, the NRW State Stud in Warendorf has been dedicated to horse breeding and established Warendorf's reputation as the "capital of horses". The historic stables and especially the unique events such as the "Stallion Parades" and the "Symphony of Stallions" are true visitor magnets.
© Münsterland e.V. / Kai Marc Pel
You will immediately feel at home here. Around the market square, in the shadow of the mighty church, picturesque alleys stretch through the town and to the banks of the Ems. Numerous half-timbered houses and sandstone buildings create a wonderful townscape that invites you to stay a while.
© Münsterland e.V./Maximilian Lehrke
The Ems river is as much a part of Telgte's townscape as the half-timbered houses, alleys and beautiful squares where locals and visitors meet. A distinctive cultural programme is guaranteed not to leave you bored. A special sight is the famous pilgrimage chapel of Telgte.
© Münsterland e.V. / Kai Marc Pel
The Sachsenhof of Greven is located in the immediate vicinity of the Ems. The reconstruction of a 1,200-year-old Saxon farmstead offers an interesting insight into early medieval living habits. Several buildings and craftsmen's workshops are worth a stop during the cycle tour.
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
To the north of Rheine, the Ems Cycle Path leads directly to Bentlage Monastery. Take time to visit the monastery and its exhibitions or browse through the books of the "German Fairy Tale Society". The café invites you to take a break and the extensive garden leads you to the beautifully landscaped salt works. A real highlight on the Ems Cycle Route.
© Emsland Touristik
The Emsland Moor Museum near Geeste is a must on your cycling tour. In the exhibition halls and the large outdoor area you can experience the moor with all your senses. The exhibition shows how the moor is treated, sheds light on the peat industry, explains why moor protection is so important and shows some impressive machines such as the "Mammut" deep plough.
© Maximilian Semsch/Emsradweg
The Haren Maritime Museum is located directly on the Haren-Rütenbrock Canal. In some of the ships of the museum fleet and in the lock keeper's house you can learn more about shipping on the Ems. Nautical science, shipbuilding and the history of Haren are the focus of the exhibition with numerous interesting exhibits.
© Papenburg Marketing / Patrick Anneken
The Altenkamp manor house near Papenburg impresses with its outstanding architecture. The architect Peter Proctorius skilfully used artistic elements that still impress today. The manor is framed by the magnificent gardens. The art exhibition at Gut Altenkamp is of outstanding importance.
© Meyer Werft - Ingrid Fiebak
A visit to the ocean giants. Papenburg and the world's most beautiful cruise ships are inevitably associated with the Meyer Werft shipyard on the Ems. On a tour you can look behind the scenes of the shipyard and learn more about its history and future.
© Maximilian Semsch/Emsradweg
Leer's historic town hall is worth a visit on its own. Together with the old town directly on the water and the harbour, the building forms a triad worth seeing. Enjoy the atmosphere of the city during a relaxed stroll through the alleys.
© Maximilian Semsch/Emsradweg
The picture-book village of Ditzum greets you within sight of the North Sea. The small fishing village on the Dollart shines with its neat houses, cosy alleys and the beautiful harbour with its refreshment stops. The Ems ferry, built in 1926, takes you to the harbour of Petkum on the other side of the Ems.
© Holger de Vries
Not only does the Ems Cycle Route end at the seaport of Emden, the Ems also flows into the North Sea here. From Germany's westernmost port, over a million cars are shipped all over the world every year. At the end of the cycle tour, discover the world of the Dollart or treat yourself to a few days off on the island of Borkum.
Insider tip
Münster market square© Münsterland e.V./Jan-Simon-Krüger
The Ems Cycle Route passes Münster in only about 13 kilometres. Take the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Numerous famous sights await you, such as the Prinzipalmarkt, the Westphalian Peace City Hall, the Museum of Art and Culture or the cathedral. Münster is also known for its excellent gastronomic offer, the many nightlife options and a very special flair.
The Ems Cycle Route at a glance
- 385 km
- Route tour
- easy
- signposted
- Multiday tour
- Nature/Places
- Luggage transfer
- Hövelhof
- Rietberg
- Rheda-Wiedenbrück
- Warendorf
- Telgte
- Greven
- Emsdetten
- Rheine
- Lingen
- Meppen
- Papenburg
- Empty
- Emden
Downloads
Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Anja Tiwisina