© Europaradweg R1_D3/Thomas Koy
Experience historic cities
On the R1 European cycle route from Münster to Detmold
If you only want to cycle a small section of the R1 European Cycle Route, the so-called "cultural stories" could be just right for you. They combine thematically matching, consecutive stages and can be cycled as day tours for two to three days. As the name suggests, the routes take you past regional cultural highlights and historical locations.
On the "Experience historic towns" stage, you can take a closer look at charming town centres. They "tell" of the exciting past of towns from Münsterland to Ostwestfalen-Lippe. Between the towns, the rural idyll awaits you as a beautiful contrast. In Münsterland, the landscapes tend to be flat, inviting you to cycle quickly, after which it becomes increasingly hilly.
Let yourself be inspired
European history and building culture
Did you know that the Westphalians played a pioneering role in opening up markets in the North and Baltic Sea region and thus in the founding of the Hanseatic League? Until the 14th century, famous trade routes ran through the region, where linen, cloth and metal products were manufactured. The Hanseatic cities of Westphalia benefited economically from this - this can still be seen today in the cityscapes, e.g. in the magnificent town halls and trading houses. Some names, such as Münster's Hanseatic Quarter, can also be traced back to the Hanseatic period.
So get on the Leeze: immerse yourself in European history and architectural culture on this stage of the R1 European Cycle Route!
Video | Experience historic cities
Historical places on this cultural history
© Europaradweg R1_D3/Thomas Koy
Tradition meets modernity in Münster: the city thrives on charming contrasts. Anyone strolling through Münster will see 1200 years of history come alive in the cityscape. Of particular interest is the Prinzipalmarkt, Münster's "parlour" and the city's landmark. With its characteristic gabled houses and archways, it tells the story of the life and work of merchants from the Middle Ages through the Hanseatic League era to the present day. World history was even written in the historic town hall, as two peace treaties were signed here. You can't miss St Paul's Cathedral on the square.
© Münsterland e.V./Maximilian Lehrke
The town, which is around 1200 years old, is known as a place of pilgrimage and has one of the most beautiful old town centres in Münsterland. The biggest attraction is still the pilgrimage chapel with its 600-year-old Pietá. The RELíGIO - Westphalian Museum of Religious Culture is located in the immediate vicinity of the chapel. Idyllic alleyways, squares and niches in Telgte's old town also reflect the medieval structures and create a particularly cosy atmosphere.
© Münsterland e.V./Kai Marc Pel
Warendorf - the "horse metropolis" of the Münsterland region. A visit to the Warendorf State Stud is an absolute must for all horse and riding enthusiasts. It is the centre of horse breeding and equestrian sport. Guided tours are also offered here. The town also has a beautiful old town centre with a large number of historic houses and many stories and events that have taken place in and around the buildings.
© Münsterland e.V. / Philipp Fölting
With its many historic buildings, Wiedenbrück can look back on more than 1000 years of history. The former town of Osnabrück has a long trading tradition and it shows. Over 200 buildings are listed here! Rheda-Wiedenbrück has been united as a twin town since 1970. The 3 kilometre-long Flora-Westfalica Park connects Wiedenbrück's old town with Rheda Castle like a green ribbon.
© Europaradweg R1_D3/Thomas Koy
The former count's residence and state capital can look back on an eventful history and this can also be seen in the cityscape. In the historic centre, for example, many half-timbered houses with centuries-old inscriptions are listed buildings. The imposing town hall is the town's landmark, but the former Franciscan monastery and Haus Münte, from where Vienna's official business was once conducted, are also well worth a visit.
© Europaradweg R1_D3/Thomas Koy
Detmold, a beautiful cultural town on the Teutoburg Forest. More than 700 architectural monuments characterise the townscape of the largest town in the district of Lippe. The market square with the Donop Fountain forms the centre of the old town. Small alleyways with half-timbered buildings also tell exciting stories. The region's landmark, however, is the Hermann Monument, which stands 386 metres above Detmold and commemorates the "Battle of the Teutoburg Forest".
Cultural history at a glance
- 162 km
- Route tour
- easy
- signposted
- Multiday tour
- Town centres/nature
- Münster
- Telgte
- Warendorf
- Harsewinkel
- Gütersloh
- Havixbeck
- Rietberg
- Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock
- Hövelhof
- Detmold
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Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Anja Tiwisina