From gate to gate through the Münsterland

Crossing the Bever, you cycle a short distance near the riverbank and then reach the gates of Vinnenberg Monastery: the monastery was inhabited and cared for by Cistercian and Benedictine nuns for over 800 years. Especially the pilgrimage church "Our Lady of the Kingdom of Heaven" attracts numerous pilgrims to the historic site. They all want to marvel at the Vinneberg image of grace and enjoy it in peace. The monastery itself is now a seminar and retreat house of the Münster diocese.

The route continues in the direction of Glandorf. This is where it gets "bordery"! Along the border to the Osnabrück region as well as the state border to Lower Saxony, you cycle through Füchtorf towards the unique double castle complex Harkotten : A real highlight of the castles and fortress region! Make sure you cycle to the Harkotten manor house . When you pass the gate behind the bridge, you will already recognise the coat of arms of the von Korff family. The von Korff family welcomes registered guests here with personal guided tours of the classicist manor house and shows the freshly restored frescoes by the painter Philipp Ferdinand Ludwig Bartscher. A visit to the castle's own Wappensaal café is a must.

At the manor house it is worth leaving the Leeze behind and venturing into the Harkotten forest. In the Wappensaal you will receive a hiking map that suggests several routes. Here you can walk along the paths of the ancestors and encounter unique natural monuments such as the Liebestanne. The longest trail takes you around the properties of the double castle complex to Harkotten Castle. The castle, which is privately owned, can be admired across the moat and offers an impressive sight.

It's hard to tear yourself away from this special site. But the green path towards Sassenberg is a good compensation. The next destination is the popular bathing lake Feldmarksee. A short swimming break in good weather should therefore be planned. The lake offers pedal boat hire for those who don't like swimming.

Cycle through the Feldmark recreation area, past some beautiful, shady forest playgrounds and rest areas, past the wooded outskirts of Sassenberg until you reach Haus Schücking: A beautiful town palace. The exterior façade of the single-storey brick building leaves no doubt: we are standing at the gates of a typical Schlaun building!

After this gem of the castles and palaces region, you're already heading home. On the way back to Warendorf, you will pass the Jungferngraben - a picturesque place where you can take some great photos of this picturesque spot in the Ems meadows. You cycle through the Emssee Park towards the historic town centre of Warendorf. A short break at the Marienbrunnen fountain will make you aware of the magical atmosphere of this town. The history of the town is told in several places in the decentralised town museum. One of these places is the Bispinck House, which is the last architectural highlight of the route. You will now happily pass through the Münstertor gate once again and have completed your route through the eastern Münsterland from gate to gate!

Travelling to Warendorf is recommended both by train and by car , as the connections are good and regular and there is free parking at the station.

There is also a bike station at the station where you can also charge your e-bike free of charge. In Warendorf itself there are several addresses where bicycles can be rented locally.