Small round with big treasures
This cycle tour will make the hearts of families and children beat faster. Exciting highlights await you on the 22-kilometre short flying visit in the western Münsterland region around Isselburg and Anholt moated castle. Let yourself be enchanted by historical buildings, parks, culinary surprises and a magnificent landscape.
Let yourself be inspired
From the Netherlands to Switzerland
The starting point of the cycle tour is the impressive moated castle of Anholt in the westernmost tip of Münsterland. Even though the mighty castle attracts everyone's attention, hop on your bike and follow the cycle path in a small loop towards the north-west. After just a few minutes and only a few metres from the Dutch border, the cycle path turns south-east and heads through fields and meadows towards the Bocholter Aa.
The direct cycle path along the Bochholter Aa is beautiful: in the summer months, canoeists can always be seen on the idyllic river. Afterwards, you can really relax on the route as you cycle through lush greenery along the wide fields and the Suderwicker Venn nature reserve. As far as the view extends, you won't find any inclines here. The route continues through the Schüttenstein Forest and again along vast fields. Then you pass the centre of Isselburg. This is a good opportunity to pick up some more provisions. A short time later, you cross the blue ribbon of the Issel in a small wooded area of Anholter Schweiz.
Anholter Schweiz Biotope Wildlife Park
The biotope wildlife park, also affectionately known as "the showcase of nature" or "Anholter Schweiz", is definitely worth a visit! The extensive park landscape with its more than one hundred years of history is a retreat where you can switch off from everyday life in today's fast-paced world and simply unwind. Take your time and enjoy the unique nature with our native wildlife with more than 300 animals and 50 animal species. Feeding the animals is permitted with the food provided on site.
The highlight is the lake landscape modelled on Lake Lucerne with the "Swiss cottage". A unique setting in which to savour the homemade cakes.
The family-run Landhotel Brüggenhütte, located directly on the Aa and at the border crossing to the Netherlands, offers seasonal, fresh dishes and delicacies from the region in its restaurant - also known as the Schmugglerstube (smugglers' parlour): starters, soups, salads, dishes for small appetites and main courses - something for everyone. In the large beer garden, which is bordered by the Bochholter Aa river, you can get all your drinks and food at the self-service station.
Mighty walls - warm hospitality
Anholt moated castle is not considered one of the most beautiful moated castles in Münsterland for nothing: the view and the welcome are overwhelming. When you pass the imposing driveway to the moated castle, you are immersed in the world of castles and fortresses - let yourself be drawn in! You should park your bike here and take an extensive tour. First, head towards the museum, where you can take a tour of the impressive collection of paintings belonging to the Princes of Salm-Salm. There is also a porcelain collection, tapestries, old furniture, library, armoury, court kitchen, coin collection and much more from times long past. After many cultural insights into art and splendour, you can obtain admission coins for the Anholt moated castle park at the museum ticket office (even without visiting the museum).
The castle park is "a masterpiece of garden art". The 34-hectare, symmetrical park and garden complex with its many different tree and plant worlds, native waterfowl and extensive expanses of water will enchant you in the unique, romantic castle world.
Wasserburg Anholt offers a whole world of culinary delights. The "Wasserpavillon" restaurant stands out for its refined regional specialities. "Burgers from Münsterland veal" or "game stew from local hunting" attract gourmets from near and far. In addition to the excellent service, the restaurant surprises with its dreamlike location in the middle of the surrounding castle pond. The "castle terrace" is directly adjacent to the restaurant. One of the most beautiful places for coffee and cake in Münsterland.
Small round to great treasures at a glance
- approx. 22 km
- Circuit
- easy
- Day trip
- Castles/Animals
- Travel by car
- Child-friendly
- Isselburg
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Insider tip for families
If you want to take a short break on the first section to get in the mood, you can do so at the Hahnerfelder farm café and farm shop just 1 kilometre from the cycle path. Especially children's eyes light up here, because there is the opportunity to meet alpacas, chickens, goose, farm cats, goats and the two farm dogs. This makes the variety of animals on this day even richer. Freshly brewed coffee and home-made cakes will be on offer, and a small menu will also be available for the "hearty". The farm shop also invites you to browse, and maybe you'll pick up a tasty souvenir or two to take home?
Your journey
If you are travelling by car, you can park in the immediate vicinity of Anholt moated castle in Isselburg-Anholt and start your cycle tour straight away. The moated castle is easy to reach via the A3 motorway | Rees exit. Alternatively, you can also park at the Landhotel Brüggenhütte or the Hofcafé Hahnerfelder.
If you are travelling by public transport, it is best to use the Empel-Rees train station, which is around 6 kilometres away. The station is regularly served by regional trains from Arnhem, Düsseldorf, Duisburg and Oberhausen.
Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Anja Tiwisina
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