Münster & the Surroundings
Germany Bike Tours
Park landscape & moated castles of the Münsterland
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length5 days
- Prices from€531 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bike tour in Germany is based in Münster, the "city of bicycles". The entire surrounding region features one of Germany's most extensive networks of bike paths. Once former smuggler's routes and agricultural roads, these "Pättken" form an extensive cycling infrastructure, perfect for scenic and leisure cycling.
This is not only a tour for those who love farmlands, manors, nature, moats, and castles, but a tour for those who love the energy of the city as well.
In addition to the outlying lands, Münster offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions that can be explored by bike. Discover the charm of the Prinzipalmarkt with its gabled buildings and enjoy a cup of coffee right on the Domplatz.
From your 4-star accommodation, you can choose from six different bike trips around Münster, highlighting the palaces, castles, and manors of the surrounding region. The sixth option leads through Münster's most beautiful district to various sculpture projects.
The minimum stay is 3 days/2 nights. We recommend extending your travel time so you can discover all the interesting places in and around Münster.
Highlights
- Lively, historic Münster
- Flexibility in your cycling days
- The pilgrimage town of Telgte
- Longinusturm Tower and views over Münsterland
- Werserradweg (cycling trail)
- Skulptur Projekte
- Rieselfelder, a European bird protection area
- Picturesque nature, legendary castles, and signposted cycling
Be sure to take a look at all our bike tours in Germany
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Münster
Arrive in Münster and settle in at your hotel and you can then begin your exploration of this energetic university city. The historical city center is a highlight with its charming Prinzipalmarkt square, lined with 48 gabled buildings. The Salzstrasse, or "salt road", is the oldest mercantile street in the city. Once a trade route, it is now the main shopping district. It is a dedicated pedestrian area buzzing with activity.Your subsequent days are entirely up to you! You will be provided route descriptions for seven different cycling itineraries and you decide! Your rental bike will be available from 10 am on the day of arrival and can be used until 6 pm on the day of departure.
- Tour 1: Haus Langen – Telgte, 28 mi. (45 km)
This route begins with a journey along the Dortmund-Ems Canal, guiding you through Boniburgerwald. As you follow the Werse River, you'll soon find yourself in the charming suburb of Handorf, also known as the "Dorf der großen Kaffeekannen" or the "village of the large coffee pots,". After crossing the Ems, you'll encounter Haus Langen and its neighboring nature conservation area, offering various viewing towers, platforms, and benches to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Continuing along the path, you will reach the quaint pilgrimage town of Telgte, where small half-timbered houses, a picturesque market square, and the Baroque pilgrimage chapel await. On the return journey to Münster, you'll pass through the Emsauerpark and the Delsener Heide before reaching the rural community of Kasewinkel. It is worth taking a break at Pleistermühle, a historic country inn with its own beer garden, before you return to the city of Münster along the tree-lined shores of the Werse
- Tour 2: Schloss Senden – Senden, 30 mi. (49 km)
This tour begins along the Aasee and takes you through Mecklenbeck and Albachten, ultimately leading to Schloss Senden. On the return journey, you'll follow the Dortmund-Ems Canal, passing by the Venner Moor and Hitruper See. Departing from the Aasee, you'll venture into the Mecklenbeck suburb, where you will pass Haus Ruhr, an 18th-century noble estate designed by Johann Conrad Schlaun. Your path will wind through woodlands and meadows until you reach the Stever River and its adjacent castle, featuring a charming café. Alternatively, you have the option to stop at Hof Grothues-Potthoff, where you can taste regional dishes and a variety of cakes. Just beyond Senden, you'll join the Dortmund-Ems Canal, guiding you past Hiltruper See and its harbor as you make your way back to Münster.
- Tour 3: Baumberge / Longinusturm – Havixbeck, 30 mi. (48 km)
This tour will take you to the Longinusturm, a structure perched on the highest point in Münsterland at 188 meters within the scenic Baumberge hills. Along the way, you'll encounter Burg Hülshoff, featuring its park and café, as well as Vögeding. The Longinusturm offers a magnificent panoramic view of Münsterland and was erected at the beginning of the 20th century, showcasing the typical lime sandstone of the Baumberg hills. For the return downhill journey, you'll cross the beautiful parkland which leads you back to the city. - Tour 4: Burg Hülshoff, 17 mi. (27 km)
This cycling excursion will guide you to one of the most renowned castles in Münsterland, Burg Hülshoff. Along the way, you'll encounter Schloss Münster, which stands as the largest property in Münster and has been home to the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität since 1954. Nestled behind the castle are the Botanical Gardens within the park. Your journey continues beyond Münster, passing by Haus Rüschhaus and arriving at Burg Hülshoff, which holds significance as the birthplace and childhood home of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. The return route will take you through Roxel, leading to the Aasee lake, and along Aaseeterrasse, ultimately bringing you back to the hotel.
- Tour 5: Rieselfelder Münster – Greven, 28 mi. - 37 mi. (44 km - 60 km)
Venturing through Rieselfelder, a nature and bird park, leads you to Greven and the captivating ruins of Burg Schöneflieth. Your journey begins with a scenic detour around the city of Münster along the promenade, passing by the Buddenturm, the last vestige of the old city wall. Traversing the historic Kreuzviertel, you'll cross the Aa to reach Rieselfelder, designated as a European bird protection area. This sanctuary offers refuge to endangered bird species and remains a cherished destination for Münster's residents. Just before arriving in Greven, you'll encounter the ruins of Burg Schöneflieth. Here, you'll have the option to visit the Sachsenhof open-air museum or return to Münster. On your homeward journey, follow the canal to the Münster locks and then continue through the Erphoviertel, ultimately leading you back to your hotel.
- Tour 6: Hohe Ward – Lake Hiltrup, 20 mi. (31 km)
You pedal along the Dortmund-Ems Canal to the forest area of Hohe Ward and onward to Hiltruper See. The Hohe Ward serves as a local recreation area. Shady paths lead through the nature reserve of Wolbecker Tiergarten to the stunningly beautiful Werserradweg (cycling trail). The way back passes the Drostenhof, a manor house dating back to the 16th century. Returning, you follow the meandering Werse River leading to the gates of Münster. After a short detour in Lütkenbeck, you will cycle back to the hotel.
- Tour 7: Münster – Sculpture Projects, 12 mi. (18 km)
On this route you will experience art in the open. The “Skulp-tur Projekte” art exhibition takes place in Münster every 10years. Some of the sculptures then become a fixed part of the urban landscape. Along with the “Skulptur Projekte”, there are other installations that you can visit today on your tour.You start off cycling towards Aasee, a large artificial lake in the centre of Münster with lovely lakeside paths. Here you will find the ‘Giant Pool Balls’ by Claes Oldenburg, perhaps the most well-known work of the Skulptur Projekte. Past the Wilhelms-Universität you continue to the promenade, a car-free boulevard laid along the city’s old ring of fortifications which takes you along a shady path around the city center. It is worth visiting theFriedensaal in the Town Hall, the St. PaulsDom with the world clock or one of the many museums
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- Tour 1: Haus Langen – Telgte, 28 mi. (45 km)
Map
Hotels & Bikes
There are two options for accommodations.
The 4-star Kaiserhof Hotel is located directly across from the Münster Main Station. The hotel offers spa services including a steam bath, a bio sauna, and a Finnish sauna. You will be accommodated in a superior room.
You can upgrade to the 4-star Atlantic Hotel, centrally located in Münster between the railway station and the Promenade. Unique in Münster and throughout the city is the bar on the 6th floor with a fantastic view over the historic city center.Bicycles
Standard Bicycle
Exclusive for tour provider
- Aluminum step-through frame
- Small, medium, large frame sizes
- Front suspension
- Puncture proof tires
- Shimano 7 speed gearing
- Coaster brake
- Padded comfort saddle
- Rear rack
- LED front & rear lights via battery operation
- Bottle cage
Accessories
- One 20 liters pannier bag
- Speedometer
Electric Bike
Velo de Ville Electric Bike
- Aluminum step-through frame
- Small, medium, large frame sizes
- Front suspension
- Small, medium, large frame size
- Shimano 8-speed gearing
- Bosch Active Plus motor
- 500 watt battery
- 80 - 150 km range
- Coaster brake
- Padded comfort saddle
- LED front & rear lights via battery operation
- Rear rack
- Bottle cage
Accessories
- One 20 liters pannier bag
- Speedometer
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 4 nights in a 4-star hotel
- Breakfast
- Tour descriptions & map
- Tourist information
- 7-speed unisex touring bike
- App-supported navigation
- Service hotline
- Tours according to the program
What’s Not Included
- Lunches & dinners
- Entrance fees
- Local tourist tax
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals are possible from April 1 through October 24, 2024
Minimum number of participants: 2
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Pricing is based on 5 day / 4 night stay. Extra nights possible below.
Season 1: April 1 - April 26 | June 30 - August 23
Season 2: April 27 - June 29 | August 24 - October 24Season 1 Season 2 Twin/double $ 897 £ 465 $ 797 € 531 kr 80980 ₪ 2152 ¥ 88904 Mex$ 9767 NZ$ 977 NOK 6312 kr 6212 $ 587 $ 965 £ 500 $ 857 € 571 kr 87080 ₪ 2314 ¥ 95602 Mex$ 10503 NZ$ 1050 NOK 6788 kr 6680 $ 631 Single supplement $ 397 £ 206 $ 353 € 235 kr 35838 ₪ 952 ¥ 39346 Mex$ 4322 NZ$ 432 NOK 2794 kr 2749 $ 260 $ 397 £ 206 $ 353 € 235 kr 35838 ₪ 952 ¥ 39346 Mex$ 4322 NZ$ 432 NOK 2794 kr 2749 $ 260 Upgrade to Atlantik Hotel (Season 1 & 2) $ 245 £ 127 $ 218 € 145 kr 22113 ₪ 588 ¥ 24277 Mex$ 2667 NZ$ 267 NOK 1724 kr 1696 $ 160 Extra Options
Bike rental
E-bike $ 169 £ 88 $ 150 € 100 kr 15250 ₪ 405 ¥ 16743 Mex$ 1839 NZ$ 184 NOK 1189 kr 1170 $ 110 Bike rental extension (per day) $ 29 £ 15 $ 26 € 17 kr 2593 ₪ 69 ¥ 2846 Mex$ 313 NZ$ 31 NOK 202 kr 199 $ 19 E-bike rental extension (per day) $ 59 £ 31 $ 53 € 35 kr 5338 ₪ 142 ¥ 5860 Mex$ 644 NZ$ 64 NOK 416 kr 409 $ 39 Dinner
Half board (dinners included) $ 319 £ 165 $ 284 € 189 kr 28823 ₪ 766 ¥ 31644 Mex$ 3476 NZ$ 348 NOK 2247 kr 2211 $ 209 Half board extension $ 76 £ 39 $ 68 € 45 kr 6863 ₪ 182 ¥ 7534 Mex$ 828 NZ$ 83 NOK 535 kr 526 $ 50 Extra nights
Extra night Hotel Kaiserhof
Twin/double $ 145 £ 75 $ 129 € 86 kr 13115 ₪ 348 ¥ 14399 Mex$ 1582 NZ$ 158 NOK 1022 kr 1006 $ 95 Single supplement $ 76 £ 39 $ 68 € 45 kr 6863 ₪ 182 ¥ 7534 Mex$ 828 NZ$ 83 NOK 535 kr 526 $ 50 Extra night Atlantic Hotel
Twin/double $ 167 £ 87 $ 149 € 99 kr 15098 ₪ 401 ¥ 16575 Mex$ 1821 NZ$ 182 NOK 1177 kr 1158 $ 109 Single supplement $ 76 £ 39 $ 68 € 45 kr 6863 ₪ 182 ¥ 7534 Mex$ 828 NZ$ 83 NOK 535 kr 526 $ 50 Bike rental included for 5 days. Any extra days will incur a daily fee.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
The route is predominately flat to slightly hilly and is over mostly tarmac cycle paths, paved tracks through fields and woods, with only a few sections over dirt roads.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start is Münster Osnabrück International Airport (FMO). It is a small airport located 30 km north of Münster.
Local Travel
Regular buses operate from outside the terminal into Münster. The S50 Express bus is the quickest option, taking about 45 minutes and costing approximately €7. The X150 service to Osnabrück central station takes 40 minutes and costs approximately €10. Both routes operate regularly throughout the day.
Climate
Germany on average has a temperate climate throughout the country. In Münster, from May through September the weather is very conducive to cycling. Even all through April and October, the weather, though cooler, is also favorable. Münster is known as the “city of bicycles” and the entire atmosphere in the city and the surroundings is extremely bicycle-friendly.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Travelydays.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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