Road of 100 Castles - Münsterland
Germany, Netherlands Bike Tours
Castles and charm on a bike tour in Germany
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7–8 days
- Prices from€729 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
On this bike tour in Germany (and on the 8-day version you actually venture into Holland), you will cycle through beautiful villages and farmland with views of castles, baroque palaces, former courts, and ancient country estates.
The traditional German word "Pättkes" is used to describe the small paths leading slightly off the beaten track that people have been using for decades. This sparsely populated area of countryside, dotted with farms surrounded by stately oaks and characterized by flat fields, pastures, and meadows, is like a giant park, harmoniously landscaped yet offering incredible variety.
The history of this lovely region stretches right back to Roman times with a number of relics from a turbulent past. You will find something to suit every taste, at every age. At the end of the day, you can share your cycling tour highlights over a meal featuring excellent regional specialties and savor the hearty German beer!
Highlights
- Münster
- Münster Castle and historic townhall
- Wasserburg Hülshoff
- Darfeld Castle
- Varlar Castle
- St. Lamberti Church with its Baroque tower
- Vischering Castle in Lüdinghausen
- Seppenrade, one of the Village of Roses
- Longinusturm, the highest peak in Münsterland
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Itinerary
7 Day Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Münster
Day 2: Münster - Billerbeck, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Billerbeck round trip, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 4: Billerbeck - Lüdinghausen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Lüdinghausen round trip, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Lüdinghausen - Münster, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 7: Departure from MünsterDay 1: Arrival in Münster
Münster, a perfect starting point, enchants with old gabled houses, art museums, the cathedral, the Peace Hall, the principal market, Lake Aa, student pubs and so much more. Come early and take a tour by bike in the city center of Münster.
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel MövenpickDay 2: Münster - Billerbeck, 22 mi. (35 km)
Be sure to walk around the old town of Münster on the famous promenade, past the castle, before you cycle out of the city into the green Münsterland parkland. Take a worthwhile break on "Rüschhaus House" with the Droste-Hulshoff Museum and Castle Hülshoff with an extensive park system. Visit Havixbeck the interesting sandstone museum and make a stop in one of the lovely cafes and pubs along the way. The highest peak in the whole Münsterland is the Longinusturm, with its fantastic panoramic view and a real highlight at this stage. Your day's destination is medieval Billerbeck, nestled in the mountain range of Baumberge.Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Domschenke
Enjoy the furnished rooms with attention to detail and the fine cuisine of the house.Day 3: Billerbeck round trip, 29 mi. (46 km)
Through the lovely parkland of Westmünsterland you will cycle to the enchanting castle Darfeld and the chateau Varlar, which are both privately inhabited. Sparse forests accompany you to the beautiful city of Coesfeld. Try to visit the Lamberti church in the central square and take a break in the quaint local pub brewery, Stephanus. In the afternoon you will reach the foothills of the Baumerge, passing remote farms, and then you cycle along the Berkel back to Billerbeck.Day 4: Billerbeck - Lüdinghausen, 28 mi. (45 km)
There is much to see on this day! Nottuln, with its historic Baroque center, whose Stiftsplatz is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Münster region for one. Visit the oldest blue printing plant in Westphalia and watch the production of blankets and curtains. You continue then on the famous "Castle Route" and cycle through open fields and meadows to the Castle Senden, passing Castle Kakesbeck to Lüdinghausen with its medieval fortress 'Burg Vischering'. The castle with its drawbridge is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany.Accommodation: Charming City Hotel No. 11
You will find the charming Stadthotel No. 11 tucked away in the middle of the pedestrian precinct. Although newly constructed in 2014 the building blends perfectly with the surrounding old town thanks to the use of materials from other historic buildings. This hotel has been honored status in the Michelin Guide, achieving one of the highest accolades, shown as a small red house, which denotes a particularly comfortable hotel.Day 5: Lüdinghausen round trip, 28 mi. (45 km)
After a few kilometers, you will reach Castle Nordkirchen, also know as the "Westphalian Versailles". Not only is the interior with ornate plaster ceilings, the precious paintings, the tall columns, the black marble fireplaces are worth seeing, but also the extensive park with its beautiful gardens and the Orangery. You then cycle to Selm, where at the beach on Ternscher See you can go for a refreshing swim. You then bike in the afternoon on the "Castle Route" route back to Lüdinghausen.Day 6: Lüdinghausen - Münster, 24 mi. (39 km)
This morning, following the famous "Pättkes" through the typical parkland landscape, you reach the small town of Ottmarsbocholt, with its historic grain windmill. On the "Castle Route" you cycle to the Dortmund-Ems Canal, which is the largest stretch of water through the Munsterland and leads you now to Münster. Enjoy the last few kilometers of the trip through the "Old Port" of the city, which in recent years has become the most popular meeting place for students due to the multiple eateries.Accommodation: varies
Day 7: Departure from Münster
With many memories and impressions of your ride through the heart of the Münsterland, your tour ends after breakfast and check-out.8 Day Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Münster
Day 2: Münster - Schöppingen, 51 km
Day 3: Schöppingen - Zwillbrock, 60 km
Day 4: Zwillbrock - Bocholt, 49 km
Day 5: Bocholt - Coesfeld, 63 km
Day 6: Coesfeld - Lüdinghausen, 52 km
Day 7: Lüdinghausen - Münster, 55 km
Day 8: Departure from MünsterView all our featured bike trips, specials, and news along with 100s of other other bike tours in Europe.
Hotels & Bikes
On the 7 day tour, you stay in stylishly decorated hotels with a special flair and on the 8-day tour, you have a choice, between Category A (comfortable middle-class hotels) and Category B (smaller family-run inns and hotels).
Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations in double/twin room with private bath
- Breakfast
- 27-speed touring bicycle (high handlebars and upright riding position) in either men or women’s frames equipped with gel saddle, chain guard, and waterproof pannier.
- Luggage transfer
- Route book and map (German language) and tourist information (English)
- Signposted route
- Preloaded GPS device or GPS tracks
- 7 day hotline
What’s Not Included
- Individual arrival to your first hotel
- Security deposit for GPS rental
- Meals other than breakfast
- Tourist tax to be paid at hotel locally
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
7-day tour
Every Sunday from April 18 to October 17, 2021
Season 1: April 18 to April 25 & October 3 to October 17, 2021
Season 2: May 5 to September 26, 20218-day tour
Every Saturday and Sunday from April 17 to October 17, 2021
Season 1: April 17 to April 25 & October 2 to October 17, 2021
Season 2: May 1 to September 26, 2021Special departure dates can be arranged for groups of at least 6.
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
7 Day Tour
Season 1
Twin/double: $ 1233 £ 635 $ 1,094 € 729 kr 110727 ₪ 2953 ¥ 120592 Mex$ 13610 NZ$ 1329 NOK 8610 kr 8433 $ 809
Single room: $ 1566 £ 807 $ 1,390 € 926 kr 140650 ₪ 3751 ¥ 153180 Mex$ 17288 NZ$ 1689 NOK 10936 kr 10713 $ 1,027
Season 2
Twin/double: $ 1333 £ 687 $ 1,183 € 788 kr 119689 ₪ 3192 ¥ 130352 Mex$ 14712 NZ$ 1437 NOK 9306 kr 9116 $ 874
Single room: $ 1666 £ 858 $ 1,479 € 985 kr 149611 ₪ 3990 ¥ 162940 Mex$ 18390 NZ$ 1796 NOK 11633 kr 11395 $ 1,092
8 Day Tour
Season 1
Category A Category B Twin/double $ 1313 £ 676 $ 1,165 € 776 kr 117866 ₪ 3143 ¥ 128367 Mex$ 14488 NZ$ 1415 NOK 9165 kr 8977 $ 861 $ 1211 £ 624 $ 1,075 € 716 kr 108753 ₪ 2900 ¥ 118442 Mex$ 13368 NZ$ 1306 NOK 8456 kr 8283 $ 794 Single room $ 1685 £ 868 $ 1,495 € 996 kr 151282 ₪ 4034 ¥ 164760 Mex$ 18595 NZ$ 1816 NOK 11763 kr 11522 $ 1,105 $ 1443 £ 743 $ 1,281 € 853 kr 129562 ₪ 3455 ¥ 141105 Mex$ 15925 NZ$ 1555 NOK 10074 kr 9868 $ 946 Season 2
Category A Category B Twin/double $ 1421 £ 732 $ 1,261 € 840 kr 127587 ₪ 3402 ¥ 138954 Mex$ 15683 NZ$ 1532 NOK 9921 kr 9718 $ 932 $ 1260 £ 649 $ 1,118 € 745 kr 113158 ₪ 3018 ¥ 123239 Mex$ 13909 NZ$ 1359 NOK 8799 kr 8619 $ 826 Single room $ 1793 £ 924 $ 1,591 € 1060 kr 161003 ₪ 4294 ¥ 175347 Mex$ 19790 NZ$ 1933 NOK 12519 kr 12263 $ 1,176 $ 1492 £ 769 $ 1,324 € 882 kr 133967 ₪ 3573 ¥ 145902 Mex$ 16467 NZ$ 1608 NOK 10417 kr 10203 $ 978 Extra Options
Electric bicycle: $ 186 £ 96 $ 165 € 110 kr 16708 ₪ 446 ¥ 18196 Mex$ 2054 NZ$ 201 NOK 1299 kr 1273 $ 122
Deposit for GPS rental with tracks: $ 85 £ 44 $ 75 € 50 kr 7594 ₪ 203 ¥ 8271 Mex$ 933 NZ$ 91 NOK 591 kr 578 $ 55
Extra nights in Münster
7-day tour
Twin/double: $ 132 £ 68 $ 117 € 78 kr 11847 ₪ 316 ¥ 12903 Mex$ 1456 NZ$ 142 NOK 921 kr 902 $ 87
Single room: $ 186 £ 96 $ 165 € 110 kr 16708 ₪ 446 ¥ 18196 Mex$ 2054 NZ$ 201 NOK 1299 kr 1273 $ 122
8-day tour
Category A Category B Twin/double $ 122 £ 63 $ 108 € 72 kr 10936 ₪ 292 ¥ 11910 Mex$ 1344 NZ$ 131 NOK 850 kr 833 $ 80 $ 101 £ 52 $ 90 € 60 kr 9113 ₪ 243 ¥ 9925 Mex$ 1120 NZ$ 109 NOK 709 kr 694 $ 67 Single room $ 179 £ 92 $ 159 € 106 kr 16100 ₪ 429 ¥ 17535 Mex$ 1979 NZ$ 193 NOK 1252 kr 1226 $ 118 $ 164 £ 85 $ 146 € 97 kr 14733 ₪ 393 ¥ 16046 Mex$ 1811 NZ$ 177 NOK 1146 kr 1122 $ 108 Child discounts are available.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
Depending on what length tour you choose, you will have an easy to moderate holiday. The 8-day version has longer daily distances and therefore has been given a moderate rating. The Münsterland is crisscrossed by well-maintained bicycle paths and small roads that are suitable for cycling. Also, forest paths, hiking trails and roads are built into the cycle network and offer great variety in the saddle. You cycle along the typical “Pättkes”, mostly on flat paved roads and sometimes on forest and hiking trails. No worries about getting lost in Münsterland’s parks because it is the first region in Europe that consistently signposted its cycling network with over 4,500-km of bike trails.
Airport Info
The most practical international airport to arrive to for your tour start in Münster is Düsseldorf (DUS). Another option is the smaller but closer Münster Osnabrueck International Airport (FMO).
Local Travel
Düsseldorf (DUS):
There are two train stations in the Düsseldorf Airport, both inter city and regional. Train travel is approximately 1 1/2 hours and cost about €20. Taxi to first hotel. Münster Osnabrueck International Airport (FMO) Bus to Münster City Center. Travel time is 45 minutes. Cost is approx. €7.60. Taxi to first hotel.Climate
Please check local conditions before arrival. In Munster, the summers are comfortable and partly cloudy. If you travel in the spring, be sure to plan on layering as the average temperature in °F in April is 46°. Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit Munster for general outdoor activities is from late June to late August, with a peak score in the first week of August.
Day of Rest
If the tour is started on Saturday, clients may choose to remain an extra night on any one of the days.
Remarks
You will be provided with a GPS device from Garmin for the entire duration of your trip. Instead of reading the map and written directions, “simply” follow the route shown on the preset device. You will receive the device, together with a short briefing, at the reception desk of your initial hotel. A security deposit of €50 is required for the device.
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.Extra Stay
Additional nights possible in Münster before or after tour.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Velociped.
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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