Southern Münsterland
Germany Bike Tours
Rivers, castles, & enchantment
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€842 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
On this bike tour in Germany, you will cycle through the beautiful villages and farmland of Westphalia. The history of this lovely region reaches back to Roman times and its turbulent history is evident in the landscape and landmarks of the region. Your itinerary features castles, baroque palaces, former courts, and ancient country estates.
On the majority of days, two distance options are offered. The shorter route features more relaxed cycling. On either route, you will have time to take a closer look at the castles and palaces and linger at quaint cafés.
The "Pättkes" or traditional small cycle paths lead slightly off the beaten track and through a sparsely populated area of the countryside. Dotted with farms, flat fields, pastures, and meadows, the region is like a giant park, harmoniously landscaped yet offering incredible variety.
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
- Castle and historical town hall of Münster
- Forest area of Davert
- Castle Davensburg, Castle Nordkirchen (Wesphalia's Versailles), Lüdinghausen moated castle
- Nature reserve of Ichterloh
- Haus Klein-Schoenebeck estate
- Typical Westphalian architecture
- Cycling rural Münsterland
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Münster
Day 2: Münster – Davensberg, 21 or 36 mi. (33 or 58 km)
Day 3: Davensberg – Lüdinghausen, 24 or 31 mi. (39 or 49 km)
Day 4: Lüdinghausen – Senden, 24 or 36 mi. (39 or 58 km)
Day 5: Senden – Billerbeck, 21 or 32 mi. (33 or 51 km)
Day 6: Billerbeck – Münster, 24 mi. (38 km)
Day 7: MünsterAll distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions.
Day 1: Arrival in Münster
After you check-in at the hotel begins at 3 pm. You can settle in and visit the nearby city center. At Prinzipalmarket, lined with its gabled houses, the village square, and on the green Promenadenring, you will get your first glance of this charming city.Preferred hotel(s):
4* Hotel Kaiserhof (superior room): Just across from the Münster Main Station, this hotel is within walking distance of all the highlights.4* Atlantic Hotel (upgrade, supplement applies): Centrally located between the train station and the Promenade, this new hotel fuses urban architecture with exclusive design. The Skybar and the 380 sqm glazed events room (Engelsaal) on the 6th floor boasts a fantastic view of the Old Town and is truly one of a kind in Münster and the region as a whole. Supplement applies
Day 2: Münster – Davensberg, 21 or 36 mi. (33 or 58 km)
Along the Dortmund-Ems Canal and through Boniburger Wald, you reach the magical pilgrimage town of Telgte via Hansdorf. The city, with its Baroque chapel and busy market square, is located on the shore of the Ems, and is a popular destination for cyclists. Through meadows and fields, the route leads to the historical Pleistermühle Inn, nestled among the tall trees, and then to the romantic Werse River. From here, you cycle along the varied and enjoyable Werse Cycle Route. A magical view of Haus Bispink, near Rinkerode, and the feudal estate Haus Borg will be a highlight. The last part of this leg will lead you through the mysterious forest area of Davert, which is close to nature, and to Castle Davensburg.Preferred hotel:
3* Hotel Clemens-August: The Clemens-August Hotel is right in the center of Davensberg and in immediate proximity to the Davert Burgturm. Along with its particular location, the hotel stands out for its 'Westphalian' flair and the wonderful view of Deipenwiese park.
Day 3: Davensberg – Lüdinghausen, 24 or 31 mi. (39 or 49 km)
Today’s stage has two divine moated castles. First up, the Baroque Castle Westerwinkel. Then, through the Ichterloh Nature Reserve with its beautiful picnic place and 1,000-year old oak, you soon reach Castle Nordkirchen, also referred to as “Westphalia’s Versailles” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not only is the interior with ornate plaster ceilings, precious paintings, tall columns, and black marble fireplaces are worth seeing, but also the extensive park with its beautiful gardens and the Orangery. You continue to cycle along the charming Stever River to Lüdinghausen. Overnight stay near the castle buildings.Preferred hotel(s):
Hotel No 11: The Clemens-August Hotel is right in the center of Davensberg and in immediate proximity to the Davert Burgturm. Along with its particular location, the hotel stands out for its 'Westphalian' flair and the wonderful view of Deipenwiese park.Hotel Steverbett: The Steverbett is right on the Burgpark in Lüdinghausen. Only its namesake the Stever separates it from the park
Day 4: Lüdinghausen – Senden, 24 or 36 mi. (39 or 58 km)
Today starts with visits to Burg Lüdinghausen and Burg Vischering, beautiful fortified castles. You continue along Halterner Borkenberge towards the Halterner Stausee reservoir, a great place for a swim. On the northern side of the Borkenberge, you cycle through fields, forests, and meadows, mostly on the popular 100-castles route all the way to Haus Visbeck and further to Senden. The shorter route takes you along the Olfener Steverauen and into the rose village of Seppenrade before you cycle on the 100 Castles route to Senden.Preferred hotel:
4* Hofhotel Grothues-Potthoff: In 2015 it was opened near its own farm shop and café, a successful combination of modern and Westphalian flair.
Day 5: Senden – Billerbeck, 21 or 32 mi. (33 or 51 km)
Today’s cycling tour will lead you along the Stever river to Haus Klein-Schoenebeck, an estate from the 14th century. You then pedal through the park-like landscape of the Münsterland region and to Havixbeck. At the foot of the Baumberge, the route leads along the moated castle of Darfeld, one of the most impressive castle estates in the Münsterland, built on two islands. In the state-recognized resort town of Billerbeck, you will discover picturesque little storehouses at Johanneskirchplatz, inviting cafés, and restaurants. The shorter route takes you to the Westerberg, the highest point in the Münsterland. From the Longinus Tower, built of typical Baumberg sandstone, you have a magnificent view over the Münsterland and can already make out Billerbeck, the destination of today‘s stage. At the Kolvenburg, the romantic Martinikirchplatz, and in the town center around the cathedral, you will discover typical Westphalian architecture.Preferred hotel:
Hotel & Restaurant Mertens Ludgerusbrunnen: The Hotel Mertens is situated on the edge of the center of Billerbeck where tradition meets the modern. The historical center of the town is within walking distance.
Day 6: Billerbeck – Münster, 24 mi. (38 km)
Today you have plenty of time to discover all sides of Münsterland. The first stretch is along a track around the Baumberge Hills to the Schlauchbach stream and just before Havixbeck, you will find the impressive Castle Hülshoff in the middle of stunning grounds, the house in which poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff was born. Haus Vögeding and Haus Rüschhaus are two other estates worth seeing on the route. Another highlight awaits you at the end of the tour with the castle in Münster. Built by J. C. Schlaun, since 1954 it has housed the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität. Behind the castle, you will find the botanical garden and the castle garden café.Preferred hotel(s):
4* Hotel Kaiserhof (superior room): Just across from the Münster Main Station, this hotel is within walking distance of all the highlights.4* Atlantic Hotel: Centrally located between the train station and the Promenade, this new hotel fuses urban architecture with exclusive design. The Skybar and the 380 sqm glazed events room (Engelsaal) on the 6th floor boasts a fantastic view of the Old Town and is truly one of a kind in Münster and the region as a whole.
Day 7: Münster
End of the tour after breakfast or extension day.
Extension Day
Münster – Sculpture Projects, 11 mi. (18 km)
Booking an extra night gives you time to experience art in the open. Every 10 years the 'Skulptur Projekte' takes place in Münster and leaves its mark around the city by integrating some of the sculptures in the urban landscape.
You cycle towards Aasee, a large artificial lake in the center of Münster. 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 paved car-free boulevard laid along the city's old ring of fortifications and which takes you along a shady path once round the city center. Discover the city on foot and maybe end up looking for more sculptures.
It is worth visiting the Friedensaal in the Town Hall, Dom, and/or one of the many museums. Wander through the city in typical Westphalian calm by popping into one of the typical cafés, stroll around the 'Prinzipalmarkt' and bring your tour to a relaxing end.View all our tours in Germany and take a look at our specials and news along with hundreds of other trips in Europe and beyond.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
On each day’s details you will find the name(s) of the preferred hotel(s). There is an opportunity to upgrade in Münster. Supplement applies. Please note that the final hotel list will be based on availability.
Bicycles
Hybrid Bicycle
Exclusive for tour provider
- Aluminum step-through frame
- Small, medium, large frame sizes
- Front suspension
- Small, medium, large frame size
- 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 6 nights in 3 & 4 star hotels or equivalent to Westfalen-Charme Hotels incl. breakfast
- Tour descriptions & map
- Tourist information on the places of interest
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Service hotline
- Parking possible at the hotel (extra fee)
- App-supported navigation
- Dinners included is possible with supplement
- Bicycle rental
- Local tax
What’s Not Included
- Lunches
- Dinners (may be included with a supplement)
- Entrance fees
- City tax if applicable
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Arrival on Saturdays, Sundays, & Mondays from April 1 through September 30, 2023
Minimum number of participants: 2
Please Note
- Rates are 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
2023
Season 1 Season 2 Double room $ 1323 £ 764 $ 1,256 € 842 ₪ 3265 NZ$ 1452 NOK 9352 kr 9754 $ 946 $ 1386 £ 800 $ 1,315 € 882 ₪ 3420 NZ$ 1521 NOK 9796 kr 10217 $ 991 Single room $ 1653 £ 954 $ 1,569 € 1052 ₪ 4079 NZ$ 1814 NOK 11684 kr 12186 $ 1,182 $ 1842 £ 1063 $ 1,748 € 1172 ₪ 4544 NZ$ 2021 NOK 13017 kr 13577 $ 1,317 Extra Options
Bike rental options
E bike rental $ 195 £ 112 $ 185 € 124 ₪ 481 NZ$ 214 NOK 1377 kr 1436 $ 139 Bike rental extension (per day) $ 16 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 ₪ 39 NZ$ 17 NOK 111 kr 116 $ 11 E-bike rental extension (per day) $ 39 £ 23 $ 37 € 25 ₪ 97 NZ$ 43 NOK 278 kr 290 $ 28 Dinners included
Half board (4 x 3 course, 1 x 4 course menu) $ 322 £ 186 $ 306 € 205 ₪ 795 NZ$ 354 NOK 2277 kr 2375 $ 230 Half board extension $ 71 £ 41 $ 67 € 45 ₪ 174 NZ$ 78 NOK 500 kr 521 $ 51 Extra nights
Extra nights in Münster $ 135 £ 78 $ 128 € 86 ₪ 333 NZ$ 148 NOK 955 kr 996 $ 97 Upgrade Atlantic hotel (season 1+2) $ 165 £ 95 $ 157 € 105 ₪ 407 NZ$ 181 NOK 1166 kr 1216 $ 118 Extra night Atlantic hotel $ 156 £ 90 $ 148 € 99 ₪ 384 NZ$ 171 NOK 1100 kr 1147 $ 111 Single supplement on request 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. With an incline of approximately 237 meters, Day 4 is somewhat more demanding, but the climb to the end of the stage is still very easy to manage. This region in Europe is one of the first that consistently signposted its cycling network with over 4,500-km of bike trails. There are more than 3,000 direction signs and 15,000 small signs on the route guiding you on your way.
Airport Info
Fly to Münster-Osnabrück Airport (FMO).
Local Travel
You can take a shuttle bus from the airport to the city center or taxis are readily available.
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.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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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