From Münster to Emden

From the bicycling stronghold of Münster through the regions park scenery and the vast plain of the Emsland to Emden. A cycling paradise: You will cycle on traffic-free paths, without gradients along the Ems and follow the Dortmund-Ems canal and the 100-Castle-Route. Breathe fresh sea air and discover numerous famous sights such as the Meyer shipyard and beautiful small towns that offer a rich cultural program. Allover, an excellent composition of natural landscape and cultural diversity.

1. day Arrival in Münster

There could be no better start for a bike tour than the bike city Münster! In Münster cyclists are the kings. By bike you will explore the the university town, the city palace and the traffic-calmed city center. There is much to discover!

2. day Münster - Rheine 65 km

A little wistfully, leave the bustling university city Münster. Soon you'll cycle through the green meadows of the EU Bird Protection Area "Riesenfelder". Spotted cows and farms will be your companion on the 100-Castles Route along the Ems river. Take a short breather in Greven and Emsdetten and enjoy the pretty town of Rheine with its historic town houses.

3. day Rheine - Lingen 40 km

Today you'llfollow once the Ems river, once the Dortmund-Ems-Canal and on your way you will see many passing ships. In Emsbüren you have the opportunity to visit the famous open air museum which gives deep insight into the working and living culture of the ancient people living in the Emsland. In Lingen you'll find many historical buildings from different areas and a beautiful traffic-calmed city center. And who knows, maybe you have the chance to experience Lingens international theater and music scene.

4. day Lingen - Meppen 36 km

Slowly but steady you'll breathe sea air! Take a worthwhile stopover in Groß Hespe to explore the “Emsland Moormuseum”. Your destination for today is Meppen, feel free to explore the town on your own initiative. Walk around the old city and climb on top of the complete preserved fortification ring (1360), visit the Provost church, the Jesuit residence and the renaissance town hall.

5. day Meppen - Papenburg 64 km

Today you'll discover old and modern. At first, you'll visit the interesting “Emslanddom” in Haren, than you'll make a small detour to see the Transrapid test track and finally you'll discover the old fen colony Papenburg. Have a walk through the beautiful center with its idyllic channels, wooden bascule and swing bridges and old sailing ships.

6. day Papenburg - Leer 40 km

And another highlight: In the morning you have the possibility to visit the Meyer shipyard, the largest indoor dry dock in the world (only with pre-registration). After this impressive tour you'll cycle along the Ems until Leer. Go for a walk and discover the beauty of this fishing town with its thousand-year history and its winding old streets.

7. day Leer - Emden 35 km

Today you get a healthy breeze of the North Sea. Arrived in Emden, the pretty seaport town on the Dollard, you have many possibilities: Make a harbour cruise, stroll through numerous museums or take a public guided city tour.

8. day Departure Emden

Individual departure. Who wants return to Münster can take the direct train that leaves hourly from Emden. After an relaxing two hour ride you'll be back in Münster.

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