From Münster to Emden at the North Sea
The Ems rises at the foot of the Teutoburg Forest and, at 371 km, is one of the most important rivers in northern Germany. You start the cycle tour in Münster, a city renowned for cycling and also a university town, and cycle quickly through the beautiful parkland of the Münsterland region. Your cycle path leads partly along the famous 100 Castles Route and partly directly along the Ems. The small town of Rheine boasts historic town houses, a monastery complex and a salt works, while Lingen attracts visitors with its pretty, traffic-calmed town centre. Look forward to Meppen, located at the confluence of the Hase and Ems rivers, where you can cycle around the town on the completely preserved city fortifications dating from 1360. The Ems Cycle Route takes you further and further towards the North Sea, past the impressive Emsland Cathedral in Haren to Papenburg with its pretty wooden bascule and swing bridges. In Leer, marvel at the old fishing and seafaring town as you stroll through the old town streets. Your route on the Ems Cycle Route continues north, crossing the Ems one last time to reach your destination in the Dollard town of Emden, where you can end your cycle tour with an interesting harbour tour.
