Itinerary
Münsterland round tour for connoisseurs
Rivers, castles and sandstone architecture
8 days / 7 nights | Self-guided cycling tours
The route through the green park landscape of the Münsterland takes you along natural cycle paths lined with rampart hedges and gnarled pollarded willows. Alongside smaller Westphalian manor houses and old country estates, you will discover the most famous castles of the Münsterland on this tour: Nordkirchen Castle, Vischering Castle and Hülshoff Castle. On this cycle and hotel tour you will stay in a hotel for two nights each. Every two days you have time for a day‘s round trip or a rest day with sightseeing or just a short bike ride. Some of the most beautiful buildings made of the typical sandstone of the region are on the route.
Highlights of this bike trip
✔ Historic Old Town and Prinzipalmarkt in Münster
✔ Nordkirchen Castle, Westphalian Versailles
✔ 3-castle town of Lüdinghausen
✔ Longinus Tower in the Baumberge
✔ Hülshoff Castle, birthplace of Annette von Droste Hülshoff
✔ Pilgrimage town of Telgte on the Ems
✔ On the way on the 100 Castles Route
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Münster
Overnight stay in Münster
Arrival in the cycling city of Münster and time to explore the old town for the first time.
Day 2: Circular route Münster – to the pilgrimage town of Telgte on the Ems (46 km/29 miles)
Boniburg Forest – Emsauen – Haus Langen – pilgrimage town Telgte – Pleistermühle
Overnight stay in Münster
Along the Dortmund-Ems Canal, the route leads through the Boniburgerwald forest to the Werse and the Emsauen nature reserve. If you want to enjoy the view over the green countryside, you can climb one of the lookout towers. Shortly after the Haus Langen watermill, you cross the Ems and cycle into the pilgrimage town of Telgte with small craftsmen‘s houses, a pretty market square and the baroque pilgrimage chapel. Time for an extended break and a stroll through the town with its small cafés, shops, restaurants and pubs. Take a look at „Paul“ bathing comfortably in the Ems from the Ems bridge or picnic in the park with a view of the mill, fish ladder and Clemens Church. The way back to Münster leads in a curve through the Emsauenpark and the Delsener Heide to the farming community of Kasewinkel. It is worth stopping at the historic Pleistermühle country inn with its beer garden before returning to the city of Münster along the wooded banks of the Werse. The way back can also be shortened by approx. 5 km.
Day 3: Münster – Lüdinghausen: River, forest and castles (37–51 km/22–32 miles )
Werseradweg, Rinkerode, Davert forest, Ottmarsbocholt, castles in Lüdinghausen
Overnight stay in Lüdinghausen
Today you discover the green park landscape of the Münsterland: Via the Werseradweg you cycle along the romantic river bank to Albersloh. Shortly afterwards you branch off and cycle to Rinkerode, where you can marvel at the first Gräften houses. Through the rustic forest area of the Davert you reach the village of Ottmarsbocholt. Through fields, woods and pastures you cycle to Lüdinghausen, the 3-castle town. The picturesque Vischering Castle, not the largest but for many the most charming castle in the Münsterland, lies in the middle of a moat surrounded by old trees. End the day with a walk along the banks of the Stever or into the town centre of Lüdinghausen.
Day 4: Lüdinghausen circuit to the Westphalian Versailles: Nordkirchen Castle (28–54 km/17–34 miles)
Overnight stay in Lüdinghausen
With Nordkirchen Castle, one of the largest and most impressive castle complexes in the Münsterland is on the programme today. The day‘s tour takes you past Vischering Castle and along cycle paths through woods and meadows to Nordkirchen, directly into the extensive baroque castle gardens. Both the castle and the park have been declared worthy of protection by UNESCO as a „total work of art of international standing“. The palace park with its old avenues, water areas and flower borders invites you to take an extended walk. Treat yourself to a break in the castle café before heading back to Lüdinghausen or, with a loop of 30 kilometres, visit Westerwinkel Castle and cycle back via Südkirchen.
Day 5: Münsterland facets: Wild horses, blue print and sandstone Lüdinghausen – Dülmen – Wildpark – Nottuln – Billerbeck
(46 km/29 miles)
Overnight stay in Billerbeck
Today you leave Lüdinghausen and cycle to Dülmen, famous for the wild horse sanctuary in the Merfelder Bruch. On Saturdays and Sundays, the wild horse track, located a little to the west of Dülmen, is open. But the wildlife park near the town is also a recommendation: an extensive landscape park based on the English model, where moorland sheep, fallow deer and red deer live freely. Continue north and you will soon pass Karthaus with its monastery tavern and former monastery church. The route continues through the fields to Nottuln along well-maintained paths. Nottuln shows its historic side at Stiftsplatz and the surrounding little houses. Discover traditional handicrafts in the blue printing works: linen and cotton are printed with wooden models and indigo dye. The last few kilometres lead through slightly hilly terrain and offer beautiful views of the Baumberge Soon the Billerbeck Cathedral appears on the horizon. At the picturesque Johanniskirchplatz you will find historic storehouses, inviting cafés and restaurants. Billerbeck is rich in sandstone architecture, typical of the Münsterland region.
Day 6: Billerbeck circuit on the Castles Route (45–50 km/28–31 miles)
Berkelauen – Münsterland Cycle Route – Darfeld Castle – Varlar Castle – Coesfeld – Gerleve Monastery
Overnight stay in Billerbeck
Today is all about castles and palaces. First you see the constantly bubbling source of the Berkel and follow the Berkel through
the meadows to Kolvenburg Castle. With a touch of railway romance, you then cycle along the first-class Münsterland cycle route to Darfeld Castle, an impressive castle complex made of sandstone and brick, surrounded by a park with old trees. Via the 100 castles route, you reach Varlar Castle, another example of a Westphalian noble seat. Continue on to Coesfeld. Here you can eat at the market in the town centre, visit the doll and toy museum or stroll through the castle park. The 100 castles route takes you out of Coesfeld and to Gerleve Abbey.
Day 7: Münsterland with a view: Longinusturm – Havixbeck – Hülshoff Castle – Münster Castle –Billerbeck – Münster
(36 km/22 miles)
Overnight stay in Münster
Today you have plenty of time to experience all the facets of Münsterland once again. From the Longinus Tower, built of typical Baumberg sandstone, you have a magnificent view over the Münsterland. The first stretch takes you on pättkes around the Baumberge to Havixbeck. Interested visitors can learn all about the stonemasons‘ craft in the Baumberg Sandstone Museum. You can see the quarry, sandstone path, sculptures and stonemasonry.
A few kilometres further on is the imposing Hülshoff Castle in the middle of a beautiful park, birthplace of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. The castle can be visited from the inside and in the castle courtyard good spirits will look after your culinary well-being. Haus Vögeding and Haus Rüschhaus are two other manor houses worth seeing on the route. At the end of the tour, another highlight awaits you in the form of Münster Castle. Built by J. C. Schlaun, it has housed the Westphalian Wilhelms University since 1954. Behind the castle are the Botanical Garden and the Schlossgarten Café.
Day 8: End of the tour after breakfast
Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only.
Map
Booking, Dates & Prices 2024
Arrival on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays: April 01 - Oct 24, 2024
Prices 2024 (per person in €)
1
2
Double Room
€ 749,-
€ 879,-
Single room
€ 1215,-
€ 1270,-
1
April 01 - 23 + Jun 30 - Aug 20
2
April 24 - Jun 29 + Aug 21 - Oct 24
Optional
Bicycle rental (8 Days)
€ 116,-
E-Bike (8 Days)
€ 260,-
Half board supplement p.P.
€ 285,-
Extra night Muenster double room
€ 86,-
Supplement extra night single room
€ 45,-
Half board supplement extension day
€ 45,-
Bicycle rental per extension day
€ 17,-
E-Bike rental per extension day
€ 35,-
Upgrade Atlantikhotel Muenster (Season 1+2) Price from
€ 90,-
Extra night Atlantikhotel Muenster double room (Season 1+2)
€ 99,-
Minimum number of participants: 2
Services included
- 7 Overnight stays in 3*** and 4****-hotels or equivalent to Westfalen-Charme Hotels incl. breakfast
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel (2 pieces of luggage p. pers., max. 20 kg each)
- Tour descriptions and map
- Tourist information on the places of interest
- Admission Friedensaal in Münster
- Service hotline
- Tours according to programme (www.travelydays.com)
- Parking possible at the hotel (extra fee)
- App-supported navigation
- Panniers when booking a bicycle rental
Not included: Arrival and departure transfers, Bed Tax, lunch and dinner, entrance fees, insurances.
Hire bikes
Comfortable unisex touring bikes with 7-speed hub gears and coaster brakes, luggage, stable trapeze frames, front suspension, sprung seat posts, padded saddles, puncture-proof tyres, LED front and rear lights powered by hub dynamo, quick-release saddle height, click-fix bracket on the handlebar. Alternatively, electric bikes (8-speed, coater brakes) can be hired.
The rental bikes are available from 10:00 on the day of arrivaland can be used until 18:00 on the day of departure
Half board
5 x evening meals: 3 x three-course menu, 2 x two-course menu. or 2 x three-course menu, 3 x two-course menu.
No evening meal at the hotel in Lüdinghausen. There are good restaurants to be found near to the hotel.
Tour profile
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 around of 237 metres, day 47is somewhat more demanding, but the climb to the end of the stage is still easy to manage.
Arrival and parking
Arrival by car: Parking available at the hotel.
(secure parking for approx. 16,– € per night).
There is additional parking 1.3 km away for approx. 6,– € per night.
Arrival by train: to Münster / Westfalen Main Station. The hotel is about 150 metres from the station.
Arrival by plane: via FMO (Flughafen Münster-Osnabrück), shuttle bus from the airport to the city centre 7,50 € , taxi from 56,– € .
Details correct as of September 2023, subject to change.
Notes
Entry Requirements / Visa: EU-citizens are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within 6 months of the return of your journey. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with dual citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the responsible embassy.
Note: This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Booking, Dates & Prices 2025
Arrival on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays: April 01 - Oct 24, 2025
Prices 2025 (per person in €)
1
2
Double Room
€ 769,-
€ 899,-
Single room
€ 1239,-
€ 1269,-
1
April 01 - 28 + Jun 29 - Aug 23
2
April 29 - Jun 28 + Aug 21 - Oct 24
Optional
Bicycle rental (8 Days)
€ 129,-
E-Bike (8 Days)
€ 289,-
Extra night Muenster double room
€ 89,-
Extra night single room
€ 136,-
Upgrade Atlantikhotel Muenster (Season 1+2) Price from
€ 260,-
Extra night Atlantikhotel Muenster double room (Season 1+2)
€ 112,-
Bicycle rental per extension day
€ 19,-
E-Bike rental per extension day
€ 39,-
Minimum number of participants: 2
Services included
- 7 Overnight stays in 3*** and 4****-hotels or equivalent to Westfalen-Charme Hotels incl. breakfast
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel (2 pieces of luggage p. pers., max. 20 kg each)
- Tour descriptions and map
- Tourist information on the places of interest
- Admission Friedensaal in Münster
- Service hotline 9:00–19:00
- Tours according to programme (www.travelydays.com)
- Parking possible at the hotel (extra fee)
- App-supported navigation
- Panniers when booking a bicycle rental
Not included: Arrival and departure transfers, Bed Tax, lunch and dinner, entrance fees, insurances.
Hire bikes
Comfortable unisex touring bikes with 7-speed hub gears and coaster brakes, luggage, stable trapeze frames, front suspension, sprung seat posts, padded saddles, puncture-proof tyres, LED front and rear lights powered by hub dynamo, quick-release saddle height, click-fix bracket on the handlebar. Alternatively, electric bikes (8-speed, coater brakes) can be hired.
The rental bikes are available from 10:00 on the day of arrivaland can be used until 18:00 on the day of departure
Meals
The standard travel package includes bed and breakfast.
Tour profile
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 around of 237 metres, day 47is somewhat more demanding, but the climb to the end of the stage is still easy to manage.
Arrival and parking
Arrival by car: Parking available at the hotel.
(secure parking for approx. 20,– € per night).
There is additional parking 1.3 km away for approx. 6,– € per night.
Arrival by train: to Münster / Westfalen Main Station. The hotel is about 150 metres from the station.
Arrival by plane: via FMO (Flughafen Münster-Osnabrück), shuttle bus from the airport to the city centre or taxi.
Details correct as of September 2024, subject to change.
Notes
Entry Requirements / Visa: EU-citizens are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within 6 months of the return of your journey. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with dual citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the responsible embassy.
Note: This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Hotels
Hotel description
Münster
Hotel Kaiserhof 4****
The Kaiserhof Hotel is in opposite Münster Main Station, walking distance from all attractions and shopping facilities. The Kaiserhof stands out for its 100 individually designed rooms and its wellness area. You will be staying in a Superior Room. These rooms have a large double bed, safe, digital satellite TV, free WiFi, hair dryer, luggage store, full-body mirror, WC, phone, air conditioning, and a complementary bottle of mineral water. Restaurant in the hotel.
Atlantic Hotel 4****
The new Atlantic hotel is 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 centre. The rooms are equipped with a large double bed, safe, digital satellite TV, free wifi, hairdryer, storage for the suitcase, large mirror, telephone, air conditioning and minibar.
Lüdinghausen
Hotel No 11
Hotel No 11 is in the pedestrian area of the town of Lüdinghausen, in the immediate vicinity of various restaurants, cafés and the Burgpark. The hotel stands out for its charmingly laid-out rooms with specific furnishings. The rooms have a small espresso machine, flat-screen TV, safe, high-quality box spring bed, air conditioning, free WiFi, hair dryer, telephone and a bottle of mineral water on arrival.
Hotel Steverbett
The Steverbett is right on the Burgpark in Lüdinghausen. Only its namesake the Stever separates it from the park. Along with the hotel terrace looking towards the park, the hotel stands out for its light, modern rooms. All rooms have TV. shower, WC, hair dyer, free WiFi and a safe. Restaurant in the hotel.
Billerbeck
Hotel & Restaurant Mertens Ludgerusbrunnen
The Hotel Mertens is situated on the edge of the centre of Billerbeck. In the hotel tradition meets the modern. This passion for detail is what Guido Mertens sees as the essence of the Hotel Ludgerusbrunnen. The historical centre of the town is within walking distance. All rooms have their own bathroom with bathtub or shower, hairdryer, tea utensils, wifi, waterboiler, tv and telephone.