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The moated castle of Darfeld

Münsterland Castles

Fairytale charm

7 Days / 6 Nights
Easy
The moated castle of Darfeld

On the "100 Castles Route," you'll encounter one magnificent castle after another. The highlights of the tour include the charming towns of Münster, Lüdinghausen, and Billerbeck. The serene landscape, with its lush meadows and picturesque villages, provides a tranquil setting for a delightful cycling vacation, where the region's rich history and charming natural surroundings steal the show. And, of course, culinary pleasures are not overlooked; you can anticipate indulging in fine wines and hearty specialties. As for "Töttchen," it typically refers to a local specialty dish in the Münsterland region of Germany, consisting of meatballs served with a savory sauce.

At your starting point in Münster, numerous attractions await. As you depart the city, you'll encounter the first castle along your route. Be sure to make a stop at the Longinus Tower, the highest point in Münsterland which offers a breathtaking panorama. Your journey leads you to the medieval town of Billerbeck, where you'll embark on a loop tour on day 3. Cycling through the picturesque Baumberge region, you'll pass by Darfeld Castle and Varlar, immersing yourself in its idyllic scenery.

The following stage leads you to Lüdinghausen, where castles and palaces grace the route, including Senden Castle and Vischering Castle. Nordkirchen Castle, dubbed the "Westphalian Versailles," awaits on your itinerary, while a refreshing swim at Lake Tschern provides a contrasting activity. On your return journey to Münster, follow the Dortmund-Ems Canal, eventually arriving at the bustling harbor district. Here, you can immerse yourself in local culture, mingle with the residents, and raise a toast to your journey at the lively pubs.

  • By bike through Münster: The enchanting city in North Rhine-Westphalia captivates with its historic old town, the Prinzipalmarkt, and the Gothic cathedral. Take a leisurely stroll along the verdant promenades by Lake Aa, explore the Picasso Museum, and savor the vibrant atmosphere in the city's inviting cafes and restaurants.
  • A glimpse into the Middle Ages at Vischering Castle: Discover the impeccably preserved complex with its striking round tower, inner courtyard, and museum. Immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings as you explore the moat and the park.
  • Swimming fun at Lake Tschern: The body of water is a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and water sports aficionados alike. Its crystal-clear water provides an ideal setting for swimming and fishing. Enveloped by lush green meadows and forests, the lake also offers perfect opportunities for leisurely walks, picnics, and bike rides along the scenic lakeside paths.

The Münsterland region, renowned for its charming castles and moated fortresses, is a cyclist's paradise. Its extensive network of cycle paths winds past magnificent estates like Nordkirchen Castle and Vischering Castle. Our travel specialists have meticulously crafted the stages of this seven-day tour to be comfortably paced, allowing leisure cyclists to cover 35 to 45 kilometers with minimal exertion.

In addition to castles and palaces, our cycling tours in Central Germany offer expansive riverbanks, picturesque nature, top-notch wines, and above all, plenty of joy in an active lifestyle!

Itinerary at a glance

Forests and castles meet a fascinating history in Münsterland. You'll visit the Senden Water Castle and Schloss Nordkirchen, often referred to as the "Münsterland Versailles." Münster itself is a lively university city.

Münster, a worthwhile starting point and destination of this tour lures with old gabled houses, art museums, the cathedral, the Peace Hall, the principal market, Lake Aa, with the castle and many traditional student pubs. Come early and take a tour by bike in the city center of Münster.

Walk around the old town of Münster on the famous promenade, past the castle before you cycle out of the city in the green Münsterland parkland. Take a worthwhile break on "Rüschhaus House" with the Droste-Hulshoff Museum and castle Hülshoff with extensive park system. Visit Havixbeck the interesting sandstone museum and make a stop in one of the lovely cafes and beer gardens along the way. The highest peak in the whole Münsterland is the Longinusturm, with its fantastic panoramic view - a real highlight at this stage. Then look forward to Billerbeck that is nestled in the mountain range of Baumberge and features medieval streets.

Through lovely parkland of Westmünsterland you will cycle to the enchanting castle Darfeld and the chateau Varlar, which are both inhabited private. Sparse forests accompany you to the beautiful city of Coesfeld. Visit the worth seeing Lamberti church on the central square in the old core and take a break in the quaint local pub brewery Stephanus. In the afternoon you reach the foothills of the Baumerge, you pass lonely lying farms and finally you cycle along the Berkel back to Billerbeck.

There is much to see on this day! Visit Equip the picturesque place Nottuln with its historic Baroque center, whose Stiftsplatz is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Münster region. Visit the oldest blue printing plant in Westphalia and watch the production of blankets and curtains. Then you continue 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'. This belongs with its drawbridge, the castle and the worth seeing Münsterland Museum to the best preserved and most beautiful castles in Germany! Not only the associated Castle Cafe invites for an enjoyable stay, but also the remarkable facilities.

Get excited for an other highlight of your trip. After a few kilometers you will reach castle Nordkirchen that has the promising epithet "the Westphalian Versailles". Not only the precious 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. Also the pheasant and the Oranienburg want to be discovered. Then you cycle to Selm, where the beach on Ternscher See lures with excellent water quality for swimming and sun terrace to linger. After refreshing you bike in the afternoon on the "Castle Route" route back to Lüdinghausen.

This morning, following the famous "Pättkes" through the typical parkland up to the small town Ottmarsbocholt, that proudly presents its historic grain windmill. On the "Castle Route" you cycle to the Dortmund-Ems Canal, that 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 become the most popular meeting places for students due to a multitude of restaurants. Have the cycling day come to an end and immerse yourself into the bustling life of the charming city.

Day
07
Departure or extension

Difficulty Level

Easy

This is an easy tour with relaxed biking in flat terrain.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

The different types of rental bikes at a glance

Men's Rental Rental - Symbol photo
Men's bike

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Unisex Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Unisex bike

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Available gear options can be found in the price table

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation  in comfortable middle-class hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Best developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • App for navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Münster train station
  • Multi-storey car park or car parks at the hotels with costs, no reservation possible.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in comfortable middle-class hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Münster train station
  • Hotel parking spaces or garages

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room.

Stefanie Rudinger

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Stefanie Kastenauer
Travel Specialist
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