The Historic Town Centers Cycle Route is a circular route that connects five historic town centers.
Here we describe the part of the route that runs through the Teutoburg Forest and the transition areas to Münsterland. This 60-kilometre section starts at Harkotten Castle in Münsterland and ends in the town of beautiful gables, Rietberg an der Ems.
The route runs on well-maintained, flat stretches throughout. The route is only recommended to a limited extent for families with children, as it often has to pass through village centers and therefore also crosses busy roads.
The starting point of the route described here is at Harkotten Castle near Füchtdorf. This extremely idyllic castle complex is famous for its garden festival in September. But the castle grounds are also worth a visit on other dates.
First you head south towards Sassenberg. From here, you cycle to the municipality of Herzebrock-Clarholz with its two monasteries.
The route takes you to Rheda-Wiedenbrück. This "twin town" offers two historic town centers that are well worth seeing. Both are very different in character, as Rheda was once ruled and inhabited by Calvinists and Wiedenbrück by Catholics. Accordingly, Rheda lacks the characteristic colorful carved ornaments on the half-timbered houses that you will find in large numbers in Wiedenbrück. Before you drive from Rheda to Wiedenbrück through the former state garden show grounds, the Flora Westfalica, you should definitely take a look at the castle grounds in Rheda. It is possible to visit the grounds here and there is a café where you can stop for a bite to eat.
The route continues through the middle of the former garden show and takes you to Wiedenbrück. If you do not follow the signposted path directly to the left here, but instead keep straight ahead, you will come directly to the heart of Wiedenbrück, a very beautiful market square with a town hall, church and restaurants.
The next section of our route runs parallel to the State Garden Show route. The name says it all and garden lovers can discover a fantastic state garden show area in Rietberg. Since the horticultural show in 2008, new attractions have been created every year in order to offer guests new garden-related experiences. The historic old town center is surrounded by a walkable rampart and moats. The town hall is well worth a visit. The foundation of the artist Winfried Koch, another highlight of Rietberg, is also interesting.
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