Cycling on smugglers' trails
The Border Crossers Route connects 12 towns in two federal states over a total of 149 km. The route can be cycled in three stages. It is signposted uniformly and consistently in both directions.
Old boundary stones remind us of a time when Germany still consisted of many small states. Where the Münsterland, Osnabrücker Land and the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region meet today used to be the political and confessional border between three independent states. In the 18th century, valuable salt was transported here between the Teutoburg Forest and the Ems, and it was not uncommon for robber gangs to smuggle the "white gold" across the border. In addition to the beautiful landscape, which is mainly flat through fields, meadows and forests, the region has plenty of culinary delights to offer. Along the route, you will find many farm stores selling locally grown produce.