Aa-Vechte-Tour

The Aa-Vechte tour begins in the centre of Altenberge. Over the following kilometres, the Münsterland shows its idyllic side. Fields and meadows, interspersed with small sections of forest, accompany the cyclist towards Laer and on to the pilgrimage site of Eggerode. The church and adjoining chapel are visited by numerous pilgrims every year. It is definitely worth taking a look inside the historic buildings.

Horstmar is reached via a small ridge. The historic town centre is still characterised by the old town hall and the historic Burgmannshöfe farmhouses. The cycle route continues along quiet paths to Schöppingen. This friendly town is known for its artists' village, which always involves visitors in its activities. The area around the old town hall is a good place to take a break, and after the Schöppinger Berg, the route continues towards Metelen. The landscape and the lack of metres in altitude make this section a pure cycling pleasure.

The Aa-Vechte tour leads past Gronau and the Dreiländersee lake to its northernmost point near Bad Bentheim. The town's nearby hilltop castle is not to be missed. Large parts of the route can be seen from the walls of the imposing castle complex. A visit is highly recommended.

The cycle path now turns south towards Ochtrup. Points of interest include the pottery museum in the town centre and the romantic Haus Welbergen just outside the town. Especially in summer, Haus Welbergen surprises with the splendour of its countless roses.

In Wettringen, with its beautiful local history centre, the cycle route meets the Steinfurter Aa, which already points the way to Steinfurt. The old town centre of Steinfurt-Burgsteinfurt invites you to take a short tour of the famous moated castle. The gatehouse in particular is a popular photo motif. The cycle path now enters its final stage. Between Steinfurt and Altenberge, you will once again be rewarded with beautiful landscapes and panoramic views.

The cycle tour ends with a tour of the historic ice cellar in Altenberge.

By car via the A1 motorway to the Münster-Nord exit. Then take the B54 towards Steinfurt. Take the exit towards Altenberge and follow the signs.

Travelling by train is easy. Altenberge railway station is served by trains from Münster, Enschede and Gronau.

The Aa-Vechte tour is signposted. The route is integrated into the red and white cycle route signage as an insert sign/pictogram. The insert sign is located directly below the destination signposts. The integration into the dense Münsterland-wide cycle route network with its junction system makes it particularly easy for those unfamiliar with the area to find their way around. This also makes it easy to choose shortcuts or detours according to individual requirements.

Ortszentrum Altenberge

Ortszentrum Altenberge