Töddenland cycle route

The Töddenland cycle path starts in Ibbenbüren at the Groner Allee car park, on the edge of the Schafberg plateau and in the immediate vicinity of the Teutoburg Forest. This is the starting point for the circular route, which is around 122 kilometres long and opens up the historical trading area of the Tödden - the wandering merchants who travelled throughout half of Europe with linen fabrics in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The route initially leads westwards through rural areas towards Hopsten. The route runs through a landscape characterised by fields, hedgerows and farms. In Hopsten, restored farms and listed buildings are reminders of the heyday of the linen trade. Further north, the route follows the historic trade route via Schapen, Beesten and Messingen to Thuine and Freren in southern Emsland. Open, flat landscapes dominate here with wide views over meadows and moors.

After the northernmost point of the circular route, the route turns back southwards. The cycle route leads along small paths and quiet side roads through Recke, where lovingly preserved farms characterise the landscape. In Mettingen, the Tüöttenmuseum and the historic town centre with its half-timbered houses invite you to take a long break. Shortly afterwards, the route passes the district of Steinbeck before returning to Ibbenbüren.

The tour is signposted throughout with the Töddenland cycle path symbol. Rest areas, information boards and numerous places to stop for refreshments make the route a successful combination of nature experience and cultural history. The contrast between the rolling hills of the Tecklenburger Land and the wide, flat expanses of the southern Emsland is particularly attractive. The route ends back at the starting point on Groner Allee - ideal for an enjoyable day or weekend tour through historic Töddenland.

The stage around Ibbenbüren is ideal for day or half-day tours and is suitable for both leisure cyclists and guests interested in culture thanks to its moderate altitude profile. The combination of nature, history and regional character makes this section a particularly rewarding part of the Töddenradweg.

Along the route there are dreamy villages, idyllic little towns and many sights that allow you to experience the world of the travelling merchants up close. But you can also expect pure nature, picturesque landscapes and exciting excursion destinations.

Travelling by car:

• Take the A1 motorway to exit 73/Lengerich/Tecklenburg/Ibbenbüren
• Turn left onto Ibbenbürener Straße
• Turn right onto Im Bocketal Straße and drive straight on until the roundabout
• At the roundabout, take the third exit "Tecklenburger Damm"
  
• After about 4.3 km, turn onto Groner Allee
• Park at the Groner Allee hiking car park

Travelling by bus/train:

Start at Münster (Westf.) local and long-distance railway station:

• Bus route S50 in the direction of Ibbenbüren to the bus stop "Ibbenbüren Busbahnhof"
• Bus route T22 in the direction of Laggenbeck/Burgweg to the bus stop "Ibbenbüren, Schulzentrum Ost"
• 3 min walk in the direction of Kletterwald Ibbenbüren

Ibbenbüren railway station is connected to a well-developed rail network and is served by trains from Bielefeld, Braunschweig, Hanover and Hengelo, among others.

Free parking is available at the Groner Allee car park or on Ledder Straße.

From the 17th century onwards, the Tödden travelled the country as travelling traders. Initially, they brought linen, later also haberdashery and iron goods "to the man".

Through well-organised business relationships, the Tödden helped the formerly Dutch-ruled ("Oranian") county of Lingen to achieve economic prosperity. With their own language, the Tödden were able to make agreements among themselves that were incomprehensible to outsiders. The term "Tüödden" itself, which translates as "merchant", also comes from this secret language. The proximity to the Netherlands was the basis for the first trading successes, which the Tüödden were able to extend to large parts of northern Europe in the 18th century. The textile department store chain C&A, which originated in the region, and the former fashion houses of the Hettlage Group also have their roots in the merchants who called themselves Tödden. In the 19th century, the Tödden trade experienced its decline: wars, trade embargoes and high special customs duties sealed the end of this special economic culture.

Wanderparkplatz Groner Allee, Ibbenbüren

Wanderparkplatz Groner Allee, Ibbenbüren