Cycle tour: Buchholz, mountains, mining

The circular tour starts in Ibbenbüren-Laggenbeck and initially leads along well-maintained paths through the densely wooded Buchholz area. Dense beech forests, quiet clearings and natural paths characterise this first section. The route continues over slightly hilly terrain to Westerkappeln. Here it is worth visiting the tractor museum, which provides an insight into the region's agricultural past with its historic agricultural machinery.

From Westerkappeln, the route continues to Mettingen. The town centre impresses with its restored half-timbered houses and cultural facilities. The Töddenmuseum provides information about the life of the travelling canvas merchants, while the school museum completes the historical picture. The route then leads along field and forest paths through the idyllic Köllbachtal valley. A water treading pool invites you to take a short refreshing dip here.

The route continues in a southerly direction through gently rising terrain to the Rudolfschacht spoil tip - one of the most impressive reminders of Ibbenbüren's coal mining past. From the spoil tip, there is a wide view over the Tecklenburger Land region. The trail then leads past the Löbke adventure farm, which offers regional products, refreshments and a natural farm ambience.

The Aasee Park marks the transition back into the urban area. With sunbathing lawns, catering facilities and a view of the water, it is an ideal resting point. Shortly afterwards, the tour reaches Ibbenbüren town centre, which invites you to linger with its cafés, shops and historic buildings.

The way back to Laggenbeck is along quiet side roads with a slight gradient. Overall, the approximately 35-kilometre route offers a varied combination of nature, culture and industrial scenery. Forests, mountain ranges, traces of mining and regional sights make "Buchholz, Berge, Bergbau" an eventful tour through the northern Münsterland.

Travelling by car:

• Take the A1 motorway to exit 73/Lengerich/Tecklenburg/Ibbenbüren
• Turn left onto Ibbenbürener Straße
• Follow the signs in the direction of Ibbenbüren
• Turn right onto Im Bocketal Straße
• Follow the road to Laggenbeck
• Follow the signs to Laggenbeck railway station

Travelling by bus/train:

Coming from Münster (Westf.):

Option 1:

• RB65 to Rheine to the terminus Rheine Bhf
• RB61 in the direction of Bielefeld Hbf to "Ibbenbüren-Laggenbeck"

Option 2:

• S50 to Ibbenbüren as far as "Ibbenbüren Busbahnhof"
• R20 to Mettingen (Westf.) Schultenhof to "Laggenbeck Abzw. Velper Str. - Ibbenbüren"
• 7 min walk (600m) to Laggenbeck railway station

Parking is available directly at the starting point of the route (bridge in Ibbenbüren-Laggenbeck).

The cycle tour is not signposted separately, but runs entirely along the signposted Münsterland junction network.

The use of a GPS track is recommended for navigation.

Links
Fietsknoop.nl: https://www.fietsknoop.nl/routes/view/24924908/buchholz-berge-bergbau
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/customize/tour/330563952

Wanderparkplatz Groner Alle, Ibbenbüren