Hiking trail M3 | Nature tour

• From the Heimatverein information stand, the route initially heads south along the footpath alongside the multi-generational playground and the mill pond. After crossing Kardinal-von-Galen-Straße, the path runs along the Köllbach stream to Schlangenpättken. Halfway up, the path branches off to the left and continues above the fish ponds.
• It then continues along the Finnenbahn to the water treading pool and the historic church quarry.
• From there, follow the Köllbachweg slightly uphill and turn left after about 100 metres. A further 100 metres further on, the Köllbach is crossed.
• The path now runs along the watercourse in the direction of the mine water collection basin, past the Grüterschule school to the site of the former Nordschacht and on to "Ibbenbürener Straße".
• After about 30 metres on the right-hand side of the road, cross it. Continue along "Roher Weg" which, after a left-hand bend and two right-hand bends, leads straight on to "Kappelner Weg". Turn left here until you reach the junction with "Höveringhausener Kirchweg". On the right-hand side is the pony farm, where you can stop for a bite to eat and play mini golf.
• After about 200 metres, turn left onto "Wacholderweg". This leads straight ahead for around one kilometre and offers a beautiful view of the hilly landscape of "Mettener Schweiz".
• The path then continues down the valley for around 200 metres until a forest path branches off to the left at a bend. This leads to "Dreibauernstraße", which is crossed. Continue along a meadow path to the road "Am Stern", then turn right and after around 200 metres left into the path "Am Roten Bach".
• After around 700 metres, the route branches off to the left into "Ostweg". At the next fork in the road, take "Hüdepohlweg" and continue until you reach "Dreibauernstraße". Turn left there until the "Hothoweg" branches off to the right. This leads straight ahead to "Mittelweg". Before the farm, the path turns right onto "Papiermühlenweg", which takes you left to the historic washing station.
• The "Wellenweg" then leads uphill, past the wooded area with the seven springs to "Ibbenbürener Straße". Turn right there and after about 50 metres cross the road into "Am Lütken Esch". After around 170 metres there is a bend in the road, which you follow to the right down into "Pfarrer-Hüging-Straße". After crossing this road, the route continues into "Knobenesch", which leads back to the starting point at the information stand of the local heritage association.

• Historic steam engine of the Langemeyer grain distillery on Teichstraße
• Rock cellar on Köllbachweg
• Köllbach valley with fish ponds and diverse woodland
• Forest ball track with benches for a playful break
• Water treading pool with seating for relaxation
• Historic quarry, source of the sandstone for the construction of St Agatha's Catholic Church
• North shaft of RAG Anthrazit Ibbenbüren GmbH - the deepest coal shaft in Europe at 1,545 metres (now closed)
• Detour to the Heimathaus, about 500 metres off the main route
• Sparenberg pony farm with mini golf course and refreshment stop
• Juniper trail with impressive views over the landscape
• Historic washing station in Muckhorst on Papiermühlenweg - a testimony to everyday rural history

Travelling by car:

• Mettingen is easily accessible via the A30 motorway - exit Ibbenbüren, then follow the signs to Mettingen.
• Alternatively, you can take the A1 motorway, exit Osnabrück Hafen and continue via Westerkappeln to Mettingen.

Travelling by public transport:

• The Münster local and long-distance railway station can be reached from various directions
• From Münster with the S50 bus line to the terminus Ibbenbüren, Busbahnhof
• Continue with bus line R20 to the terminus Mettingen (Westf), Schultenhof
• 3 min walk to St. Agatha church

Free parking is available in the public car park at St. Agatha's Church right next to the starting point. There are also other, temporary car parks in the immediate vicinity, which can also be used free of charge.

Waymarking: The path is marked in both directions by black, square signs with white lettering.

• Trail conditions: The route has slight inclines and runs along a varied combination of forest paths, paved roads and tarmac sections. All paths are easy to walk on throughout. Continuous signposting enables safe orientation without the need for an additional map.
• Benches: There are numerous benches along the route where you can take a short break.
• Rest stops: A refreshment stop is possible after around 3.9 kilometres at the Ponyhof. The town centre also offers further rest and refreshment options.

Parkplatz an der St. Agatha Kirche

Parkplatz an der St. Agatha Kirche