Discover Borken

Borken combines historic buildings with market days, cycling routes and active pursuits by the water. When planning your stay, you can choose different focuses: local history and markets, cycling tours, or walks and water sports at Pröbstingsee lake. Borken lies in the western Münsterland region and is nestled in the Hohe Mark Nature Park.

The history of Borken and Gemen

Five of Borken’s former city towers have been preserved. From 1815 to 1908, the Diebesturm tower served as the official city jail. In the Gemen district, the Ackerbürgerhaus “Haus Grave” shows what rural life in Borken was like around 200 years ago. Gemen Castle was built more than 900 years ago and stands on two islands in the former marshland of the Bocholter Aa. Since 1946, the Diocese of Münster has operated it as a youth education centre under the name “Jugendburg Gemen.”

The Freiheit Gemen district also has its own history: it forms a distinctive urban ensemble and has been documented since the Middle Ages as a separate legal district, with a corresponding special legal status. At the FARB, the “Speicher” (granary) preserves around 140 objects relating to the city’s history. A digital museum guide presents objects, events and people from Borken through 360° views, videos, sounds, texts and photos. You can explore the historic buildings independently on a historical town walk or a town rally for children; route information is available from the Tourist Information Centre.

Water, nature and activity at Pröbstingsee lake

Pröbstingsee lake offers a variety of ways to spend an active few hours. You can go kayaking, pedal boating, paddling, rowing and sailing. A sandy beach and sunbathing area invite you to play and swim; check seasonal swimming conditions before your trip. If you prefer exploring on foot, you can experience the Planet Trail at Pröbsting, which lets you walk through a model of the solar system at a scale of 1:1 billion. The planets are arranged around the lake as far as the Josef Bresser Observatory.

On the north side of the lake, winding, natural woodland paths lead through Pröbstinger Busch; as you walk, you can enjoy views across the Aa, which has been dammed here. The “Die Berge” nature reserve, also known as “Fliegerberg,” offers a different landscape, with natural paths crossing its sandy hill. For another active outing, Borken Climbing Forest offers a course with a total length of 1,050 metres and heights ranging from 1.20 to 12 metres.

Explore Borken by bike

The Borken Tourist Information Centre has developed circular cycling routes that pass the city’s sights, wind through its districts and take in scenic spots. The “Borken – City, Countryside, River” route passes through Borken and districts such as Marbeck, Ramsdorf, Gemen, Weseke, Burlo, Borkenwirthe and Hoxfeld. Check the route information before setting off. The Borken district also offers more than 5,000 kilometres of well-maintained cycle paths away from busy roads, inviting you to explore.

Market days and practical information

Thursday is market day: the weekly market takes place in the morning at Borken’s market square. The evening market is held there on the same day, from 3 p.m. until around 7 or 8 p.m. Visitors can sample Borken specialities and buy fresh produce from Borken farmers. As market times can change, it is worth checking the latest information before your trip. The town centre also hosts a monthly general market, on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; check the dates, especially around public holidays.

Borken is accessible by train, bus, bicycle and car; these transport options are also available for getting around the district capital. Services and road conditions can change, so it is advisable to check before setting off. The Tourist Information Centre at the FARB provides advice before and during your stay and sells cycling maps and event tickets. In Borken, the Tourist Information Centre rents out bicycles and cargo bikes and can help you find accommodation; check the availability of these services before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Weseke, Reken, Heek, Gronau, Gescher, Velen, Südlohn, Raesfeld.

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