Discover the East: Werse, woodland and culture

The Werse, woodland and architectural history give the East several specific ways to spend your time. Cycling Route 2 leads to the eastern part of the city and follows the Werse for much of its length; walks are possible in Dyckburg Forest. There are also outdoor pools as summer destinations and a chapel with a special connection to Loreto. This means you can take different interests into account when planning your trip, rather than focusing your stay on just one way of getting around.

Cycling, the Werse and walks

The 25-kilometre Cycling Route 2 leads from the city centre to the east of Münster and follows the Werse for much of its length. Stops along the route include Haus Dyckburg, Dyckburg Church and Pleistermühle. The route therefore offers a specific framework for a cycle ride that brings together riverside scenery and named stops. The new Werse Bridge at Haskenau also restores an important cycling link between Handorf and Gelmer. It forms part of the Werse Cycle Route for recreational cycling.

If you prefer to explore on foot, Dyckburg Forest in the east of Münster is a recreational forest where you can go for walks. In the wider area around the East, the Werse flows through eastern Münster between Handorf and the city-centre area. Many animals and plants can be observed along its banks. Canoeing and kayaking are also possible on the Werse in the Münster-Ost district; check the latest operating details if you plan this activity.

An outing along the Werse leads to Pleistermühle. There you can play a round of mini golf or enjoy a meal in an idyllic setting. Pleistermühle is also a stop on Cycling Route 2. This means you can consider it both as part of the described route and for its own leisure activities.

Summer destinations on the Werse

Stapelskotten outdoor pool is a family pool on the Werse. It has a water play garden and a raised sun deck overlooking the river. The address is Laerer Werseufer 2 in the east of Münster. Bus routes 22, R22 and R32 serve the Freibad Stapelskotten stop. For family trip planning, this provides both a specific swimming destination and a named bus connection.

Sudmühle outdoor pool is also a summer destination in the Münster-Ost district; seasonal access may vary. Bürgerbad Handorf is another summer destination and is run by volunteers for the general public. Check the latest opening times and admission rules before visiting Bürgerbad Handorf. Both pools are seasonal options, so plan your visit with their respective conditions in mind.

Haus Dyckburg and the chapel

In 1740, the brothers Friedrich Christian, cathedral provost, and Johann Mauritz von Plettenberg-Marhülsen had a chapel built at Haus Dyckburg. It is a replica of the Holy House of Loreto in Italy. This historical connection gives the name Haus Dyckburg specific meaning and adds a cultural-history stop to the area’s landscapes and leisure activities. Haus Dyckburg and Dyckburg Church are also stops on Cycling Route 2.

In the wider Münster destination

The wider Münster destination offers an urban contrast to the East’s focus on the Werse and woodland. Prinzipalmarkt is in the heart of Münster’s historic old town. The 4.5-kilometre Promenade runs along the former city wall from Lake Aasee to the old town. With its double avenue of lime trees, it forms a car-free green belt and is an important route for pedestrians, cyclists and inline skaters.

At Lake Aasee, paths through green spaces are used by walkers, cyclists and inline skaters. The lake is Münster’s most central local recreation area. The sculptures around Lake Aasee were created especially for the four major Skulptur Projekte exhibitions held from 1977 to 2007. A boat rental service lets you explore the lake from the water; check the latest operating details before planning a trip.

For the wider travel overview: Münster.