Steinfurt: Discover nature, cycling routes and culture
Accommodation in Steinfurt
In the district of Steinfurt in the Münsterland region, an expansive park landscape, protected natural areas, cycling routes and cultural attractions come together. Numerous manor houses, moated castles, monasteries and palaces shape this holiday region. This offers a range of travel interests: you can plan your stay around riverside landscapes and protected areas, compare cycling routes or include historic sites and exhibitions. When looking for accommodation, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip.
Steinfurt für Rollstuhlfahrer, Gäste mit Rollator und Kinderwagen
Photo: Sabine Wiedamann für www.wato.de
Protected landscapes and garden experiences
The district of Steinfurt has 116 nature reserves covering a total area of around 13,231 hectares. Its 78 landscape protection areas cover around 27,774 hectares. The area figures are rounded and may change as new areas are designated.
One specific garden destination is the Steinfurt District Teaching Garden, which is visited by more than 100,000 garden enthusiasts each year. The twelve NaTourism routes pass through almost all the towns in the Steinfurt and Tecklenburg regions. They range from 25 to 54 kilometres in length and are a great way to discover the diverse flora and fauna. The different route lengths can help you choose nature experiences to suit how much ground you want to cover.
Cycling and experiencing the Ems
Officially opened in 2023, the Triangel is the first cycle route of its kind in the district of Steinfurt. It is around 62 kilometres long and offers fast, safe and comfortable cycle paths. The Ems Cycle Route runs for around 60 kilometres through the district. The lengths are similar, but refer to different things: the figure for the Triangel refers to the route, while the Ems Cycle Route figure refers to its section through the district.
The protected riverbanks along the Ems Cycle Route offer special nature experiences. The Ems between Rheine and Salzbergen is also an attractive area for canoeing. There has been a dedicated canoe landing stage directly by Bentlage Monastery since May 2011; there is also a hand-operated lock dating from the 19th century. A trip along the Ems can therefore focus on cycling, nature experiences along the riverbanks or canoeing.
Monastery history, Bauhaus and architectural heritage
The former Kreuzherren Monastery of Bentlage lies in a landscape protection area on the Ems in Rheine. Founded in 1437, it was converted into a noble residence from 1803 onwards. Following careful restoration, the listed complex is now a cultural centre, museum, green retreat and popular excursion destination. Its history, from monastery to later noble residence, makes Bentlage a place where different periods of the past come together.
The 100 Castles Route links significant architectural monuments in the district of Steinfurt; near Rheine, it passes through the Ems valley. In Steinfurt, the HeinrichNeuyBauhausMuseum displays works by Heinrich Neuy and other Bauhaus students and teachers in solo and group exhibitions. Architectural heritage, monastery history and Bauhaus art thus offer different cultural points of interest across the region.
Choose the right base for your trip
Make a note of the places and activities that matter to you, then choose a base from which you can conveniently organise your planned itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Wettringen, Lengerich, Tecklenburg, Saerbeck, Rheine, Recke, Lienen, Ladbergen, Ibbenbüren, Horstmar, Hörstel, Hopsten, Greven, Steinfurt, Emsdetten, Altenberge, Neuenkirchen, Laer, Ochtrup, Westerkappeln, Lotte, Nordwalde, Metelen, Mettingen.
For the broader travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.
