Rheine: Discover saltworks, nature and culture

Rheine brings together pre-industrial technological history, monastic history, wildlife observation and distinctive landscapes. The Gottesgabe Saltworks preserves an ensemble unique in the region, while the Falkenhof combines local history and art. Nature reveals itself in different ways at Waldhügel and near Elte; at the nature zoo, visitors can also encounter Barbary macaques living almost freely and follow the forest nature trail. Rheine therefore offers a range of possible focuses for days spent enjoying culture, nature or wildlife observation.

Technology and monastic history

The surviving and renovated buildings of the Gottesgabe Saltworks form an ensemble unique across the wider region and are among Westphalia’s oldest pre-industrial technical heritage sites. The saltworks thus represent a distinctive aspect of Rheine’s cultural history.

The former Kreuzherren monastery of Bentlage is set within a protected landscape area on the Ems. The Bentlage recreation area offers three routes themed around “salt, nature and monastery.” The cultural route at Bentlage Monastery explains the monastery’s history, architecture and transformation over the centuries. Those interested in its architectural history will find a different perspective here than on the routes focused on nature or salt.

Landscapes between Waldhügel and Elte

The Waldhügel nature reserve features rare flowers and plants, steep slopes, blue lakes and sweeping views across the Münsterland park landscape. Its mosaic includes relatively natural and little-disturbed areas, including woodruff and orchid beech forests, limestone sites reclaimed by nature and a former quarry lake. Views and habitats are just as much a part of the landscape here as its diverse woodland and limestone areas.

South of Rheine, near Elte, lie the Elter Sand and Wildes Weddenfeld dune landscapes. The dunes were still shifting until the 20th century. Open areas of dry grassland and juniper heath are now rare; the area is now covered with mixed pine forest and is ideal for hiking and walking. Compared with Waldhügel, the landscape near Elte also tells a story of change: the era of shifting dunes gave way to today’s woodland.

Observe wildlife and discover local history

The nature zoo in Rheine is home to Germany’s first monkey forest, where visitors can encounter Barbary macaques living almost freely. The forest nature trail complements this wildlife experience with opportunities to observe the forest floor and trees: visitors can examine animal tracks on the forest floor and identify different tree species. The nature zoo thus offers two distinct ways to explore: encountering Barbary macaques and taking a close look at tracks and trees.

The Falkenhof Museum is a modern museum in a former aristocratic residence. Its collections cover Rheine’s local history, the history of the building and an extensive art collection. The focus here is therefore on the town, the building and art alike.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

When looking for accommodation in Rheine, it helps to compare your interests. With its former monastery, cultural route and three themed routes, Bentlage offers a historical and scenic setting. The Falkenhof offers a different focus, with the history of the town and building as well as art. For nature-focused days, you can explore the habitats and views at Waldhügel, the dune landscapes near Elte or the wildlife at the nature zoo.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Altenberge, Lengerich, Hopsten, Ibbenbüren, Greven, Neuenkirchen, Ladbergen, Mettingen

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