Discover Wettringen: Lakes, Cycling Routes and Traditional Crafts

Protected nature, water sports, cycling and hiking routes, and a centuries-old local heritage house give Wettringen several distinct travel highlights. When planning your trip, you can choose between days by the water, active outings and discoveries of local history and culture. If you are looking for accommodation, this mix of interests can help you decide what to focus on first. Each destination has its own distinct appeal.

Water: Lakes and indoor swimming pool

The Haddorfer Lakes recreation area lies in the north of the municipality of Wettringen. The lakes are used by anglers, sailors, surfers and swimmers. The recreation area also includes a lake designed for swimming. If swimming is your main priority, bear in mind that bathing conditions may vary by season. As another option for enjoying the water, the indoor swimming pool in Wettringen has a 32-degree leisure pool for toddlers. For planning purposes, these offer different experiences: a recreation area with several uses and a leisure pool specifically intended for toddlers.

Nature and outdoor activities

The Brechte nature reserve (ST-123) is in Wettringen and covers 45.43 hectares. It offers a different kind of experience from the activities at the lakes: here, there is a designated nature reserve; there, a recreation area whose lakes are used for various water activities. You can therefore treat nature and water activities as distinct parts of your trip planning.

Cycling routes also have a clear connection to the town: the northern loop of the 100 Castles Route starts and ends in Wettringen. The Vechtetal Route is easily accessible from the town centre; check current access and signposting before setting out. For those who prefer to explore on foot, there is a varied hiking route from the local heritage house through the Aa farming community to Maxhafen. It follows the Steinfuter Aa, passes a Spieker (traditional granary) and returns to the centre of Wettringen. Check the current route markers before setting off.

Local heritage house and traditional crafts

Ahlers Local Heritage House is around 500 years old and the oldest building in the municipality of Wettringen. Wettringen Local Heritage House contains numerous exhibits of traditional crafts, including a spinning wheel, a loom and displays about blue-dye printing. These exhibits bring different craft traditions to life: the spinning wheel and loom represent textile work, while the displays focus on blue-dye printing. The Wettringen Local Heritage House also includes an adjoining farm and park. The town’s history thus offers a cultural highlight alongside its nature and outdoor activities.

Getting here and choosing accommodation

Wettringen no longer has its own railway station. Train journeys are via Rheine station or Burgsteinfurt station, followed by the R80 bus to Wettringen. If you are travelling by train, allow for this onward journey when planning your arrival.

Your preferred activities for the day can guide your choice of accommodation: the northern loop starts and ends in Wettringen, while the Haddorfer Lakes in the north of the municipality are a focus for water activities. Look for a location that suits your specific plans, and consider whether cycling, water activities or local history will shape your trip.

Steinfurt as a wider regional destination

The wider travel destination of Steinfurt is characterised by a parkland landscape with numerous manor houses, moated castles, monasteries and castles throughout the Steinfurt district. The 100 Castles Route connects important historic buildings there; its northern loop starts and ends in Wettringen. The Ems Cycle Route runs for around 60 kilometres through the district. Twelve NaTourism routes pass through almost all the towns and villages in the Steinfurt and Tecklenburg regions, range from 25 to 54 kilometres in length, and are designed to help visitors discover the area's diverse flora and fauna. These regional offerings complement the picture of Wettringen, but their distinctive features should not be confused with local attractions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Haddorf, Hopsten, Lienen, Saerbeck, Nordwalde, Horstmar, Westerkappeln, Ochtrup.

Back to the main travel overview: Steinfurt.