Cycling holidays in winter: Between nature and castles in Münsterland
Text: Kerstin Börß
Glorious light, empty cycle paths and plenty of stops with warm drinks: cycling in winter has many beautiful facets that are worth discovering. This applies to the routes on your own doorstep, which change with the seasons, as well as to cycle tours in other regions. To make sure your bike doesn't get stuck in the cellar this winter, we've put together a few cycling travel tips to help you plan your holiday or simply get you dreaming. Whether Spain, France or Slovenia - all regions offer good reasons for a cycling holiday in winter.
If you don't want to travel that far, simply take a detour to Münsterland. No matter where you are cycling this winter, you should of course check the weather and the condition of the paths and roads before setting off. Because even where mild temperatures usually dominate, there are sometimes more uncomfortable days in winter. Then, for once, the bike can be parked for a short time and the regional delicacies can be savoured. As many of the regions are close to the sea or mountains, a good rain jacket should always be in your bike bag. In the best case scenario, it will stay there untouched for the entire holiday.
Cycling holidays in winter: The cycling paradise Münsterland
In Münsterland, there's never a time of year when the bike gets dusty in the cellar. There is always cycling. Also because the infrastructure is designed for cycling, as they like to say here, thanks to the countless cycle paths. And this is not only practical for the people of Münsterland, but also great for a holiday trip. A total of around 4500 kilometres are signposted, so you can simply set off. There are also over 200 circular routes. Whether in the footsteps of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff or along the Ems floodplains: The variety of routes and possible destinations is huge.
And if the wind blows too cold in your face on a winter's day, simply head to the nearest farm café. Nature and culture go hand in hand in Münsterland. A nature reserve that presents itself from its mystical side in winter, for example, is located right on the outskirts of Münster. The sewage fields with their lakes and wet meadows were once used to dispose of the city's waste water, but today they are used for recreation with various viewpoints.
An encounter with history promises the 100 Castles Route. The route runs for around 960 kilometres past palaces, castles, manor houses and the like. In reality, the route is actually a more-than-100-castles route. It takes you away from busy roads and pedals along meadows and pastures. The route is divided into four circuits with several stages. But of course it doesn't have to be the mammoth tour, individual sections and shortcuts by train are also attractive. And if the weather doesn't play ball on one day, we recommend a detour to the Christmas market in Münster or to one of the idyllic villages in the surrounding area, depending on when you are travelling.
Information about the cycle tour in Münsterland
- General: muensterland.com/tourism/topics/cycling-muensterland. In addition to tour ideas, the website also lists bike hire and e-bike charging stations.
- Driving by numbers: Planning tours in Münsterland is particularly easy thanks to the junction system and many signposts.
- Tip: Cycle paths in the Münsterland are often called Pättkes.
