Borken lies in the western Münsterland region and is surrounded by Hohe Mark Nature Park. The town offers a range of ways to plan your trip, from historic buildings and markets to cycling routes and nature experiences at Pröbsting Lake. You can tailor your stay to whether you would rather explore local history, spend time outdoors or relax by the water.
Town History in Towers, a Castle and a Museum
Five of Borken’s former town towers still stand. From 1815 to 1908, the Diebesturm tower served as the town’s official prison, offering a concrete glimpse into its former function. In the Gemen district, the Ackerbürgerhaus “Haus Grave” shows what rural life in Borken was like around 200 years ago. Another historic site is Gemen Castle: built more than 900 years ago, it stands on two islands in the former marshland of the Bocholter Aa. Since 1946, the Diocese of Münster has operated the castle as a youth education centre under the name “Jugendburg Gemen.”
At FARB, the “Speicher” houses around 140 objects relating to the town’s history. The digital museum guide lets you explore these objects, as well as events and people from Borken, through 360° views, videos, audio, text and photos. You can also explore the historic buildings on your own using a historic town walk or a town trail for children.
Around Pröbsting Lake and Along Nature Trails
The “Die Berge” nature reserve, also known as “Fliegerberg,” is a sandy rise in Borken with unpaved trails. On the north side of Pröbsting Lake, a network of nature trails winds through Pröbstinger Busch woodland. Walkers can enjoy views across the Aa, which is held back here. The Pröbsting Planet Trail brings the solar system to life on foot at a scale of 1:1 billion: the planets are arranged around the lake, all the way to the Josef Bresser Observatory.
Activities at the lake include kayaking, pedal boating, paddling, rowing and sailing. A sandy beach and sunbathing area invite you to play and swim; check seasonal swimming conditions before your trip. Another activity is the Borken high ropes course, which is 1,050 metres long in total and ranges in height from 1.20 to 12 metres. The range of activities makes it easier to choose an outing that suits your interests, without trying to fit everything into one programme.
Cycling and Markets in the Rhythm of Town Life
The Borken Tourist Information Office has developed circular cycling routes that pass the town’s sights, go through its districts and visit scenic spots. The “Borken – Stadt, Land, Fluss” (“Borken – Town, Country, River”) route passes through Borken and its districts: Marbeck, Ramsdorf, Gemen, Weseke, Burlo, Borkenwirthe and Hoxfeld. Check the route details before setting off. The Tourist Information Office sells cycling maps and rents out bicycles and cargo bikes; check availability in advance.
Borken’s weekly market takes place on the market square on Thursday mornings. The same square also hosts an after-work market on Thursdays, from 3 pm until around 7 or 8 pm. Visitors can sample local Borken specialities and buy fresh produce from Borken farmers. The flea market in the town centre takes place once a month, on the second Tuesday, from 7.30 am to 1 pm. Market hours may change, and public holidays can affect the flea market, so it is worth checking the latest dates before your visit.
Planning Your Journey and Accommodation
Borken can be reached by train, bus, bicycle and car; these modes of transport are also available for getting around the district town. Public transport connections and road conditions can change, so check the details of your journey in advance. The Tourist Information Office at FARB offers advice before and during your stay and also sells event tickets. The Tourist Information Office can help arrange accommodation in Borken. If you are planning an overnight stay, you can enquire about available options there and confirm availability before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Weseke, Rhede, Ahaus, Legden, Reken, Stadtlohn, Südlohn, Gronau.
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