Reken brings together a range of travel interests: an observation tower with far-reaching views, routes through several districts, historic sites in Groß Reken and the Frankenhof Wildlife Park. Depending on whether you are especially interested in outdoor activities, scenery or local history, different destinations can become the focus of your stay.
Views and Trails in Reken
The observation tower on Melchenberg is a 60-metre-high steel structure. Its viewing platform is 30 metres above the ground and can be reached by climbing 168 steps. On a clear day, the view stretches across the municipality of Reken and the Hohe Mark Nature Park, reaching as far as the Ruhr area and Münster. Weather is part of the viewing experience: clear conditions offer the far-reaching views described, while visibility depends on the weather.
For walking tours, there is the Nordic Walking Park, with around 100 kilometres of trails and 15 routes that are partly interconnected. They are spread across Groß Reken, Bahnhof Reken, Klein Reken, Maria Veen and Hülsten. The park is therefore not limited to a single circuit: the interconnected routes and their distribution across five districts offer different ways to enjoy outdoor activity during your stay. The total distance refers to the trail network, not to a single route.
Nature and Activities
At Frankenhof Wildlife Park, a circular trail passes naturalistic enclosures, woodland ponds and green meadows. Visitors can watch the animals, use the play equipment, learn more about nature and enjoy a picnic on the park grounds. The circular trail and these activities offer different experiences: it can be combined with wildlife watching, while the other options include play, learning and a break in the park.
Local History and Special Places in Groß Reken
In Groß Reken stands the former Catholic parish church of St. Simon and Judas, which has largely retained its original character. Also in the district, on Harrierstraße, is Haus Uphave. The building was a tenant farmer’s cottage belonging to the Schulze-Holthausen farm and was built in 1742. Behind the house, a cottage garden with a biotope and a comfortable place to sit invite visitors to take a break. Here, historic architecture and a place to pause come together, although they do not serve the same purpose.
A long Stations of the Cross route leads from Groß Reken to the forest chapel and ends back in Groß Reken. The chapel is a small pilgrimage site; a document from 1686 refers to this place of worship. The forest chapel is freely accessible during the day until dusk. As seasonal or temporary changes are possible, it is advisable to check the latest access information before your visit.
The Windmill Local History Museum in Groß Reken also explores the history of the area: it was established in 1972 and focuses on “From Sowing to Harvesting.” Many of the associated tools and machines were in use until 1945. The museum is currently closed to visitors due to renovation work. Cyclists may also be interested in the Historic Cycle Tour, which links Reken’s monuments. Its main route is about 26 kilometres long.
A Broader Look at the Overarching Destination of Borken
In the broader destination of Borken, Gemen Water Castle stands on two islands in a former swamp area of the Bocholter Aa. It was built more than 900 years ago and has been run by the Diocese of Münster as a youth education centre under the name “Jugendburg Gemen” since 1946. This historic site adds a distinct regional highlight alongside the attractions in Reken.
For context at the broader regional level: Borken district is in North Rhine-Westphalia and the Münster administrative district, north of the Ruhr area; it is the westernmost district of Münsterland. Cycling in the district includes more than 5,000 kilometres of cycle routes away from busy roads, as well as themed routes such as the 100 Castles Route, the Hohe Mark Cycle Route and the Flamingo Route. These routes provide regional context for Borken.
Discover more destinations: Schöppingen, Bocholt, Borken, Ahaus, Heiden, Vreden, Gronau, Rhede.
Go to the broader travel overview: Borken.
