In the Steinfurt district, protected landscapes, cycling tours and cultural history come together to offer a variety of ways to explore. The MĂĽnsterland park landscape includes numerous manor houses, moated castles, monasteries and palaces. At the same time, the district has 116 nature reserves covering a total area of around 13,231 hectares, as well as 78 protected landscape areas covering around 27,774 hectares.
Natural landscapes and garden interests
Those who want to get to know the Steinfurt district through its landscapes will find various ways to do so. The twelve NaTourismus routes pass through almost all the towns in the Steinfurt and Tecklenburg regions. They range from 25 to 54 kilometres in length and are suitable for discovering the diverse flora and fauna.
The EmsRadweg also passes through the district, following the Ems for around 60 kilometres. The riverbanks along the route are protected areas and offer special nature experiences. Those interested in gardens can make Kreislehrgarten Steinfurt a destination in its own right: more than 100,000 garden lovers visit it each year. This gives you a choice when planning your trip between nature experiences along a route and a named garden destination.
Cycling routes with different highlights
The Triangel is the first cycle route in the Steinfurt district. It was officially opened in 2023, is around 62 kilometres long, and offers fast, safe and comfortable cycling paths. The EmsRadweg also runs through the district for around 60 kilometres. Although the routes are similar in length, they are not interchangeable: the Triangel’s designated features as a cycle route provide a point of reference, while the Ems and its protected riverbanks give the EmsRadweg its connection to nature.
The 100 Castles Route offers another perspective, linking significant architectural monuments in the Steinfurt district. Near Rheine, it passes through the Ems valley. This makes regional architectural history a distinct theme to consider alongside interests in nature and cycling routes. When comparing routes, their individual features can help you choose a focus for your trip rather than relying on distance alone.
Bentlage Monastery and Bauhaus art
The former Bentlage Monastery of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross is located in Rheine, in a protected landscape area on the Ems. Founded in 1437, it was converted into a noble residence from 1803 onwards. Following careful restoration, the listed complex is now a cultural centre, museum, green retreat and popular destination for visitors from near and far. The site’s changing history makes Bentlage a cultural theme in its own right within the district.
The Ems at Bentlage also offers opportunities for other activities: between Rheine and Salzbergen, it is an appealing stretch for canoeing. There has been a dedicated canoe landing stage directly beside the monastery since May 2011; a manually operated lock dating from the 19th century is also located there. In Steinfurt, the HeinrichNeuyBauhausMuseum displays works by Heinrich Neuy and other Bauhaus students and teachers in solo and group exhibitions. This adds a distinct focus on Bauhaus art to the monastery’s history.
Choose a focus for your trip
When looking for a hotel in Steinfurt, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on: cycling routes and river landscapes, nature and gardens, or cultural history. The routes and places offer different points of interest, without implying a fixed itinerary or a shared programme.
Discover more destinations: Wettringen, Lengerich, Tecklenburg, Saerbeck, Rheine, Recke, Lienen, Ladbergen, Ibbenbüren, Horstmar, Hörstel, Hopsten, Greven, Steinfurt, Emsdetten, Altenberge, Neuenkirchen, Laer, Ochtrup, Westerkappeln, Lotte, Nordwalde, Metelen, Mettingen.
Go to the overarching travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.
