The 100 Castles Route begins in Riesenbeck at the scenic Surenburg moated castle. Nearby is the equestrian and driving sports centre at Surenburg. This offers two distinct interests to choose from when planning a stay: route planning and equestrian sports.

Events and bridleways

Since 2016, Riesenbeck International has organised equestrian competitions and training events throughout the year at the equestrian centre at Surenburg. The programme includes show jumping, dressage and driving. At the summer tournament in June, competitions in all three disciplines take place in parallel over one weekend. Specific dates vary from year to year, so check the date for your chosen travel year.

The Surenburger Wald offers a different perspective on equestrian sports. It lies on the Münsterland Riding Route between Rheine and Lienen. Around Surenburg, riders can use unpaved, natural trails. For a specific ride, it is also worth checking the local signposting.

By the water: the Nasse Dreieck

The Nasse Dreieck is located in the Bergeshövede farming community in Riesenbeck and is a popular destination for excursions. The “Red Box” information pavilion covers waterways, canal construction and sights in the immediate vicinity. So, as well as the landscape, the history of the waterways is one of the topics explored here.

At the Nasse Dreieck, hikers, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts can enjoy the surrounding landscape; the footbridge remains open for use. These activities offer different reasons to spend time by the water. The pavilion complements them with information about canals and the surrounding area.

Panoramic views and access to Schöne Aussicht

Schöne Aussicht is 116 metres above sea level and offers views of Riesenbeck and far across the Münsterland. It can be reached on foot via the Hermannsweg; by car or bicycle, access is via Am Teutohang and Teutostraße. Parking is available. For finding your way around, there is both a hiking trail and access by road, with parking options.

Schöne Aussicht was placed under a preservation order by the town of Hörstel on 27 October 1999. The view and its protected status are two distinct aspects of this place: the panorama extends beyond Riesenbeck, while the exact date records the history of its designation as a protected monument.

Architectural history and technical artefacts

St. Calixtus Church in Riesenbeck was built between 1807 and 1809 to plans by building inspector Friedrich Wilhelm Müser. The previous Romanesque church had been demolished because it was in a dilapidated condition. The construction period and the predecessor building make the present church a specific point of interest for anyone interested in Riesenbeck’s architectural history.

Riesenbeck is also home to a fully functional preserved horse-powered treadmill. The Riesenbeck Agricultural Machinery Museum displays more than 600 objects that were once used in agricultural production and in farmhouses. The collection thus highlights different aspects of everyday life on farms in the past: agricultural work as well as objects used in farmhouses.

When planning a trip, you can choose between a stay focused on event dates and one centred on views, waterways or local history. If you want to attend a tournament, check its date for the year in question; the other topics mentioned each offer their own starting points for choosing activities.

Discover more destinations: Dreierwalde, Bevergern

For the broader travel overview: Hörstel.