Metelen is located in the parkland of the western MĂĽnsterland region. The surrounding landscape combines sandy soils, woodland and wetlands, with the scenery changing within just a few kilometres. It also features architectural traces of the monastery and collegiate periods, as well as museums dedicated to the history of mills and railways. When planning a stay, you can therefore choose to focus on local history, technology or nature.
Monastery and Collegiate History
Metelen’s origins are traced back to a monastery founded by Friduwi on the River Vechte in 889. The Catholic parish church defines the town’s skyline; construction probably began in the late 11th or early 12th century. The present-day parish church and the south wing of the dormitory date from the monastery period. The abbey, built in 1720, the collegiate wall and the former curia date from the collegiate period. The history thus spans the monastery’s foundation through to the later collegiate buildings.
The collegiate treasury and the Ackerbürgerhaus (historic burgher-farmer’s house) also add to this historical focus. The collegiate treasury houses treasures connected with Metelen’s economic and cultural life. The Ackerbürgerhaus invites visitors to spend time in a historic setting. This brings other aspects of local history into focus alongside the religious buildings.
Mills and Railway History
Plagemann’s Mill stands on the River Vechte and is considered one of the oldest mills in the region. The restored mill has turbine-driven machinery and serves as a mill and frame-saw museum. With more than 700 exhibits, it offers a distinct attraction for anyone interested in historic milling technology. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.
The Metelen Railway Museum is housed in the station building at Metelen Land station, between Metelen and Wettringen. Exhibits include an old signal box, a locomotive, a railway handcar and other historic railway equipment. Visitors can also try a faithful replica handcar and propel it themselves. If you plan to visit, check current visitor arrangements beforehand.
Heathland, the Rampart Path and Cycling Routes
The historic Rampart Path follows Metelen’s old fortifications, offering a walk directly connected to the town’s history. For a longer route through the landscape, the “Around Metelen” cycling tour is approximately 27 kilometres long. It passes through the Metelener Heide Landscape Conservation Area and the Strönfeld Nature Reserve. The route also features the Dino Zoo and a miniature golf course. The miniature golf course is in the Metelener Heide, right next to the Metelen Dino Zoo, and is considered family-friendly.
As a longer alternative, the 62-kilometre Triangel cycle route connects Metelen with Neuenkirchen, Ochtrup, Rheine, Steinfurt and Wettringen. Comparing the routes can help with planning: “Around Metelen” is the shorter ride, while the Triangel connects several towns. Before choosing either cycling option, check current route conditions. When planning visits to the attractions mentioned, also check visitor information and opening hours.
Starting Point: Metelen Land Station
Metelen Land station serves as a starting point for walks or cycling trips into the Metelener Heide. The railway museum is also located there. This makes the station a useful landmark for two different interests: railway history in the station building and outdoor activities in the surrounding landscape. Metelen Land station is between Metelen and Wettringen.
When visiting Metelen, you can choose what to focus on according to your interests: monastery history and historic buildings, technology in the museums, or routes through the heathland and protected areas. The cycling routes mentioned above differ mainly in their length and how many towns they connect.
Discover more destinations: Nordwalde, Mettingen, Ladbergen, Wettringen, Ochtrup, Saerbeck, Recke, Greven.
For the overview of the wider area: Steinfurt.
