Cycling tour Counts, moats, estate managers

From Warendorf, the first stage takes you through the park landscape via Freckenhorst with its impressive St. Boniface Church, past the Haus Nottbeck cultural estate in Olede and the Stromberg castle ruins to Wadersloh. A visit to Liesborn Abbey near Wadersloh is not to be missed.

The second stage goes out into the Soester Börde. A visit to Hovestadt Castle in Lippe Valley should be on the programme, as should a tour of the pilgrimage church of St. Ida in Herzfeld. Take some time to visit the garden at Hovestadt Castle, which lies directly in the picturesque valley of the Lippe. The park is famous for its beautiful hedges. Today's destination is Beckum, in the very south of Münsterland. Experience the tension between industrial culture and new natural spaces.

The third day takes you from Beckum via Ahlen and Sendenhorst to Münster (district), about 57 kilometres. Along this route there are some very worth seeing, privately inhabited manor houses. A "must" is a visit to Münster's old town. The cityscape around Prinzipalmarkt is one of the most beautiful in Germany. In addition, there are countless sights, such as the castle or the Friedenssaal (Peace Hall), which you should definitely visit.

Take some time in Münster and take a look at the Erbdrostenhof or the Picasso Museum. From Münster, the fourth stage takes you through the beautiful Werse valley to Gelmer and from there on to Ostbevern with the Loburg Castle boarding school. Especially in spring, the magnificent rhododendron garden behind the castle is a real feast for the eyes. Take advantage of the time for a nice walk along the quiet paths.

On the fifth day, the route leads from Ostbevern to Füchtorf, the "asparagus capital" of Münsterland. The double castle complex Harkotten near Sassenberg with its well-visited castle café is a good place to take a break. The castles are perhaps one of the most beautiful insider tips in Münsterland. The rest of the route takes you through the Warendorf parklands via Sassenberg back to the horse town of Warendorf.

Use the last day to explore the district town of Warendorf with its equestrian institutions. The very well preserved historic old town around the historic market square also attracts visitors with its colourful offerings. For those who like it sporty again, you can switch from land to water and swap your bikes for paddles on a canoe tour on the leisurely Ems.