When frost freezes small lakes, hoarfrost transforms ferns and branches into works of art and fog accentuates the silence of the landscape, it's time for a winter walk in Münsterland. In warm boots, a cosy hat and a thick jacket, you will discover quiet paths and small wonders of nature. From the heights of the Tecklenburger Land to the heaths in the valley of the Lippe, the Münsterland gives you plenty of space to take a break from everyday life.
Rieselfelder in winterIt is a micro-adventure with North Sea flair very close to the city centre of Münster: the Rieselfelder. Numerous birds have found their home in the nature reserve. You can observe them particularly well from spring to autumn. But that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit in winter. When the reservoirs freeze over and the wet meadows glisten, the Rieselfelder exude a charm that is just as breathtaking as in the warmer months. There is a network of several hiking trails of varying lengths in the "nature experience area".
Length: variable
The wintry Nordkirchen CastleNordkirchen Castle rises majestically from the surrounding parkland. Most visitors walk through the park to Venus Island. From here you have a wonderful view of the castle and the gardens of the castle park. The strictly formal park design is fascinating even in winter and contrasts beautifully with the nearby wooded areas. From the main entrance of the castle, the bat circular walk leads you through avenues in a wide arc past the orangery back to the castle and on to the town centre of Nordkirchen.
Length from the car park: approx. 5 kilometres
Bagno Park in winterLocated near the historic centre of Burgsteinfurt , the nature reserve combines natural woodland, water and parkland. The park is of course worth a visit at any time of year, but there is something magical about the frozen Bagno lake in the centre of the park. The paths through the park can be combined to create circular walks of different lengths. The classic tour is 3.5 kilometres long.
Length: variable
The wintry Westrup HeathIn the winter months, the bizarre shapes of the juniper bushes are the stars of the heath. Knotty and overgrown, they resemble creatures from fables and fairy tales. The sandy paths lead through the stands of evergreen shrubs, which, by the way, can grow up to 600 years old. A good starting point for a walk is the "Westruper Heide" car park. In addition to the wide expanses of heath, there are also numerous mighty juniper bushes here. It is worthwhile to "hike" through the many areas of the heath. Again and again, new vantage points open up. However, the paths also allow numerous shortcuts.
Length: approx. 4 kilometres
Schloss Raesfeld im WinterA tour around Raesfeld Castle is one of the most impressive experiences in western Münsterland. The highest castle tower in Westphalia stretches into the winter sky as you explore the circular trails in the historic zoo. The marked circular trails are up to 5 kilometres long and lead through a magnificent winter landscape of forest, meadow and heath. At the end, the cafés in the Freiheit area tempt you with a warm drink.
Length: up to 5 km
Mouflon in the Holy Sea nature reserveWater, forest and meadows are also beautiful to look at in winter! Thanks to its relatively short length and easy difficulty level, the Teutoschleife Heiliges Meer is also recommended in the cold season. The sinkhole lakes in particular, especially the Holy Sea, give this tour its unique character - hence the name!
Length: 9 km
Triple arch bridgeOriginal river courses and unspoilt landscapes: The Stever floodplains in Olfen are a nature reserve where many animals have found their home. In winter, animal encounters are rarer than in summer, but nature is no less beautiful. The Münsterländer Steverauenweg trail takes you through this picturesque natural idyll. It passes meadows, small forests and the River Stever and there are great viewpoints every now and then. One of the most popular photo motifs is the three-arch bridge.
Length: 8 km
Walk along the Aassee of MünsterMünster's Aasee lake is just a few metres from the city centre. Where joggers, picnic fans and sun worshippers cavort in summer, a soothing silence spreads in winter. Beautiful circular paths between 3 and 7 kilometres long lead through the Aaseepark with its remarkable sculptures. The Mühlenhof open-air museum, located directly on the Aasee, offers a journey through the history of the Münsterland.
Length: 3 to 7 km
Walk in the Venner MoorThe history of the "Venner Moor" near Senden began 6,000 years ago. For a long time, the high moor was characterised by thick peat layers. But as in many other places, large areas of the landscape fell victim to drainage. However, some plants and animals typical of the heath have remained at home in the Venner Moor. Surrounded by birch forests, a moorland forest has survived around areas of water and moorland. From the "Venner Moor" car park, two circular paths lead through the nature reserve. Especially in fog or frost, the moor unfolds its beauty.
Length 2.7 or 4.7 kilometres
Baumberge in NovemberYou can enjoy fantastic views of fields, meadows and forests in the Baumberge near Nottuln. Even in winter. A 360-degree view across the Münsterland region as far as the Ruhr area or Emsland is possible from here on a clear day. Stroll through the beautiful landscape and take a break at the Longinus Tower, the highest point in the Baumberge. How long you walk is up to you. You can hike part of the Ludgerusweg or one of the local circular routes.
Length: variable
The Ems in TelgteWith the small and large winter hiking tip, you get five great route suggestions from Telgte. Wonderful views of the Ems await you on all tours. After your (short) winter hike, you can end the day in a relaxed manner - for example in one of the cosy cafés, restaurants or inns around the Telgte market square. A hot chocolate or regional dish will round off your hiking day perfectly.
Length: between 1.5 and 9 km
Peat bog lake in HörstelWinter in Münsterland is a special challenge: no snow like in the Alps, but often grey clouds and drizzle. But it's worth taking a walk, especially on cloudy days, because the fresh air lifts your spirits, strengthens your immune system and energises you! Our colleague Victoria has put together some great ideas for winter walks by lakes for you on the MünsterlandBlog.
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