The LandesGartenSchau route connects seven large and magnificent Westphalian parks over a distance of almost 200 km with an attractive route for cyclists. Each Landesgartenschau had a different motto, which can still be seen today. Although the parks offer numerous leisure activities for families, gardening enthusiasts get their money's worth. In keeping with the course of the year, colourful blossoms or autumnal leaves light up the landscape. This is a great way to be entertained or to enjoy nature in peace and quiet.
The entire route is signposted and leads from Lünen with its lake park via Bergkamen and Hamm with its famous Maximilian Park on via Lippetal to Oelde. Here, a green oasis of adventure awaits you in the form of the Four Seasons Park. The next stops are Rheda-Wiedenbrück with the "Porta Westfalica" park, Rietberg, Delbrück and Bad Lippspringe with the State Garden Exhibition site of 2017. The cycle path ends with a final highlight at the beautiful park at Neuhaus Castle near Paderborn.
Along the way, the typical local gastronomy invites you to linger with changing dishes according to the seasons. As there are hardly any ascents along the entire route, the LandesGartenSchau route is also well suited for beginners and families.
The former site of the State Garden Show is characterised by the 9-hectare Hostmar Lake. On the border between Münsterland and the Ruhr area, the evidence of mining cannot be overlooked. Ups and downs are characteristic of the landscape of the extensive lake park. In summer, visitors frolick on the 5,000 m² sandy beach and the large sunbathing lawns.
The glass elephant in Maximilian Park in Hamm has become the landmark of an entire region. But it is certainly not the only attraction in the park. The largest butterfly house in North Rhine-Westphalia, a broad entertainment programme, leisure activities for all generations and, last but not least, the great gardens make the park one of the most popular destinations along the cycle route.
The Four Seasons Park offers the best entertainment and, together with the Klipp-Klapp Children's Museum, it is a true family paradise. But the park also enchants with its lush flowerbeds, extensive lawns and lakes. The numerous events are known far beyond the city's borders. So the park offers a wonderful area for every visitor.
The grounds of the State Garden Show "Portal Westfalica" stretch over 3 km and connect the districts of Rheda and Wiedenbrück. The contrasts within the park are particularly attractive. Floodplain landscapes alternate with perennial gardens and near-natural, wonderfully quiet rest areas. The leisure facilities have something for everyone, as do the gastronomic offerings. The histroric old towns and Rheda Castle make the small town a great stop on the cycle route.
The secret stars of the Garden Show Park in Rietberg are the water buffaloes. Since 2015, the small herd has been living between herbaceous borders, lawns, climbing parks and water playgrounds. The park offers pure recreational fun for young and old with all the necessary service facilities. The entire park, which is located on the edge of the beautiful old town of Rietberg, is barrier-free.
In 2017, Bad Lippspringe hosted the extremely successful State Garden Show. The result is a feel-good park of flowery splendour and forest idyll. The grounds are open all year round and offer leisure activities for the whole family. Embedded in the beautifully landscaped gardens are playgrounds and rest areas. No wonder that "elves" and "trolls" also feel at home here. Garden lovers will of course also get their money's worth from the numerous model gardens.
In 1994, Paderborn hosted the State Garden Exhibition against the picturesque backdrop of Neuhaus Castle. The eventful park along the Lippe has retained its charm to this day. No less than three rivers draw their blue ribbons through the park and floodplain landscape and characterise the many experience points in the park. On an excursion, you should not miss a guided tour of the gardens and the castle. A real spectator magnet is the castle summer with numerous cultural events.