Roman-Lippe Route

On the Roman-Lippe Route you can cycle where the Romans once marched. On approximately 295 kilometres, you can experience history at first hand. Follow the traces of the Roman legions from the Lower Rhine over the Münsterland to the Teutoburg Forest. You can relive the history of the Varus Battle , which is said to have taken place in the Teutoburg Forest. The Hermann Monument in Detmold commemorates this triumph. You will be accompanied on your bike tour by the blue ribbon of the Lippe, which was an important transport route in Roman times.

Let yourself be inspired

View over the Hohe Mark
© Münsterland e.V./Maximilian Lehrke
Cycling by the reservoir
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
The Myth of the Varus Battle in the Lippisches Landesmuseum in Detmold
© Lippisches Landesmuseum Detmold
Cycling through the old town of Detmold
© Römer-Lippe-Route
Worth a longer stop - the Maximilianpark in Hamm
© Römer-Lippe-Route
The historic market square is the centre of Werne
© Nicole Neuhaus

On the trail of the Romans

But why not start at the beginning, in historic Xanten at the Archaeological Park. Here, the Roman city of "Colonia Ulpia Traiana" has been partly reconstructed on its original foundations: From city wall with defence towers to north gate, amphitheatre and hostel with themed complex. In recent years, the site has developed into Germany's largest open-air archaeological museum. A deep insight into Roman life in one of the largest metropolises in the Germanic province is provided by the Roman Museum with permanent and special exhibitions.

From the Lower Rhine, the cycle route takes you through the southern Münsterland and the Teutoburg Forest to Detmold. On the way along the Roman Route, you can expect to see many sights: for example, the Westphalian Roman Museum in Haltern am See, Hovestadt Castle in Lippetal, the Siemens Nixdorf Museum in Paderborn or thermal and fun pools. Just set off and find your own pace - either on a section for just one day or on several stages in a short holiday.

Castles on the Roman-Lippe Route

High above the Lippe lies Cappenberg Castle near Selm
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Lembeck Castle from above
© Münsterland e.V./Long-Nong Huang
Hovestadt Castle in Lippe Valley lies directly on the river Lippe
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
House Assen in Lippetal
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
The small Sythen Castle near Haltern am See
© Christine Baumeister-Henning
Crassenstein Castle near Selm
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting

Accompanied by the lip

Since the Lippe was one of the main transport routes of the Romans, it is not surprising that the Roman-Lippe route mostly runs within sight of the Lippe. But first, the Rhine takes over the main role between Xanten and Wesel. Enjoy the hustle and bustle on the Rhine promenade in Wesel or visit the town's old waterworks. East of Wesel, the landscape is dominated by the Lippe with its wide loops and meadows.

The moated castle of Gatrop lies idyllically in the Lippe meadows. It is just one of several magnificent castles along the route. Lembeck Castle near Dorsten is also impressive with its size and castle park. Crassenstein Castle near Selm is a wonderful place for a rest. Hovestadt Castle with its beautiful park and Assen Castle near Lippe Valley are worth a stop during the cycle tour. Schloss Neuhaus in Paderborn concludes the round of castles.

In addition to all the buildings, nature is not neglected on the cycle tour. The picturesque area of Westruper Heide lies between Lippe and the pretty town of Haltern am See. The relaxed atmosphere at the reservoirs and around the market square will quickly transfer to you. In Olfen, it is definitely worth taking a short detour from the Lippe into the idyllic Steverauen. This is a unique natural area that is mainly shaped by its animal inhabitants. The three-arch bridge "Alte Fahrt" is sure to catch your eye. Werne 's lively history comes alive around the historic market square. Also visit the town's monastery and salt works.

Traces of the Romans along the route

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© Ruhrgebiet Tourismus
LVR Archaeological Park Xanten

Where the tranquil town of Xanten lies today, a large Roman town once stretched out. The Archaeological Park, together with the Roman Museum, provides impressive evidence of this time and its exciting history. An absolute "must" on your cycling tour in the footsteps of the Romans.

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© Münsterland e.V./Maximilian Lehrke
Roman Museum in Haltern am See

Haltern am See was the most important Roman base in Germania and played a prominent role in the writing of history. The multi-media museum displays over 1,200 exhibits in a very entertaining way. A look through the virtual binoculars at the Aliso Roman construction site remains unforgettable.

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© Stadt Lünen / Caroline Gresch
Roman riverside fort in Lünen

For a long time it was only a conjecture, but in fact the Romans operated a camp on the banks of the Lippe near Lünen. Today, a bronze plaque commemorates the once 2.5-hectare site with a wooden earthen wall.

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© Römer-Lippe-Route, www.dennisstratmann.de
Bergkamen Roman Park

Up to 12,000 Romans once camped in Bergkamen. Today, the Roman Park is an important site whose most important finds are linked to an archaeological trail. Only a few metres away, the town museum provides a deep insight into the life of the Romans.

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© Jonas Jäschke
Roman Camp Anreppen

The Anreppen Roman camp was discovered in 1968 and is still considered the easternmost Roman camp from the time of the Germanic Wars. At the intersection of two military roads, it was an important supply camp and provided accommodation for up to 6,000 men. Today, many information boards provide a more detailed insight into the camp.

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© Lippisches Landesmuseum Detmold
Lippe State Museum

Presenting history in an understandable way - this is the aim of the Lippisches Landesmuseum in Detmold. In addition to many permanent and special exhibitions, an entire section is dedicated to the myth of the Varus Battle. Get to the bottom of this fascinating turning point in history in an impressive exhibition.

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© Ruhrgebiet Tourismus
Hermann Monument

The Hermann Monument is not only a landmark for an entire region, but also looks back on a turning point in the history of Europe. Various guided tours give a closer look at the legendary battle between Romans and Germanic tribes. Your cycle tour on the Roman-Lippe Route ends here in the Teutoburg Forest.

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The Roman-Lippe Route at a glance

  • 295 km
  • Route tour
  • medium
  • 1373 m
  • 1032 m
  • signposted
  • Multiday tour
  • History/Nature
  • Xanten
  • Wesel
  • Haltern on the lake
  • Werne
  • Hamm
  • Lippetal
  • Bad Waldliesborn
  • Lippstadt
  • Paderborn
  • Detmold

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Your questions about the Römer-Lipper-Route

The WerseRadweg is integrated into the red and white cycle route signage as an insert sign/pictogram. The insert sign is located directly below the destination signposts. Thanks to its integration into the dense cycle path network with its junction system, orientation is particularly easy for those unfamiliar with the area.

In addition to the signposted main route, there are separate signs for the Roman culture loops and the water adventure loops.

You should plan six days for the cycle tour on the Römer-Lippe-Route. Then you can cycle the stages at a relaxed pace and still have enough time to discover the sights along the way.

The return journey from Xanten to Detmold takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes. The regional train RB31 connects Xanten with Duisburg. From there, you can take the regional express RE6 to Bielefeld or the RE11 to Altenbeken. The regional train RB 82 runs from these two stations to Detmold. Check the railway website before you set off.

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