In the middle of the Münsterland, through the wooded hilly landscape of the Baumberge, runs the Sandstone Route. This cycle tour leads along well-signposted cycle paths through the five Baumberge communities of Nottuln, Havixbeck, Billerbeck, Rosendahl and Coesfeld. Typical for the region is the Baumberg sandstone, which characterises many buildings and places with its unmistakable colour.
This is where the Münsterland parkland shows its most beautiful side. From the hills of the Baumberge, there are wonderful views of the fields and meadows of the region, between which there are always pretty farms and endearing villages. Especially in spring, the flowers of the rapeseed fields glow in the sunshine. Small streams run through the forests of the Baumberge and always offer lovely places to rest.
Sandstone: the gold of the Münsterland
On your tour through the Baumberge, you will get to know more than 200 large and small buildings made of the light-coloured Baumberg sandstone. For example, Burg Hülshoff in Havixbeck, where the famous Westphalian poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff was born in 1797. You can find another nine special sandstone moments on the route here. They tell stories about the sandstone and the region.
The quarries that are still in operation today and, above all, the Baumberger Sandsteinmuseum in Havixbeck are also worth a visit. The town centre of Nottuln is beautiful with its old, well-kept houses around the stately church. You will also pass the Longinusturm: a lookout tower with spectacular views of the Baumberge mountains.
The quarrying of sandstone in the Baumberge has a 1,000-year history. In the Baumberg Sandstone Museum you can take a closer look at the "marble of the Münsterland".
Hülshoff Castle near Havixbeck is certainly one of the most beautiful buildings made of sandstone. The soft colours of the building material blend wonderfully into the beautiful park. Together with the museum, Hülshoff Castle is one of the most popular destinations in Münsterland.
St. Martinus Church in the old town of Nottuln is one of the most important and beautiful late Gothic hall churches in Westphalia. Construction of the hall church, which is well worth seeing, began in 1489. The sandstone furnishings are particularly interesting. Various figures and the baptismal font bear witness to great craftsmanship.
The Stevertal near Nottuln radiates a special idyll. The stately sandstone buildings are framed by a beautiful, hilly landscape. The bubbling Steverquelle forms the end of the valley, which is still one of the insider tips in Münsterland.
The towers of Billerbeck Cathedral stretch towards the sky. At least, that's how you feel when you stand directly at the foot of the cathedral. Framed by other buildings made of sandstone, the cathedral is one of the most impressive structures in Münsterland. The interior of the church is just as magnificent.
Somewhat hidden away is Havixbeck House, which is still privately owned today. Built in 1562, the three-winged moated castle is a wonderful example of the use of Baumberg sandstone. A visit is only possible from the outside.
The sandstone route 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. The integration into the dense Münsterland-wide cycle route network with its junction system makes it particularly easy for those unfamiliar with the area to find their way around.
A total of 1,202 metres in altitude have to be mastered on the legend route. Of these, 601 metres are uphill. The hilly course is what makes the Sandstone Route so special. Overall, the Sandstone Route is a moderately difficult cycle tour that can be completed with a normal level of fitness.
