Töddenland Route

The Töddenland cycle path follows the tracks of the "Tödden or "Tüötten" for about 122 km. These were itinerant merchants who in the 17th to 19th centuries travelled as far as the Netherlands with their rolls of linen or other goods on their backs to sell their products. These itinerant merchants gave rise to such well-known companies as C & A and Hettlage. The trail takes you "across borders" through the northern Münsterland in North Rhine-Westphalia and through the southern Emsland in Lower Saxony.

By bike in Töddenland

At 22 "Tödden stations" you will learn interesting facts about the way of life and the work of the former linen traders. Along the route you will pass the hilly Schafberg plateau near Mettingen, Ibbenbüren and Recke as well as flat heath and moor landscapes in Recke, Hopsten and the southern Emsland. You can also discover exciting excursion destinations such as the Dörenther Cliffs, the Saller See lake, the Heiliges Meer nature reserve, a sulphur bath and a Tuötten museum along the route. Let yourself be inspired by the history and tradition of the wandering merchants and the charm of the picturesque towns of Hopsten, Mettingen, Recke as well as Freren, Beesten and Schapen.

Some highlights along the route

Tüöttenmuseum in Mettingen
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting

Mettingen Museum

The Tüöttenmuseum in Mettingen is divided between three half-timbered houses. The museum sheds light on the life of merchants from itinerant traders to wholesale traders. It is no coincidence that numerous department stores have their roots in Mettingen and the surrounding area. The way of life and the living culture are extensively presented.

School and Postal Museum in Mettingen
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting

Schultenhof Mettingen

The Schultenhof is the nucleus of Mettingen. As the original courtyard of Mettingen, the farm, which was probably built as early as the 7th century, plays an important role in the history of the town. The courtyard complex, which consists of several buildings, now houses the school museum and the postal museum.

The "Old Rectory" in Schapen
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting

Old rectory Schapen

The "Old Rectory" in Schapen houses an exhibition on the history of itinerant merchants in the attic. In addition to the beginnings of trade, the main focus is on the legendary coin hoard of Schapen. In combination with the old smithy and the former breweries, a piece of the past comes alive here.

Töddenhaus Urschen in Beesten
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting

Töddenhaus Urschen

The Töddenhaus Urschen in Beesten dates back to 1512. For centuries, the Urschen merchant family maintained close trade relations with the Netherlands. The building, which has been rebuilt several times and is a listed building, still shows typical elements of the merchants' houses of that time.

Töddenzimmer Freren
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting

Töddenzimmer Freren

In 1830, the wealthy merchant Pott had an impressive merchant's house built directly on the market square in Freren - the first massive, two-storey private house in the town. The market front is a good example of the classicist architectural style.
There is a particularly impressive room on the upper floor: the "Töddenzimmer". The large parlour with original furnishings from around 1850 has been preserved to this day.

Schale Culture Country House
© Gemeinde Hopsten

Schale Culture Country House

In the Kulturlandhaus of the municipality of Hopsten, creative activities such as flax and wool processing as well as basket and chair weaving are offered. The museum of traditional costumes housed there is also worth seeing.

Museum of local history and basketry in Recke
© Münsterland e.V./Sebastian Lehrke

Local History and Basket Museum Recke

The former water mill Ruthemühle is the setting for the museum of local history and basketry in Recke. The museum gives a good insight into the way of life of the local people. How was farming done, how wooden shoes were made and what is the secret of basket weaving. The museum provides the answers.

Recker Moor
© Münsterland e.V./Maximilian Lehrke

Recker Moor

The Recker Moor is one of the best-preserved moors in NRW and impresses with its breathtaking flora and fauna. Discover endangered bird species and the colourful variety of plants. Enjoy a break from everyday life. A stopover during your cycle tour is well worth it!

learn more...

learn more

The Töddenland Route at a glance

122 km
Circuit
medium
signposted
Multiday tour
History/Nature

Ibbenbüren
Hopsten
Schapen
Beesten
Freren
Recke
Mettingen

Downloads

Learn more

Plan your holiday

Cycle tour Ibbenbüren On the trail of the Tödden
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
On the trail of the Tödden
from 2 days | from € 73 | incl. breakfast Follow in the footsteps of the "Tödden" or "Tüötten" on the 122 km Töddenland cycle path through Ibbenbüren, Hopsten, Mettingen, Recke as well as Freren, Beesten and Schapen.
Learn more

Your questions about the Töddenland route

Is the Töddenland route signposted?

The Töddenland 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. Thanks to its integration into the dense Münsterland-wide cycle route network with its junction system, orientation is particularly easy for those unfamiliar with the area.

How many metres in altitude do you have to climb on the Töddenland route?

On the Töddenland route, you have to overcome a total of 684 metres in altitude. Of these, 342 metres are uphill. The two biggest climbs are to the west and east of Ibbenbüren. Overall, the Töddenland route is a moderately difficult cycle tour that can be completed with a normal level of fitness.