Hidden behind hedges

Gerleve Monastery offers you a suitable starting point for your circular route. The still active Benedictine monastery is able to transmit its decelerating effect to its visitors with ease. The originality of this monastery is impressively highlighted by the impressive west work with its two high towers - both are 42 metres high! An absolute speciality that you should not miss: Visitors are cordially invited to the monks' hourly prayer.

From the monastery you cycle downhill through the gently rolling landscape towards Billerbeck. The mighty towers of Ludgerus Cathedral, once a rebellious symbol of a Catholic peasantry against the Protestant Prussians, appear in the distance. Soon you discover the idyllic moated castle of Haus Hameren on your way - hidden yet impressive. The castle dates back to the early 14th century and has been extended and modernised several times. The different construction phases can still be clearly seen today. The castle is privately owned and would therefore prefer to be viewed at a distance.

Near Billerbeck , you should take a short detour to the beautiful little town. The picturesque town offers plenty of culture, culinary delights and provides real "aha" moments: whether it's the idiosyncratically large cathedral in the town centre, the numerous historical buildings that are listed as historic monuments or the Kolvenburg, which shelters art exhibitions of the highest quality behind its rustic exterior - Billerbeck never fails to delight its visitors.

You cycle past Billerbeck in the direction of Darfeld. You will slowly become aware of the special nature of this route: gentle hills, babbling rivers, lush meadows. The fascination of the Baumberge and its surrounding area should slowly lift you out of your everyday life and you can sit back and enjoy.

On the way to Varlar, you will pass the Varlarer Schänke. In the beer garden you can take a short break, enjoy Westphalian ham specialities and use the recharging service for your e-bike.

Your route continues along the Varlarer Mühlenbach stream past Varlar Castle. Here, too, this beauty wants to remain hidden and prefers to hide behind the highest hedges. Therefore, only approach it at a sufficient distance and enjoy the view across the well-tended moat to the moated castle, which was once part of an impressive monastery complex.

Cycle through the shady forest towards another gem: The hunting lodge Coesfeld peeps out cautiously from behind the trees and bushes. It once belonged to Varlar Monastery, as indicated by the impressive coat-of-arms stone above the door. Today the cottage is privately owned, which is why this treasure also prefers to be viewed at a distance.

A little off the route lies Haus Loburg - not to be confused with the baroque Loburg Castle in Ostbevern. A 16th-century noble residence whose roots are said to go back to Charlemagne. Here too, unfortunately, you can only visit the outside , but the charming grounds are well worth the detour!

You now cycle through the centre of the district town of Coesfeld, where numerous cultural sights and culinary options await you. Here you can round off the day well before you venture the last section back to Gerleve Abbey.

By car

Gerleve is situated about 4.5 kilometres east of Coesfeld on the B 525 Münster - Coesfeld. Free parking is available on the grounds of Gerleve Monastery.

By public transport

Nearby railway stations are in Billerbeck or Coesfeld. From there it is about 10 kilometres to the start of the route.