Spring Awakening in the Münsterland

What would Münsterland be without its gardens and parks? They are the highlights in the middle of the well-kept park landscape and inspire in spring with their splendour of blossoms. Wide meadows invite you to picnic or take a break, colourful flowerbeds are full of life and the scent of the flowers foreshadows summer.

The Botanical Garden of Münster is an oasis of peace in the middle of the city. Here, native spring bloomers meet exotic plants from all over the world. Tulips in countless colours line the paths around the greenhouses. The botanical garden around the beautifully landscaped lake is particularly picturesque and peaceful. Between the winding paths and old trees, you will always discover new spring flowers.

Our next tip is truly exceptional: the District educational garden in Steinfurt is largely devoted to fruit growing. More than 300 varieties of fruit grow in the park-like grounds and present a colourful picture in spring. Various themed gardens not only make the hearts of garden lovers beat faster. Numerous bulbous plants form beautiful beds and guide you through the different areas. Secluded seating areas invite you to enjoy spring with all your senses. Let yourself be inspired by the numerous ideas for your garden and learn more about flora and fauna on the Garden Experience Trail.

Families in particular feel at home in the Four Seasons Park in Oelde. A varied park has developed on the site of the former regional garden show. Around the large lake, large spring ponds provide a veritable sea of colour. New perspectives make a walk through the park an experience that is sure to leave you bored. The numerous playgrounds - from the low ropes course to the play castle to the Devil's Bridge - make sure of that. If the weather is good, we recommend a ride on a pedal boat across the lake. And if there are clouds in the sky, the Klipp Klapp children's museum is just right for you.

Tip: During the holidays there is an Easter rally for children in the Four Seasons Park.

One of the most beautiful excursion destinations in the Münsterland awaits you north of Rheine. Picturesquely situated between the forest and the Ems is the Bentlage Monastery. The exhibitions and events in the monastery are worth the trip alone. In spring, the neighbouring Saline Park is transformed into an incomparable "spring experience". The trees around the salt pans open their picturesque blossoms and the first signs of spring appear in the flower beds. When the storks populate the open meadows again, the idyll is perfect. By the way: You can admire many more animal inhabitants in nearby Nature Zoo of Rheine.

Probably the most exotic inhabitants of the region live in the very west of Münsterland. Depending on the weather, around 50 flamingos populate the Zwillbrocker Venna nature reserve right on the Dutch border. From May, the first young of the world's northernmost flamingo colony hatch there. The pink birds are accompanied by countless seagulls and many other water birds. The best way to spot the birds is from the observation station at the Remise. In any case, you should have binoculars with you. The distance between the observation point and the flamingos is about 300 metres.

From 4 April, the Ketteler Hof in Haltern am See opens its outdoor area. The popular amusement park attracts visitors with numerous attractions. Slide towers, water playgrounds, giant trampolines and huge playgrounds are just some of the highlights at Ketteler Hof. A paradise for children and an exciting family outing for adults. You can allow a whole day for a stay - it's good that there are numerous picnic and barbecue areas in the park.

Around Nottuln, spring awakens in a particularly colourful way. From the surrounding hills, there are always beautiful long-distance views over the Baumberge mountains. A real insider's tip is a cycle tour through the picturesque Stevertal. Ancient fruit trees transform the valley along the small river into a picture-book landscape where you can enjoy the tranquillity and naturalness of the Münsterland to the full. Grazing horses and sheep on the lush green meadows offer wonderful photo motifs and make for relaxing moments. The perfect starting and finishing point for the approx. 23 kilometre cycle tour is the old town of Nottuln.

Directly on the outskirts of Münster you will find a particularly charming riding route for you and your horse. The park landscape of Münsterland accompanies you on your ride on the Traces of the Droste from Haus Rüschhaus to the magnificent Hülshoff Castle. The parks of the popular castle near Havixbeck are wonderfully extensive. You should not miss a walk around the water areas. There are always new perspectives on the birthplace of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. Water is also the defining element in the "valley" of the Aa. Several resting places along the 32-kilometre-long riding route make your spring ride a relaxing experience.

The hike along the Teutoschleife "Holperdorper Loop" leads from picturesque Lienen to the first mountain ranges of the Teutoburg Forest. Under the still light and freshly green leafy canopy of the forest, the path "abducts" you into the Holperdorper Valley. There is hardly another place where the Münsterland presents itself so idyllically. You will be thrilled by the walk around the valley. Shortly before the end of the 13-kilometre-long trail, the Malepartus forest inn invites you to take an extended rest.

For the spring awakening, we have selected the most beautiful travel offers for you. With your bike, you can immerse yourself in the "Münsterland nature experience". Imposing, spacious parks alternate with romantic and lovingly designed gardens. In between, wonderful landscapes and lovely places await you, where the first beer gardens invite you to take a break. In the evening, hospitable accommodation awaits you for a restful night in the Münsterland.

The hiking trails are wonderfully peaceful in spring. Wide views and colourful landscapes reward you during your hike through the hills above the Münsterland parkland. Just the right moment to unwind.