Discover Steinfurt: Nature, Cycling Routes and Culture

Protected landscapes and garden culture

There are 116 nature reserves in the Steinfurt district, covering a total area of around 13,231 hectares. In addition, 78 landscape conservation areas cover around 27,774 hectares. These area figures may change as new designations are made. Together, the protected areas give an idea of the importance of natural and landscape areas in the region.

Twelve NaTourism routes pass through almost every town in the Steinfurt and Tecklenburg region. They are between 25 and 54 kilometres long and offer a chance to discover the diverse flora and fauna. The Steinfurt District Teaching Garden offers a different focus: more than 100,000 garden enthusiasts visit it each year. If you are interested in plants and gardens, it provides a distinct theme for planning your trip alongside the routes.

Cycling along the Ems and on the Triangel

The Ems Cycle Route runs for around 60 kilometres through the Steinfurt district. Its protected riverbanks offer special nature experiences. The Triangel also offers a cycling perspective: officially opened in 2023, this route is around 62 kilometres long. It is the Steinfurt district’s first cycle highway and offers fast, safe and comfortable cycle paths.

The two distance figures refer to different sections: for the Triangel, the figure is the route’s total length; for the Ems Cycle Route, it is the section that passes through the Steinfurt district. This distinction helps put each figure in context when planning your cycling activities. The 100 Castles Route offers another focus: it links important architectural monuments in the district and passes through the Ems valley near Rheine.

Bentlage Monastery: History and the Ems

The former Bentlage Monastery of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross is located in Rheine on the Ems, within a landscape conservation area. Founded in 1437, it was converted into a manor house from 1803 onwards. After careful restoration, the listed complex is now a cultural centre, museum, green retreat and popular destination for excursions. The different chapters of its history make Bentlage a special cultural destination, while its location on the Ems also shapes the character of the surrounding landscape.

The Ems between Rheine and Salzbergen is an attractive canoeing area. There has been a dedicated canoe landing stage right by the monastery since May 2011; there is also a hand-operated lock dating from the 19th century. This is where river landscape, water sports and historic technology come together. When planning your day, you can choose between a focus on culture and discovering the Ems as a canoeing area.

Bauhaus and architectural monuments

The HeinrichNeuyBauhausMuseum in Steinfurt presents works by Heinrich Neuy and other Bauhaus students and teachers in solo and group exhibitions. The 100 Castles Route offers another way to explore the district’s architectural heritage by linking important architectural monuments. Steinfurt thus offers a choice of themes, from modern art and design history to historic architecture.

When choosing your holiday apartment, it is worth first considering which experiences you want to shape your stay: protected landscapes and routes, garden culture, the Ems, or museums and architectural monuments. Then compare the accommodation’s location with the places you want to visit. This lets you tailor your travel plans to the priorities you actually want, without trying to squeeze every destination into a single itinerary.

Discover more places

Discover more places: Wettringen, Lengerich, Tecklenburg, Saerbeck, Rheine, Recke, Lienen, Ladbergen, Ibbenbüren, Horstmar, Hörstel, Hopsten, Greven, Steinfurt, Emsdetten, Altenberge, Neuenkirchen, Laer, Ochtrup, Westerkappeln, Lotte, Nordwalde, Metelen and Mettingen.

For the regional travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.