Hermannshöhen - Etappe 01 von Rheine nach Hörstel

1. Start and finish point of the stage
   The route starts at the train station in Rheine in the flat Münsterland region and leads along the gently flowing Bevergerner Aa to the idyllic town center of Bevergern.
2. Length of the stage in kilometers / elevation gain / route character
   The stage is approx. 20 kilometers long, largely flat and easy to walk.
3. Scenic features
   The route runs from the picturesque Ems floodplains to the drier and less nutrient-poor areas of the Gellendorfer Mark and the "Wilden Weddenfeld". This is an inland dune landscape that is almost completely forested. Characterized by old forests, pines and gnarled oaks, but also by flowering rough pastures, heathland and junipers, the landscape is unique and fascinating.

• The Bentlage recreation area in Rheine offers a beautiful combination of nature and culture. The former saltworks in the Salinenpark are a reminder of the time when salt was mined between green spaces and old trees with historic buildings. The Naturzoo Rheine is also located here and is a popular excursion destination for families with its native and exotic animals.
  
  
• The lock system of the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Hörstel is a technical masterpiece. Here, visitors can watch ships passing through and gain an impression of how the locks work.
  
  
• The Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst in Hörstel is a former monastery that is now used as an art and cultural center. Not only can you visit exhibitions here, but you can also explore the historic monastery church with mill, bakery and brewery.
  
  
• The historic town center of Bevergern in Hörstel has numerous well-preserved half-timbered houses and small stores.

You can also find a good interactive map from Outdooractive with the stage here.