- 15:00 h
- 214.00 km
- Start: Das Hockende Weib
- Destination: Hexenküche
The legend route invites cyclists to mentally swap their bike for a flying broom and discover the legendary stories of Tecklenburger Land with the little witch. Along the route, you will encounter eerily beautiful stories of demons and ghosts. But the cycle route is also characterised by historical highlights such as the romantic Iburg Castle, the impressive Gravenhorst Monastery and the picturesque districts of Lienen, Tecklenburg and Bad Iburg.
Good to know
Directions
The circular trail can be started at the rock formation"The Squatting Woman". Here guests already come into contact with the first legend of a courageous mother who wanted to save her children from drowning and thus turned to stone. Here we recommend climbing up the rock, or rather onto the shoulders of the squatting mother rock formation). The view of the Münsterland is magnificent and provides the ideal start to the cycle tour.
The cycle tour begins and leads to Gravenhorst Monastery as the first stopover. This was formerly a Cistercian monastery where the typical life between spirituality and pragmatism was practised. Insights into monastic life can be gained in a small monastery exhibition.
The route then leads to Steinbecker Esch, where the next enchanted legend is just waiting to be told. Two fundamentally different shepherds quarrelled over the pastureland at Steinbecker Esch. Out of hatred and brutality, the story ended in death for both shepherds. As a result, crosses were erected at the site, which is still considered a memorial today and appeals for peaceableness and understanding.
The next stop can be made at the"Holy Sea". According to legend, instead of the peaceful lake, it was once the lively abode of monks. They were known for their dissolute lifestyle. As punishment for this, during a thunderstorm the monastery was struck by a mighty bolt of lightning and disappeared forever.
After a soothing break in the Sacred Sea nature reserve, the route follows the call of the Tüötten. This is what the seasonal wandering merchants in the Münsterland used to be called. Having arrived in Mettingen, you can visit the Tüötten Museum, which provides insights into the life of the Tüötten families and their works.
15 kilometres further south is Haus Marck. Preliminary negotiations for the Peace of Westphalia took place in this moated castle, which was a milestone for European peace. The story of a master craftsman who forgot his apprentice in the mausoleum of the manor house on a full moon night is also told here. Why this happened is still a mystery today.
The legend route continues to Iburg Castle. There you have the chance to visit the knights' hall and the museum of the castle and thus gain an insight into the life of the Braunschweig-Lüneburg family.
Arriving in Tecklenburg, the circular route ends. The White Lady still haunts the town and the Devil's footprint can still be seen in the "Witches' Kitchen" rock.
Tour information
Familiy-Friendly
Loop Road
Multiday Tour
Nature Highlight
Directions & Parking facilities
The rock formation "Das Hockende Weib" (The Squatting Woman) is a good place to start the legend route.
If you travel by public transport, take the RVM bus line 63 from Ibbenüren station to the "Dörenther Berg" stop. On Sundays and public holidays, from May to October, the F 10 bicycle and hiking bus (Osnabrück-Hörstel) also runs to the stop.
If you travel by car, the Bundesstraße 219 leads to the Dörenter Klippen hikers' car park. From there, the rock formation is only one kilometre away.
If you start at the rock formation "Das Hockende Weib", parking is available at the Dörenther Klippen hikers' car park.
Alternatively, you can park at the "Bocketal" hikers' car park. It is located opposite the campsite: Im Bocketal 12, 49545 in Tecklenburg-Brochterbeck. From here it is just under four kilometres to the rock formation.
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