Rhede: Cycling Routes, Bürgerpark and Culture

More than 60 kilometres of designated cycling routes run through and around Rhede. There is also Bürgerpark, as well as cultural attractions ranging from a historic mill to a toy collection and the history of medicine. The town can therefore be explored through both outdoor excursions and themes in technology and everyday history. If you are looking for a hotel in Rhede, it may help to consider how you plan to spend each day: will cycling be the main focus, would you like to make time for green spaces, or are you especially interested in historical exhibitions?

Cycling in and around Rhede

The figure of more than 60 kilometres refers to designated cycling routes through and around Rhede. A different figure applies to the 58-kilometre Bocholter-Aa cycle route. It runs via Borken, Rhede, Bocholt and Isselburg towards the Netherlands. These figures are not interchangeable: one describes the cycling routes through and around Rhede, while the other gives the length of a specific named route. Before setting out, check the route and signage, as route conditions and signposting may change.

The Rhede Legends Safari passes through fen and heathland landscapes with characteristic flora and fauna, by old manor houses and farms, and shares information about Rhede’s legendary history. If you would like to include historical themes as well as scenery on a cycling trip, this route brings both together: along the way, the focus is on the natural landscape, older buildings and Rhede’s world of legends. No duration or length is specified here for the Legends Safari, so do not plan it based on the kilometre figure for the Bocholter-Aa route.

Green spaces and breaks in Bürgerpark

Rhede’s Bürgerpark is a 200,000-square-metre green space. The area includes a former hospital park, adjoining woodland, an old cemetery and open meadows. It also features a wildflower and fruit tree meadow, as well as bee-friendly trees and shrubs. The different areas give the park its own character, without requiring a particular circular route. Bürgerpark is ideal for walks, cycling and picnics. This offers a different way to spend time outdoors than on a longer cycling trip: you can plan a walk or a picnic break in the park.

Mill, technology and local history

Habers Mühle is Rhede’s last windmill and a technical monument considered a landmark of the town. The Dutch-style windmill was built in 1881. On a visit, you can learn about its history and technology, flour production and the miller’s former daily life. A prior arrangement may be required for guided tours; bear this in mind when planning your visit.

The Archimedes screw at the Bocholter Aa offers another distinct technological topic: it converts hydropower into electricity. The mill and the Archimedes screw can thus be viewed as different examples of energy use, without implying that they form a joint route or follow a particular visiting itinerary.

Toys and the history of medicine

The Max und Moritz Toy Museum displays a private collection of historic dolls, dollhouses, teddy bears and toys from 1850 to 1950. The collection is complemented by a reconstructed classroom. Villa Medica, by contrast, focuses on the history of medicine in rural areas during the 19th and 20th centuries and spans three floors. The fictional Rheesing family and media stations guide visitors through the shift from premodern superstition to modern medicine. The two themes have different focuses: one centres on toys and a historic classroom, while the other explores changing medical beliefs.

You can tailor your stay to your specific interests: cycling routes and the Legends Safari bring together landscapes and excursions, Bürgerpark offers walks and picnics as other options, and the mill and museums showcase technology and history.

Discover more destinations: Velen, Südlohn, Vreden, Stadtlohn, Legden, Isselburg, Raesfeld, Bocholt

For the overview of the wider region: Borken.