Metelen: Monastic history, mills and cycling routes

Metelen is located in the parkland of the western Münsterland region. Sandy soils, forests and wetlands shape the surrounding area, and the landscape changes noticeably within just a few kilometres. A stay here combines the town’s history with a varied natural setting. Buildings dating from the monastery and collegiate periods give the town a historical focus, while cycling and hiking options offer different ways to explore the surrounding area. When looking for hotels in Metelen, you can plan your trip around whether you would prefer to focus on historic sites, technology museums or time on your bike.

History in the townscape

Metelen traces its origins to a monastery founded by Friduwi on the Vechte in 889. The present-day parish church and the south wing of the dormitory date from the monastery period. The parish church also shapes the town’s skyline; its construction probably began in the late 11th or early 12th century. The abbey dating from 1720, the collegiate wall and the former curia belong to the collegiate period. The traces of the monastery and collegiate periods can therefore be seen in different buildings. The historic Wallweg also points to the past: it follows Metelen’s old fortifications. The historic atmosphere of the Ackerbürgerhaus invites you to linger.

Cycling routes through landscapes and protected areas

The “Rund um Metelen” circular route is about 27 kilometres long. It passes through the Metelener Heide landscape conservation area and the Strönfeld nature reserve, and also includes the Dino Zoo and a miniature golf course. The nature-inspired miniature golf course in the Metelener Heide is right next to the Dino Zoo Metelen and is family-friendly. A longer, intermunicipal option is the 62-kilometre Triangel, which connects Metelen, Neuenkirchen, Ochtrup, Rheine, Steinfurt and Wettringen. The two cycling options differ in both length and layout: the circular route goes around Metelen, while the Triangel connects several towns. Walks and cycling trips into the Metelener Heide also start at Metelen Land station. Check route conditions before setting out and the facilities’ current visitor conditions before visiting.

The history of mills and railways

The restored Plagemanns Mill on the Vechte is considered one of the oldest mills in the region. It has turbine-driven machinery; as a mill and sawmill museum, it displays more than 700 exhibits. The mill brings together a historic building and the subjects of milling technology and sawmilling.

The railway museum is housed in the station building at Metelen Land station, between Metelen and Wettringen. Exhibits include an old signal box, a locomotive, a handcar and other railway equipment. Visitors can try out a faithful replica of a handcar using their own muscle power. The station is also a starting point for walks and cycling trips into the Metelener Heide. If you are planning a museum visit, it is best to check the current visitor conditions beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Emsdetten, Lienen, Recke, Tecklenburg, Altenberge, Westerkappeln, Mettingen, Saerbeck

For the overview of destinations in the wider area: Steinfurt.