Cyclist's paradise around the Alfsee
Cyclists, in particular, will find ideal conditions around the Alfsee Holiday and Adventure Park: rolling hills, wide plains, plenty of greenery, and little traffic. Charming towns, villages, and farms abound. This is why our region was voted Germany's most popular cycling region by the ADFC (General German Bicycle Club)!
We have compiled interesting tours for you that you can easily complete in day trips. Spend a wonderful day cycling in the Osnabrücker Land region. Discover the tours on the Osnabrücker Land Tourism Association website.
Alfsee tours
Discover the hidden gems of the region. The tours offered by the Rieste local history society will take you into the beautiful countryside! Start your exploration conveniently from the holiday park. Signposted trails provide ideal conditions for a relaxing day trip. Bicycles and e-bikes are available for rent at Tramp & Camp. Maps can be obtained at reception.
Tour 1: Following Nature's Trail
- Duration: 2 hours
- Length: 11 km
- Start and finish: Alfsee-Center
- Note: Drive along the dike
This tour takes you around the Alfsee lake. Along the way, you'll discover diverse landscapes, both man-made
and largely natural. Numerous opportunities for nature observation await you.
The stations
Nature reserve
This area is part of the Alfsee reservoir complex. The Alfsee was originally conceived and built over 30 years ago as a flood control basin.
This section served as a reserve. However, its development has since taken a different turn. This part of the complex has transformed into a valuable wetland habitat and nature reserve, providing a refuge for many animals, especially waterfowl.
The breeding bird population is diverse and interesting. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the rare kingfisher here.
Biological Station Haseniederung / NBZ
If you'd like to learn more about Lake Alfsee and the impact of humans on nature and the landscape, we recommend a visit to the Haseniederung Biological Station. Environmental education programs on topics directly affecting this region are offered, particularly for schools. Excursions and on-site investigations are also available. The listed building has been renovated according to ecological building principles. The beautiful garden surrounding the courtyard is designed as a natural garden, featuring vegetable, herb, and flower beds, a wintering wall for insects, and an educational beehive.
The Alfsee
For centuries, the Hase River regularly flooded the surrounding lowlands. Even minor flooding increasingly threatened populated areas. To protect against flooding, the Alfsee was created as a flood control basin. Over 30 years ago, hardly anyone would have imagined that it would one day become a popular recreational area. At the same time, the Alfsee serves as a waterfowl resting place of international importance and is a popular destination for anglers. Nevertheless, flooding can still be regulated and prevented via the Alfsee's inflow and outflow.
With a usable storage capacity of 20.8 million cubic meters, the Alfsee is one of the largest facilities of its kind in Lower Saxony.
Lakeside terraces
With direct lake views, the lakeside terraces invite you to enjoy one of the many coffee specialties. Here, creative tastes know no bounds.
Located right next to the former boat harbor with a view of the lake.
Tour 2 & 3 Riester Circular Cycle Routes “Town” and “Country”
Tour 2:
- Riester Circular Cycle Route “Ort”
- Duration: 1 hour
- Length: 15.36 km
- Start and finish: Alfsee-Center
- Signage: follow the green circle
Tour 3:
- Riester Circular Cycle Route “Land”
- Duration: 2 hours
- Length: 26.55 km
- Start and finish: Alfsee-Center
- Signage: follow the blue diamond
Nature, fields and gardens, forests and waterways, historic buildings, modern commercial areas and attractive recreational areas.
Cycle past landmark buildings and get to know the town of Rieste and its surroundings better through these circular tours.
The stations
Evangelical Lutheran Emmaus Chapel
The foundation stone was laid in 1912. A year later, the chapel was consecrated for the local Protestant community. The interior features Art Nouveau paintings. The chapel takes its name from the chancel window behind the altar, which depicts the Emmaus scene.
Address: Sögelner Straße 3, 49597 Rieste
Riester town center
The village center is graced by the over 100-year-old school building. Its generous design, with two gables and a
central section facing the street, has shaped the village for generations. The same is true of the fire station and the new town hall,
built in 2005, behind which the train station is located. A monument commemorating the 750th anniversary celebration in 1995 stands in a square directly on the banks of the Hase River. A small seating area invites visitors to rest there.
Pilgrimage site Lage
The origins of Rieste date back to 1245. The Order of St. John maintained a significant settlement there, the Commandery of Lage.
The pilgrimage site of Lage is entered from the west through the so-called Lager Gate. This gate also adorns the municipality's coat of arms today.
After years of use as a hotel, the Diocese of Osnabrück purchased the Commandery of Lage in 1999 and transferred it to the Dominican monastery "To the Crucified Redeemer."
Next to the monastery stands the Catholic parish and pilgrimage church of St. John the Baptist, dating from 1426. The tower was added in 1904.
The church boasts rich furnishings, including three Baroque altars and a Gothic vault, decorated with stucco in 1733. The most important piece of furnishings is the life-size "Holy Cross of Lage," created around 1300. To this day, the faithful carry the 134 kg cross around the church, praying for the sick.
Address: Catholic Parish of St. John the Baptist, Lage 7, 49597 Rieste, Germany,
. +49 5464 91080, lage-rieste@t-online.de , www.kkg-lagerieste.de
On the Riester circular cycle route “Land” you will also get to know the surrounding area with the village of Bieste and the Marienkapelle chapel
as well as the inter-municipal industrial park Niedersachsenpark.
Tour 4 Alfsee Tour
- Duration: 5 hours
- Length: 41 km
- Start and finish: Alfsee-Center
- Outbound journey: Rieste – Bersenbrück
- Return route: Bersenbrück – Alfhausen – Rieste
- Signage: follow the red sail
They visit the town of Rieste with its pilgrimage site, the Kommende Lage monastery, and drive through Bersenbrück. Here, a visit to the historical area around the monastery gate and the Osnabrück district museum is worthwhile. The journey continues through the hilly landscape of the Ankumer Berge towards Alfhausen.
The stations
Chapel of the Beasts
Built in 1926, St. Mary's Chapel is located in the beautiful hamlet of Bieste. Over the years, numerous improvements, expansions, and renovations have been carried out.
Address: Kapellenweg, 49597 Rieste
Pilgrimage site Monastery Commandery Location
The pilgrimage church (parish church) in Lage-Rieste features a life-size crucifix from the 14th century.
Inside the church complex is a beautiful rosary garden.
Address: Kommende Lage 6, 49597 Rieste
St. John's Church in Alfhausen
The furnishings date from the Gothic period, including the Bentheim baptismal font and the Madonna of the Rays from 1517.
Around the church grew the Kirchhöfnerei, a small, idyllic row of closely built houses, creating a fortified church complex. Address: Kirchhof, 49594 Rieste.
Built in 1926, the Chapel of St. Mary is located in the beautiful hamlet of Bieste. Over the years, numerous improvements, expansions, and renovations have been carried out.
Address: Kapellenweg, 49597 Rieste
St. Vincentius Church
St. Vincentius Church was built in the 12th century, as evidenced by its architectural style, which is a transitional style between Romanesque and Gothic.
Address: Stiftshof, 49593 Bersenbrück
Museum of the Osnabrück District
Housed in a former outbuilding of the monastery founded in 1231, the Bersenbrück District Museum's origins date back more than half a century. Its founder and patron was District Administrator Dr. Hermann Rothert.
Address: Stiftshof 4 · 49593 Bersenbrück
Tour 5 : To the Romans and Germanic tribes
- Duration: 10 hours
- Length: 48 km
- Start and finish: Alfsee-Center
- Outward route: Rieste – Malgarten – Kalkriese
- Return route: Kalkriese – Bramsche – Rieste
- Signage: follow the BR 3
For a long time, the true location of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest –
known to many as the "Battle of the Teutoburg Forest" – was a matter of speculation. There were many theories, but little certainty…
…that only changed about 20 years ago.
The stations
The story of the destination
At that time, Roman troops occupied large areas of Germania. In 9 AD, Germanic tribes lured the Roman army, led by Publius Quinctilius Varus, into an ambush in a wooded area. The mastermind behind the conspiracy was the Cheruscan Arminius. In three days, the 17th, 18th, and 19th legions were slaughtered – more than 10,000 people lost their lives. This devastating defeat went down in history as the "Battle of the Teutoburg Forest."
Today, the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in the Osnabrück region is an internationally recognized site of research and a European cultural heritage site. An exceptional exhibition on the events of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest uses modern media to bring the history of this unique place to life and presents an overview of the current state of research. A highlight of the collection is the impressive mask of a Roman cavalry helmet. Since 2009, a new visitor center with regularly changing special exhibitions has welcomed visitors on the upper floor of the building. Kalkriese is now one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.
Opening hours: Kalkriese Museum and Park
April – October: daily 10 am – 6 pm;
November – March: closed Mondays; Tue.-Sun. 10 am – 5 pm
; Admission: Adults: €9.50; Children up to 16 years, pupils, students, disabled persons: €6.50; Families (2 adults and children): €20; Public guided tour: €3
Public guided tours
November to March 31:
Sundays and public holidays, 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.
April to October 31:
Daily, 2:30 p.m., and Sundays and public holidays, 11:00 a.m.
Guided tours for groups can be arranged individually
. To book a tour: Tel. +49 5468 9204200 (Fax +49 5468 920445) or at the Alfsee Center, Tel. +49 5464 92120
or by email fuehrungen@kalkriese-varusschlacht.de
Another excursion tip along the route
The Bramsche Clothmakers' Museum. For over 400 years, clothmakers played a significant role in Bramsche.
"Bramsche Red" was the name given to a highly sought-after color. The award-winning Clothmakers' Museum offers you an insight into this fascinating history.
Opening hours: Bramsche Clothmakers' Museum
Tue. – Sun. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults: €5; Concessions: €3; Children up to 18 years free; Public guided tour: €2;
Public guided tours:
Sundays and public holidays at 11:00 a.m.; Guided tours for groups can be arranged individually.
Address: Tuchmacher Museum Bramsche, Mühlenort 6, 49565 Bramsche, Tel. +49
; Tourist Information Tel. +49 5461 945110
Tour 6: Experience Garden Realms
- Duration: 8 hours
- Length: 36.6 km
- Start and finish: Alfsee-Center
- Outbound: Rieste – Malgarten – Bramsche
- Return route: Bramsche – Rieste
- Signage: follow the rose
As the first leg of the 170-kilometer Garden Dream Tour, this tour leads to some extraordinary gardens.
Perhaps you'll find inspiration for new ideas, exchange tips and tricks, or simply enjoy the natural beauty.
The stations
Rosary Garden Rieste-Lage
In 1994 and 1995, the grounds of the Lage Commandery were transformed into the Rosary Garden. A garden in a classic, square, solitary form is nestled within the orchard. Shrub roses, climbing roses, and flowering perennials such as lavender and sage give the garden its character.
Fifteen wayside shrines, entwined with roses, commemorate the mysteries of the Rosary, further honored by devotions in May and October.
Opening hours: year-round, freely accessible all day.
Address: Catholic Parish of St. John the Baptist, Lage 7, 49597 Rieste, Germany.
Tel. +49 5464 91080
, lage-rieste@t-online.de www.kkg-lagerieste.de
Rohde's Heuerhaus Garden
The farmhouse, built in 1627, was lovingly restored by the Rohde family in 1982. During this restoration, the traditional cottage garden, with its 100-year-old oak trees, was meticulously landscaped and planted with typical topiary yews, boxwood balls, and perennial borders. A pavilion entwined with pink climbing roses is a particular highlight. Visitors to the garden can enjoy delicious cakes and coffee in the farmhouse café.
Opening hours: Wed. to Sun. from 2 p.m. or by prior arrangement.
Address: Café “Rohdes Heuerhaus” · Suthaarstraße 10, 49597 Rieste ·
Tel. +49 5464 5468
Perennial and herb garden at Malgarten Monastery
The emphatically symmetrical and geometrically oriented layout is softened by the lush planting, primarily of perennials.
With its mix of ornamental and useful plants, it evokes the feel of a cottage garden. It is designed to be accessible, as its designer enjoys and maintains it from a wheelchair.
Opening hours: by prior telephone arrangement; Admission: €2 per person, guided tour (one hour) €40.
Address: Garden architect Silke Schwarz, Am Kloster 2a (in the former Malgarten Monastery), 49565 Bramsche-Malgarten,
Tel. +49 5461 9697750 (answering machine)
Rose Garden by Marlis Mörker
With its tranquil corners, this garden serves as a source of inspiration for the painter Marlis Mörker's work.
She is particularly fond of roses and enjoys showing her watercolors and the natural models in the garden.
Opening hours: 10 am - 7 pm, freely accessible by prior telephone arrangement.
Address: Theodor-Heuss-Ring 11, 49565 Bramsche.
Tel. +49 5461 3343 or +49 172 4188086
Nature garden at Alfsee
The nature garden serves environmental education and, with its features and accompanying information, aims to highlight the garden habitat and its ecological benefits for humans and animals. It also provides a source of inspiration for garden visitors.
Opening hours: Information available by phone or on the website.
Admission: Groups by appointment; otherwise, a donation is requested.
Address: Biologische Station Haseniederung eV; J. Christiansen · Alfseestraße 291 · 49594 Alfhausen ·
Tel. +49 5464 5090
·
info@haseniederung.de www.haseniederung.de
Please note:
If you wish to take this circular route, you will travel a short distance without signage. Once in Bramsche, follow the Hase River and, after passing the Hase Lake, cross the third bridge (Auf dem Damm). Then follow Kuhstraße until you reach the intersection with Münsterstraße.
Finally, turn right onto Münsterstraße. From there, you can again follow the signs for the Garden Dream Tour towards Alfsee.
Information about the entire Garden Dream Tour and other tours in the Osnabrück region is available at our Alfsee reception or from the Osnabrück Region Tourism Association (Tourismusverband Osnabrücker Land e.V.): Tel. +49 54 323-4570,
Tel.
+49
5464 5090, info@haseniederung.de www.haseniederung.de
Tour 7 : Tranquil route to Vörden
- Duration: 2 hours
- Length: 25.83 km
- Start and finish: Alfsee-Center
- Outbound journey: Rieste – Neuenkirchen
- Return route: Vörden – Rieste
- Signage: follow the lake symbol
On this leisurely tour, you'll get to know the landscape and towns in the immediate vicinity. It's the perfect route to get used to the scenery and warm up, for a quick break when you're feeling less energetic or short on time, or if you want to make a longer stop along the way.
This route is part of the lake tour that connects Alfsee and Dümmer.
The stations
Neuenkirchen
Not to be confused with the other Neuenkirchen, which lies just a few kilometers southwest of the Alfsee lake, this municipality forms the southern tip of the Dammer Berge recreation area, a region within the Oldenburg Münsterland and the Dümmer Nature Park. The towers of the Catholic and Protestant churches, situated side by side, are visible from afar. The Kulturbahnhof (cultural center) regularly hosts concerts, cabaret, and theatrical performances.
Vörden
Like Neuenkirchen, with which it forms a municipality, Vörden also lies outside the Osnabrück region. First documented in 1341, this small, tranquil village captivates visitors with its charm. The lovingly restored village center, with the courtyard of the former collegiate church and the moat, is just as worth seeing as the burgher's house and the butcher's museum (open the first Sunday of the month from 2 pm to 6 pm; further guided tours are available upon request from the Vörden Local History Society, Tel. 05495 9130).
Café Bauerndiele
On your return journey, you can stop here for a break and treat yourself to homemade cake or crusty country bread with homemade ham and sausage in the café or, in summer, on the garden terrace. The interior has been lovingly furnished with antique farmhouse furniture.
Address: Monika Becker · Riester Damm 8 · 49434 Vörden
Tel. 05495 740
Fax 05495 952624
Please note
To experience this circular tour, follow the lake tour signs until you reach Severinghausener Straße. Continue straight ahead until
you reach the intersection with Westruper Straße. Turn right onto Westruper Straße and follow it to the center of Vörden (roundabout). There, take the Osnabrücker Straße exit; you can now follow the signposted route again.
Tour 8 Germanic Route
- Duration: 1 hour
- Length: 16.3 km
- Start and finish: Alfsee-Center or Vaursschlacht Kalkriese
- Signage: follow the Germanic symbol
This tour leads from Rieste “through the heart of the country” across meadows and fields to Kalkriese, the site of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. Enjoy the natural surroundings far from the main roads.
The stations
Giant
The Germanenland comprises three villages with a total of 30 houses for 4 to 6 people, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the world of the Germanic tribes. Each house tells a fascinating story about the lives of the Germanic people as fishermen, potters, or basket weavers, and how these traditions continue to influence us today. Of course, you don't have to forgo modern comforts and amenities to enjoy a relaxing stay. In the adjacent adventure park with its new event building, streams, an obstacle course, a lagoon, a lookout tower, and a labyrinth with an oracle, as well as many other intriguing tricks and stories, await discovery by children and adults alike.
You can relax and enjoy yourself in the Germanic wellness world, the Alfen Saunaland.
Opening hours: Adventure World Germanenland
daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Kalkriese
How did the Germanic tribes manage to defeat the superior Romans over 2000 years ago in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, not far from Lake Alfsee? The Kalkriese Museum and Park will provide all the answers.
At that time, Roman troops occupied large areas of Germania. In 9 AD, Germanic tribes lured the Roman army, led by Publius Quinctilius Varus, into an ambush in a wooded area. The mastermind behind the conspiracy was the Cheruscan Arminius. In three days, the 17th, 18th, and 19th legions were slaughtered – more than 10,000 people lost their lives. This devastating defeat went down in history as the "Battle of the Teutoburg Forest."
Today, the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in the Osnabrück region is an internationally recognized site of research and a European cultural heritage site. An exceptional exhibition on the events of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest uses modern media to bring the history of this unique place to life and presents an overview of the current state of research. A highlight of the collection is the impressive mask of a Roman cavalry helmet. Since 2009, a new visitor center with regularly changing special exhibitions has welcomed visitors on the upper floor of the building. Kalkriese is now one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.
Opening hours: Kalkriese Museum and Park
April – October: daily 10 am – 6 pm;
November – March: closed Mondays; Tue.-Sun. 10 am – 5 pm
; Admission: Adults: €9.50; Children up to 16 years, pupils, students, disabled persons: €6.50; Families (2 adults and children): €20; Public guided tour: €3
Public guided tours
November to March 31:
Sundays and public holidays, 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.
April to October 31:
Daily, 2:30 p.m., and Sundays and public holidays, 11:00 a.m.
Guided tours for groups can be arranged individually
. To book a tour:
Tel. +49 5468 9204200
, Fax +49 5468 920445
, Tel. +49 5464 92120
or by email to fuehrungen@kalkriese-varusschlacht.de
Hasetal
Cycling along the Hase and Ems rivers. Here, visitors can experience the beautiful Hasetal valley in the northern district of Osnabrück.
