The Hohe Mark RadRoute circles through a varied landscape between Münsterland, the Lower Rhine and the Ruhr area. Naturpark Hohe Mark presents the route as ten stages, so riders can explore the whole circuit or choose a section around the places they most want to visit.
A circuit through the nature park
The German National Tourist Board describes the route as a roughly 280-kilometre circuit and identifies Bocholt as one possible place to begin and finish. The nature park’s own stage guide also makes clear that there is no need to start there: riders can join at the stage that suits their plans.
From Bocholt, the listed stages continue through Rhede and Borken towards Weseke and Velen. The northern part then connects Gescher, Coesfeld and Reken before reaching Dülmen. The circuit’s towns provide useful reference points when deciding how much of the route to ride.
Reservoirs, heath and wildlife
Beyond Dülmen, the itinerary passes through Sythen and Haltern am See towards Olfen, then returns via Datteln and Haltern before continuing towards Dorsten. Woodland, grassland, heath and moorland give this part of the park its changing character, while the Haltern and Hullern reservoirs add waterside scenery.
The ADFC cycling association highlights the wild horse reserve at Merfelder Bruch near Dülmen, as well as Westruper Heide and the Steveraue nature reserve at Olfen. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed; allow time for the landscapes themselves and check visitor arrangements before making a special detour.
West through Raesfeld and Bocholt
From Dorsten-Hervest, the nature park’s stages lead via Schermbeck to Raesfeld, then through Marienthal and Ringenberg to Dingden. The western arc continues through Isselburg to Bocholt. Raesfeld’s moated castle and its surrounding parkland are among the places the ADFC recommends exploring along the wider itinerary.
On the way back towards Borken, the route passes through Rhede. Around Borken, the ADFC also points to Gemen moated castle, the Sternbusch avenue and the medicinal plant garden at Weseke, offering several different stops for riders interested in local history as well as nature.
Choosing and preparing a ride
The nature park lists ten suggested stages and invites riders to select their own starting stage. Its website also provides route information and practical resources, making it a useful first stop when combining stages or planning a shorter visit.
According to the ADFC, the route is mainly flat and uses quiet cycle paths, low-traffic country roads and farm tracks. Much of the surface is asphalt, although some environmentally sensitive sections have unpaved, compacted surfaces and occasional narrower restrictions. Check the nature park’s current route information when preparing your itinerary.