A relaxed cycle tour along the canals from Lünen to Haltern am See.
The Ruhr region is criss-crossed by canals and large rivers, which played a decisive role in the industrialisation of the Ruhr region. Large
cargo ships transported coal, ores and other goods via developed canals between the Rhine and the industrial plants. Even today, these waterways play a major role for the logistics industry. But the canals also play an important role in cycle tourism. The RevierRoute "Canal Passage" presents two of these shipping canals between Lünen and Haltern am See over a length of around 44 kilometres.
The starting point
The route tour begins at the railway station in Lünen, which is easily accessible via regional train connections. There is also a cycle station at the station. Those arriving by car should head for a car park in the vicinity of Lünen.
Start of the tour
From the station in Lünen, the tour first leads through Lünen. On the banks of the Lippe, the first view is of an important, historic waterway. The Lippe was already an important transport route in Roman times. Today, the nature reserves along the Lippe provide good insights into the flora and fauna of the floodplain landscape along the longest river in NRW.
The Datteln-Hamm Canal
The first shipping canal is quickly reached. The Datteln-Hamm Canal is an important transport route between the canal crossing in Datteln and the large city in the east of the Ruhr region. You cycle directly along the water for a few kilometres.
A short flying visit to Münsterland
The tour follows the Römer-Lippe route, which leads north to Bork. Wide fields and the typical building style reveal that the Ruhr region merges seamlessly into Münsterland. Wide open fields and many farms and riding stables stand for pure rural idyll.
The Alte Fahrt
The canal bridge of the Dortmund-Ems Canal over the lower-lying Lippe is particularly impressive. It is a strange sight to see mighty container ships crossing a bridge at lofty heights. A little later, the route runs along the Alte Fahrt, a disused old canal arm that is now a small natural paradise. It leads directly to the large canal junction in Datteln.
The Dattelner Meer and the Wesel-Datteln Canal
At the Dattelner Meer, the canals turn into a small lake, so wide does the waterscape become. From here the cycle route follows the Wesel-Datteln Canal westwards. The tour passes a few locks and bridges, but remains faithful to the canal banks. At the Flaesheim marina, a former dredging hole lies directly on the canal and has developed into a small leisure paradise.
The Lippe ferry Maifisch and the Haltern lakes
In the summer months, cyclists become captains themselves. With the small Lippe ferry Maifisch, cyclists cross over to the northern bank of the Lippe. A detour on foot to the nature reserve of Westruper Heide is worthwhile.
A little later, the tour passes the Haltern reservoir.
Destination and journey home
The beautiful old town of Haltern am See marks the end of the cycle tour. Cyclists can recharge their batteries in the cafés and restaurants. Those who still have enough time should visit the Roman Museum in Haltern am See.
The return journey is by train from the railway station in Haltern am See.
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