4.7
(78)
1,276
riders
13
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Hövelhof are situated within the diverse landscapes of East Westphalia, bordering the Teutoburg Forest. The region is characterized by the unique Senne landscape, featuring woodlands, heathlands, and inland sand dunes, alongside the fresh Ems springs. Cyclists can expect a mix of generally flat terrain in the Senne and more varied elevation closer to the Teutoburg Forest, offering both relaxed rides and moderate challenges.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
5.0
(2)
145
riders
114km
04:40
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.7
(6)
130
riders
49.6km
02:12
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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4.6
(11)
48
riders
27.3km
01:04
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(1)
22
riders
40.9km
02:02
90m
90m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.0
(2)
20
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Hövelhof
The Paderborn Land Route – 250 kilometers through the middle of Westphalia
The Ems Cycle Route – in 7 stages from the Senne to the North Sea
The Paderborn Land Route – 250 kilometers through the middle of Westphalia
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At 440 hectares, Moosheide is the largest nature reserve in the Senne region. The alternation of dunes and valleys, open heathlands and pine forests makes the nature reserve an oasis in everyday life. Those who relax here experience a feast for the senses, and not just in August and September when the heather shines in its typical purple-red. The Ems also rises here. In the approximately 500 m long spring area, the water seeps out of the ground in numerous places. On its 371 km long journey to the North Sea, the Ems flows for 10 km through Hövelhof. Since the 12th century, semi-wild horses have grazed in the Senne. The semi-wild keeping gave the horses their resilience, endurance, frugality, hardiness, and fertility. In the year 2000, the Biological Station Kreis Paderborn-Senne e.V. enabled the horses to return to their ancestral habitat with a 15-hectare wildlife enclosure in the Senne. With a bit of luck, the horses can be spotted here. After an extensive exploration tour, there is an opportunity to fortify yourself in the nearby garden café of the Maciejewski family with homemade cake and delicious waffles. The Heidschnuckenschäferei Senne (Senne Heath Sheep Farm) is also located nearby. It is home to around 1,000 Grey-Horned Heath Sheep. The flock grazes the heathlands all year round, thus contributing to the preservation of the impressive landscape. In March during lambing season and at the heather blossom festival in summer, the entire flock can be found in the stable.
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A great bike tour or a varied hike can begin here. There is a very large parking lot and places to store bikes. Behind the info center, there are super clean WCs and e-bike charging stations. At the entrance door, there are two drinking water dispensers.
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You can see how much water flows from the Ems into the lake district.
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Beautiful to see when the heather blooms
3
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Perfect backdrop for a photo - great view of the water.
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Yes, I've already visited Wewelsburg with Tom. Willi
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The overflow is worth seeing again when you are "saturated" by the total water surface and have already climbed the bird observation house
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There are over 15 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around Hövelhof, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. You'll find options ranging from easy, leisurely rides to more moderate challenges.
The routes in Hövelhof offer diverse terrain. Many paths traverse the unique Senne landscape with its woodlands, heathlands, and inland sand dunes, providing mostly flat and serene rides. Closer to the Teutoburg Forest, you might encounter more challenging ascents, such as those in the Eggegebirge, which reward with panoramic views. The Oerlinghausen Airfield – Ems Springs loop from Hövelhof, for example, includes some moderate elevation changes.
The best seasons for road cycling in Hövelhof are spring and summer, offering pleasant weather and vibrant natural scenery. Autumn also provides memorable rides with colorful foliage. If you want to experience the heather in full bloom, late August and September are ideal, especially around the Moosheide nature protection area, as seen on the Heather in bloom at Moosheide – Ems Springs loop from Hövelhof.
Yes, Hövelhof offers several excellent circular routes designed for road cyclists seeking no traffic experiences. A notable example is the "Senne-Parcours Hövelhof," a 60-kilometer circular route that showcases the region's nature and culture. You can also find shorter loops like the Moosheide Heathland loop from Justizvollzugsanstalt Hövelhof.
You'll encounter a wealth of natural beauty and interesting landmarks. Highlights include the unique Senne landscape, the Ems Springs within the Moosheide nature protection area, and the River Alme. The Heather in bloom at Moosheide – Ems Springs loop from Hövelhof takes you directly past the Ems Springs. You might also spot the Steinhorster Becken, a large biotope for birds. For specific points of interest, consider visiting the Rocky gorge at the Mordkopf or the Mordkuhle Cave, which are nearby attractions.
Absolutely! Many of the no traffic routes in Hövelhof are well-suited for families, particularly those that are generally flat and on asphalted paths. The "Senne-Parcours Hövelhof" is a great example, designed to be family-friendly while showcasing the region's natural beauty. Routes like the Heather in bloom at Moosheide – Ems Springs loop from Hövelhof are also classified as easy and offer a pleasant experience for all ages.
Parking is generally available near the starting points of many routes in Hövelhof. For example, routes often begin or pass through areas like Hövelhof itself or Hövelriege. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for suggested parking locations near the start of your chosen tour, such as for the New asphalt bike path – Holte Castle loop from Hövelriege.
Yes, several routes offer opportunities for refreshment stops. The Ems Information Center at the Ems springs is a notable stop along the "Senne-Parcours." Additionally, you might find cafes or inns in the villages and towns along the way. The Café Hangstein is a highlight in the region that could be incorporated into a cycling tour.
The komoot community highly rates the no traffic road cycling experience in Hövelhof, with an average score of 4.69 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, well-maintained paths, the serene natural landscapes of the Senne, and the excellent opportunities to explore the Ems springs and surrounding heathlands without vehicle interference. The variety of routes, from easy to moderate, also receives positive feedback.
Yes, Hövelhof is the starting point for the renowned Ems Cycle Route, which spans 371 kilometers all the way to the North Sea. While this guide focuses on local no traffic routes, the initial sections of the Ems Cycle Route from Hövelhof offer a great opportunity for longer, car-free cycling adventures, with the first stage typically leading to Rietberg.
Absolutely. Hövelhof caters to various fitness levels. You'll find 7 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, such as the Heather in bloom at Moosheide – Ems Springs loop from Hövelhof. For those seeking more of a challenge, there are 8 moderate routes, like the extensive View of Wewelsburg Castle – Wewelsburg loop from Hövelriege, which includes more significant elevation gains.


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