Cycling in Teutoburgerwald is an unforgettable experience for those who want to explore the diversity and beauty of Germany close to home. In this respect, Teutoburgerwald is a hidden gem in Germany and thus the perfect destination for cycling enthusiasts looking for a foreign destination but close to home. If you are considering cycling in the Teutoburgerwald, be prepared for beautiful, hilly surroundings. Our experiences in idyllic Tecklenburg and Ibbenbüren, where we have covered many kilometres over several years, show that the Teutoburgerwald is a surprisingly challenging and varied cycling environment. Read on for our tips and embark on a wonderful adventure on the beautiful roads and paths of the Teutoburgerwald.
Basecamp Ibbenbüren
If you go cycling in the Teutoburg Forest, the town of Ibbenburen is a nice place to use as a base for your rides in the area. Here you are actually on the 'north side' of the ridge. In the Teutoburgerwald, this is where you can ride over and over again. You're close to the Dorenther Cliffs, among other things, and if you drive south out of town, you can ride along/over them nicely.
Short and steep, or long and less steep.
You have plenty of choice from Ibbenburen when it comes to climbing. If you go via the north side of the 'cliffs' towards Tecklenburg, you can get your teeth wet after just a few minutes of cycling. Here you are on a stretch also known as 'the alpenstrasse'. You suddenly get 15% in front of your nose. Typical cycling in the Teutoburgerwald, where all the climbs are short but steep.
Then you continue undulating along farm roads towards the town of Tecklenburg, where you have a number of opportunities to test your legs. The village is really on a kind of mound and there are as many as five roads to the central square, near the doll museum. Our choice for the road up is Bahnhofstrasse, on the south side, not illogically going up past the railway station. You pick up some 90 altimeters over almost 1.5 kilometres here, and there are whole sections above the 10% in it. Once at the top, though, you have some room to puff out.
The descent along Osnabruckerstrasse ends up being the most pleasant. Nice and clear and therefore a fine road to descend.
Further, higher, longer
Once past Tecklenburg, it is best to head towards Lengerich and behind this town you will find a mini Alpine landscape, which almost makes you think you have taken the Alsace exit. Nothing could be further from the truth. Still only 2.5 hours from Utrecht and you can really encounter several winding sections here, such as at Lienen and the Lienenerberg.
Cima Coppi: Dörenberg
The climb to the Dörenberg is arguably the Cima Coppi of this region. You climb to an altitude of only 300 metres here, but this climb is really irregular. From 4% to 20% and back again to 9%. That won't leave you in the cold. Again, it is enjoyable with the twisty sections. Cycling in the Teutoburgerwald is beautiful!
More to know and inspiration
The route for a cool exploration of the region can be found below. You also have some cool rides around here, where the Tecklenburger Rundfahrt is the most famous of them and also picks up most of the climbs. Also on the site of Teutoburgerwald find great info on the region. Also check the Komoot account of Cyclingdestination! Are you going cycling in Germany? The Teutoburgerwald is waiting for you!
