Töddenland Cycle Path
The circular route links interesting sites from the 17th and 18th centuries.
A cycle path for history buffs: this circular route follows the tracks of 17th and 18th century Westphalian salesmen.
Although the Töddenland-Radweg (Töddenland Cycle Path) is a recent addition to North Rhine-Westphalia's network of cycle paths, the theme of the historic route is much older, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when “Tödden” – Westphalian salesmen from northern Münsterland and southern Emsland – travelled as far as England and the Baltic to sell their wares. First they traded linen and later other fabrics, yarn and metalware.
Today, museums, old craft workshops and well-preserved houses commemorate the successful tradesmen. The cycle path connects all of these places on a 120-kilometre circular route. One particular town worth seeing is Mettingen, which has many houses dating from the time of the Tödden.
Cyclists can also enjoy extremely diverse landscapes. Climbs in the Teutoburg Forest and the Schafberg Plateau are well rewarded with expansive views of hills and forests. Many other sections pass through meadows, fields and moors, making them ideal for leisure cyclists. The German Cyclists' Association (ADFC) has already awarded the route three stars.
Those who prefer hiking can also follow in the tracks of the Tödden on the 135-kilometre circular hiking trail.
