The Ems cycle path — in 7 stages from its source to the North Sea
Bike Touring Collection by EmsRadweg
7
days
2-4 h
/ day
237 mi
2,975 ft
3,375 ft
From the Senne on the edge of the Teutoburg Forest, the Ems cycle path winds its way to the North Sea. It passes romantic forests stretching along the banks of the Ems, original nature reserves with picturesque lakes, wide fields and pastures that stretch to the horizon and the lush green Ems floodplains that line the river as far as the eye can see.
The approximately 380-kilometer (236-mile) long Ems cycle path starts in Hövelhof at the Emsquellen information center. The cycle path runs from the source in the Senne through the Münsterland, the Emsland to Emden in East Frisia, where the Ems flows into the North Sea. As you go, you will experience the fascinating nature and beautiful landscape through which the river flows.
Over seven stages averaging around 50 kilometers (30 miles) each, you will experience the best of this region. From Paderborn, the bicycle bus will take you to the start in Hövelhof from the beginning of May to the end of October. At all stages of the Ems Cycle Route, you have a large choice of accommodation, a statement that is reflected not only in the various accommodation options but also in the many rest areas, whether at self-catering campsites or in restaurants and cafés. The connection to public transport is also excellent, so you can easily shorten the ride if the weather turns.
Below, you will find the exact route of the Ems cycle path with distances and elevation profile. All that's left to do is to enjoy the ride!
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Last updated: November 26, 2021
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Tours & Highlights
- 02:4829.7 mi10.6 mph225 ft425 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Ems cycle path starts in the nature reserve Moosheide at the Emsquellen information center. There, on the edge of the Teutoburg Forest, the water seeps out of the ground in a large source area. Thus, there are several sources Ems, which unite to the 371-kilometer-long river. The best way to get to…
by EmsRadweg
- 04:0440.1 mi9.9 mph600 ft675 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Today the longest stage of the EmsRadweg awaits you. It is 64 kilometers long and takes you from Rheda to Telgte. She leads you through magical avenues on the Ems, beautiful woodland and wide field and meadow landscape.
Right in Rheda you cycle to the banks of the Ems and follow the tree-lined cycle path…
by EmsRadweg
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- 03:0029.6 mi9.9 mph550 ft575 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
At 47 kilometers, the EmsRadweg winds its way through this enchanting landscape from Telgte to Emsdetten. You cycle past lakes, through forests and of course along the Ems, which you cross several times today.
Shortly after Telgte you will pass the former manor House Langen. The estate also includes a…
by EmsRadweg
- 03:5036.5 mi9.5 mph600 ft675 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today's stage takes you on 58 kilometers from Emsdetten to Lingen. As in the previous stages, the track is quite flat and therefore very pleasant to drive.
Immediately after Emsdetten you cross the Ems and from the bridge you can enjoy the wonderful view of the river and its wooded shores. Once on the…
by EmsRadweg
- 03:2834.5 mi9.9 mph400 ft450 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
55 flat kilometers are waiting for you today to take you from Lingen to Haren. From Lingen you cycle between the Dortmund-Ems-Kanal, which straightens straight to your right towards the north, and the Ems, which playfully winds its way to the left in the same direction, to the reservoir Geeste. There…
by EmsRadweg
- 03:0330.4 mi9.9 mph300 ft325 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The penultimate stage takes you 48 kilometers from Haren to Papenburg. The flat route leads along large parts directly along the banks of the Ems.
For horse lovers, there is a huge highlight right at the beginning of the stage with the Junkers riding stable. There they can change from the bicycle saddle…
by EmsRadweg
- 03:2236.4 mi10.8 mph275 ft250 ftFerryIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
Today, on the 58 kilometer long, completely flat seventh stage, you will reach Emden, the destination of the EmsRadweg. It starts in Papenburg direction Ems. On the way there you drive past the Meyer shipyard, for which Papenburg is known. Here huge cruise ships are built, which you can admire in passing…
by EmsRadweg
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Collection Stats
- Tours7
- Distance237 mi
- Duration23:36 h
- Elevation2,975 ft3,375 ft
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