Dortmund-Ems Canal

Nice bike ride along the water.

Direct, easy way to Münster.

General information about the Dortmund-Ems Canal (DEK) and DEK cycle path
The DEK runs between the Dortmund city harbor and Papenburg through the federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, past the "Henrichenburg" ship lift, as well as the larger cities of Münster, Rheine, Lingen and Meppen. It was opened in 1899 and is around 225 kilometers long. The difference in altitude is around 70 meters, there are three river crossings - Lippe, Stever and Ems. The canal can be crossed over numerous bridges. There are always rest areas and small city harbors along the canal. The Dortmund-Ems Canal cycle path mostly runs directly along the canal or later along the Ems and is around 350 kilometers long. It connects the Ruhr area with the North Sea coast (Emden) and was opened in 1999. Along the canal there is almost no gradient, with a few exceptions when interrupted by power stations, for example. The path is mostly gravel and partly tarred, so it can be easily used even in rainy weather. Due to the numerous stopping and overnight options, it is very suitable for both a day trip and a multi-day tour.