Historic city centers - stage from Füchtorf to Rietberg

The route runs consistently on well-developed, flat paths. For families with children, the route is only recommended to a limited extent, as often town centers must be passed through and therefore busy roads are also affected. The starting point of the route described here is at Schloß Harkotten near Füchtdorf. This particularly idyllic castle is known for its garden festival in September. But the castle is also worth a visit at other times.

It starts in a southerly direction towards Sassenberg. From there, you will cycle through the municipality of Herzebrock-Clarholz with its two monastery complexes.

The route takes you to Rheda-Wiedenbrück. This "twin city" offers two particularly interesting historical town centers. Both have very different characteristics, as Rheda was once ruled and inhabited by Calvinists and Wiedenbrück by Catholics. Accordingly, the characteristic colorful carvings on the half-timbered houses that you find in large numbers in Wiedenbrück are missing in Rheda. Before cycling through the former state garden show grounds, the Flora Westfalica, from Rheda to Wiedenbrück, you should definitely take a look at the castle in Rheda. A visit to the outdoor areas is possible here, and a café offers good opportunities for a break.

The route continues through the former garden show area and takes you to Wiedenbrück. If you do not immediately follow the signposted route to the left here, but instead stay straight, you will come directly to the heart of Wiedenbrück, a very beautiful marketplace with town hall, church, and gastronomy.

The next section of our route runs parallel to the state garden show route. The name is program here, and garden enthusiasts can discover a great state garden show area in Rietberg. Since the garden show in 2008, new attractions are created every year to offer guests constantly new experiences around the theme of gardens. The historic old town center is surrounded by a walkable wall and moats. The town hall is very worth seeing. Also interesting is the foundation of the artist Winfried Koch, another highlight of Rietberg.