Channel passage - Experience waterways

The Ruhr area is crisscrossed with canals and large rivers that played a crucial role in the industrialization of the Ruhr area. Large cargo ships transported coal, ores, and other goods along expanded canals between the Rhine and the industrial plants. Even today, these waterways play a significant role in the logistics industry. However, the canals also play an important role in cycling tourism. The RevierRoute "Kanalpassage" introduces two of these navigable canals between Lünen and Haltern am See over a distance of around 44 kilometers.
Starting point
The tour begins at the train station in Lünen, which is easily accessible via regional train connections. A bike station is also located at the train station. If arriving by car, one should aim for a parking space in the vicinity of Lünen.
Start of the tour
From the train station in Lünen, the tour first leads through Lünen itself. The Lippe riverbank already offers a first glimpse of an important, historical waterway. The Lippe river was already an important transport route in Roman times. Today, the nature reserves along the Lippe provide good insights into the flora and fauna of the floodplain landscape along the longest river in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Datteln-Hamm Canal
The first navigable canal is quickly reached. The Datteln-Hamm Canal is an important transport route between the canal junction in Datteln and the major city in the east of the Ruhr area. By bike, you ride directly along the water for several kilometers.
A brief visit to Münsterland
The tour follows the Römer-Lippe-Route, which leads northwards to Bork. Vast fields and typical architecture reveal that the Ruhr area seamlessly transitions into Münsterland. Vast landscapes and many farms and equestrian centers represent pure rural idyll.
The Old Canal
Particularly impressive is the canal bridge of the Dortmund-Ems Canal over the lower-lying Lippe. It is a strange sight to see mighty container ships sailing at a height over a bridge. Shortly afterwards, the route runs along the "Alte Fahrt," a disused, old canal arm that is now a small natural paradise. It leads directly to the major canal junction in Datteln.
The Datteln Sea and the Wesel-Datteln Canal
At the Datteln Sea, the canals form a small lake, widening the water landscape. From here, the bike route follows the Wesel-Datteln Canal westwards. The tour passes through some locks and bridges, but remains faithful to the canal bank. At the Flaesheim marina, there is a former excavation pit right on the canal that has developed into a small leisure paradise.
The Lippe ferry Maifisch and the Haltern lakes
In the summer half-year, cyclists become captains themselves. With the small Lippe ferry Maifisch, cyclists cross over to the northern Lippe bank. This requires a good amount of arm muscle strength.
A detour on foot is worth it in the Westruper Heide nature reserve.
Shortly afterwards, the tour passes by the Haltern reservoir.
Destination point and return journey
The beautiful old town of Haltern am See marks the endpoint of the bike tour. Cyclists can recharge in the cafes and restaurants. Those who still have enough time should visit the Roman Museum in Haltern am See.
The return journey is by train from the train station in Haltern am See.