Bikepacking tour through the Osnabrück region

If you want to experience the Osnabrück Land in this intense way and if you are looking for a little adventure, then this sporty bikepacking tour is ideal for you: The digital route, around 250 kilometers long, starting at the main train station in Osnabrück, mostly follows paved roads. The challenge lies mainly in the daily distance of around 80 kilometers to cover. Moreover, crossing the Teutoburg Forest accumulates a good 1,300 meters in altitude.

Our three stage suggestions are perfect for a long weekend. Furthermore, the tour is designed so that in the evenings, the tent can be set up at a cozy spot on a farm or at a campsite by the lake. Prior inquiry or reservation is definitely recommended!

The first stage follows the river Hase for the most part, all the way to Bippen in the north of Osnabrück Land. On the second day, it passes by impressive monasteries through Quakenbrück until reaching Kronensee in Ostercappeln-Schwagstorf. The final stage is the highlight, as it leads through steep climbs in the Teutoburg Forest, passing by Bad Essen and Bad Iburg before reaching Osnabrück. For those interested, a leisurely stroll through the old town can be enjoyed at the end.

More information about the route can be found here on our profile at komoot.
Note: Unlike the other routes in Osnabrück Land, this tour is not signposted with a logo. However, the route is available as a GPX file for free download.

If you decide on different overnight locations during your tour, we kindly ask you to pitch your tent only at campsites, holiday farms, etc., for nature conservation purposes. We promise you that we also have beautiful spots to offer here.

What is Bikepacking?

Bikepacking is a fantastic way to enjoy the freedom on two wheels. Equipped with minimalist camping gear, it involves riding a sporty and off-road bike through nature for several days. Riding becomes more enjoyable the lighter the bike is. Unlike traditional bike touring with panniers and a setup of six bags, bikepacking aims to keep the mountain or gravel bike as compact and off-road-ready as possible. The weight is distributed centrally on the frame with various bag systems.

For beginners in bikepacking, it is best to start with a shorter tour. A relaxed day trip with an overnight stay in a tent is ideal for this. This way, it can also be tested whether the bike was packed sensibly. With the tour length, trail conditions, and overnight options, our bikepacking tour through the Osnabrück Land offers optimal conditions especially for bikepacking beginners.

Good preparation is key, but when it comes to luggage, the motto is "keep it simple". Below is a small packing list for a multi-day tour with outdoor overnight stays:
Small tent or tarp
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Rain gear (jacket and pants)
Change of clothes and underwear
Insulating jacket or vest
Outdoor stove
Provisions
First aid kit
Navigation device or map
Bicycle helmet
Gloves
Cycling shoes
Multi-tool
Lights
Spare parts (such as tube, repair kit, pump, cable ties, derailleur cable, oil, spoke, etc.)