Paderborner Land Route
250 km through the Paderborner Land
Stage 6
From Delbrück via the Steinhorst Basin to Hövelhof
The final stage of the Paderborner Land Route takes you through peaceful natural landscapes and the wide-open heathland of the Senne, back to your starting point. Along the way, look out for rare bird species, discover the sources of the River Ems and gain fascinating insights into the region’s history.
Once again, the Paderborner Land reveals its natural beauty before the circular route comes full circle in Hövelhof.
Route information:
Total distance: 36 km
Start: Delbrück, center
End: Hövelhof, railway station
Surface:
- 99% asphalt
- 1% compacted gravel
Delbrück
Wildlife watching at the Steinhorst Basin
Before reaching Hövelhof, the route takes you to the Steinhorst Basin. This nature reserve covers around 82 hectares and provides an important habitat for numerous bird species. Open water, reed beds and wet meadows form a varied mosaic of habitats, best observed from the two viewing towers.
If you take your time and arrive early in the day, you’ll have a good chance of watching the birdlife in peace and quiet.
Hövelhof
Through the Senne back to your starting point
On the way back to Hövelhof, the landscape of the Senne is characterised by heathland, open woodland and sandy soils. A worthwhile detour takes you into the Moosheide nature reserve to visit the sources of the River Ems. At the EmsQuellen & EmsRadweg information centre, you can learn more about the river and the surrounding landscape.
The Heidschnucken sheep farm is also well worth a visit. These hardy sheep help maintain the distinctive heathland landscape. If you’d like to discover more about traditional life in the region, you can also visit the Ostwestfalen-Lippe Heritage Centre. Back in Hövelhof, your cycling tour through the Paderborner Land comes full circle.