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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Kreis Steinfurt

Ems

Attractions and Places To See around the Ems - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around the Ems include a diverse range of natural landscapes and cultural sites. The Ems River, which flows through the region, is a central feature, offering scenic views and extensive cycling paths. The Emsland district provides opportunities to explore historic town centers, significant industrial sites, and various nature parks. This area combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, making it suitable for outdoor activities and historical exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around the…

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Telgte Market Square

Highlight • Settlement

The market square with its historic buildings is the hub of inner-city life. In the warm season, the outdoor dining area offers plenty of places to sit down.

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Historic Market Square, Warendorf

Highlight • Historical Site

The market place in Warendorf is a great place for a rest. On the square there are many cozy restaurants and cafés, which invite you to relax in the fresh …

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Ems Weir, Telgte

Highlight • Monument

A great weir with a lot of steam behind it

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Ems River, Rheine

Highlight • River

Such a gorgeous path, especially in autumn with the trees in all different fiery shades!

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Historic Centre of Gimbte

Highlight • Settlement

From here you can start great laps that lead through the nature reserve Bockholter Berge or the Münsteraner Rieselfelder. Finally, two inns in Gimbte invite you to stop.

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The Steinhorst Basin is an absolute must-see for any nature lover. This biotope is the largest man-made biotope of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia and provides a wonderful habitat for …

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Dortmund-Ems Canal Cycle Path

Highlight • Cycleway

There are different substrates on both sides of the canal. On the western side there is a more rustic subsoil, on the eastern side there is an asphalt surface.

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Hilter Lock

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The Hilter lock has two lock chambers that are next to each other. The old lock chamber was put into operation in 1899, the new lock chamber in 1956. The …

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Ems bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The whole landscape here is wonderful; the bridge blends in as if it had always been there. All around are idyllic spots for resting, sunbathing, picnicking, or simply relaxing.

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Ems Lake, Warendorf

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It looks great when you cross the bridge and the Ems flows on one side, while the Emssee stretches out on the other side.

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Anette

Tips from the Community

Ulrike & Werner
August 4, 2024, Dortmund-Ems Canal Cycle Path

The route along the DEK is really good to cycle on. A few years ago, the original route along the Dortmund Ems Canal in the Lingen area was still on gravel roads that were called cycle paths. Fortunately, those days are over and people have learned to create new paths for cyclists 🚴‍♀️ 🚴‍♂️ that are as good as those for car drivers. But it's worth leaving the canal every now and then.

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radlerjuergen
September 18, 2023, Hilter Schleuse

Another one of many locks on the Ems and the Dortmund-Ems Canal.

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Babsi
July 22, 2022, Emssee Warendorf

Emssee and Emsseepark are close to the city center and form a beautiful, ideal local recreation area, right on the Emsauenradweg.

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The Emssee in Warendorf is fantastically beautiful and offers many opportunities such as sailing, walking, fitness, playground, flower beds, Emsradweg, Ems, Emsseepark, various sculptures, benches, etc. Simply impressive and diverse.

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Old lock The first lock chamber was built in 1896 using the embankment construction method and was put into operation with the completion of the Dortmund-Ems Canal in 1899. It is 165 m long, 10 m wide and is closed with two stem gates. New lock Parallel to the old lock, another, wider lock chamber was built in 1955/56. It is 165 m long and 12 m wide. Between 2013 and 2015, the facility was completely renovated and brought up to date at a cost of around 8 million euros. The lock was given new sliding gates and was set up for remote control and monitoring from the Meppen control center. Since not all work could be carried out during ongoing operations, the new lock had to be closed temporarily and shipping had to be diverted via the old lock. As part of this work, the lock bridge was also completely replaced in 2013.

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Tip-top route and almost always water in view

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The Emsauen in Telgte offer a nice opportunity for walkers to stroll away from the city center in the middle of nature.

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Nice view of the lock system.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cycling routes are available along the Ems River?

The Ems region is excellent for cycling. The 375-kilometer Ems Cycle Path follows the river's course, offering scenic views through diverse landscapes. Another popular option is the Dortmund-Ems Canal Cycle Path. For more detailed routes, you can explore various Road Cycling Routes around the Ems, including loops near Meppen and Rheine.

Are there good hiking opportunities in the Ems region?

Yes, the Ems region boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, especially within its nature parks like Hümmling Nature Park. You can find various Hiking around the Ems guides, including easy circular walks in heathlands and along the Ems adventure trail. For more challenging terrain, consider the Mountain Hikes around the Ems, which include routes to the Dörenther Cliffs.

What historical and cultural sites can I visit in the Ems region?

The Ems region offers a rich cultural heritage. You can explore the unique star-shaped

Clemenswerth Palace in Sögel or the historic Bentlage Monastery in Rheine, which now houses an art museum. Ancient Megalithic Tombs can be found along the Road of Megalithic Culture in Hümmling Nature Park. The Emsland Moor Museum in Geeste provides insights into peat cutting history, and the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg offers a glimpse into modern shipbuilding.

What family-friendly activities are available around the Ems?

Many attractions around the Ems are suitable for families. The region features numerous swimming lakes with excellent water quality for cooling down. The Surwolds Wald recreation area offers a climbing forest, a summer toboggan run, and miniature golf. Additionally, places like Emsflower in Emsbüren combine plant production with an engaging visitor park. Highlights such as Telgte Market Square and Historic Market Square, Warendorf, are also marked as family-friendly.

Can I enjoy water sports or activities on the Ems River or nearby lakes?

Yes, the Ems River and its surrounding lakes provide various water-based activities. Canoeing on the Ems is a popular choice. Many lakes, such as Ems Lake, Warendorf, offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and sailing. The river itself, like the Ems River in Rheine, is a central feature for scenic views and riverside paths.

What are some notable natural features or landmarks in the Ems region?

The Ems region is rich in natural beauty. The Ems River itself is a prominent feature, originating from the Emsquellen (Ems Springs) near Hövelhof. Impressive rock formations like the Dörenther Cliffs offer unique landscapes. The region also boasts 70 nature reserves and several nature parks, including the Emsland Geopark and Bourtanger Moor Nature Park. The South Observation Tower at Steinhorster Becken provides excellent views of a natural reserve.

Are there charming towns or historic centers to explore?

Absolutely. The Ems region features several charming historic town centers. Papenburg, with its canals and historic ship replicas, offers a unique atmosphere. Other notable towns include Meppen, Rheine, and Telgte, which features the Telgte Market Square with its historic buildings. The Historic Centre of Gimbte is also a picturesque destination with cafés and restaurants.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around the Ems?

Visitors frequently praise the region's blend of natural beauty and cultural sites. The scenic paths along the Ems River, such as the one near Ems River, Rheine, are highly appreciated, especially in autumn. The cozy atmosphere of historic market squares like Historic Market Square, Warendorf, with their restaurants and cafés, also receives positive feedback. The tranquility and opportunities for relaxation are often highlighted.

Are there any unique industrial attractions in the Ems region?

Yes, the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg is a significant industrial highlight. Visitors can witness the construction of colossal cruise ships, with viewing points available to observe these maritime giants. Another interesting industrial site is Hilter Lock on the Dortmund-Ems Canal, featuring two lock chambers, one dating back to 1899.

What is the best time of year to visit the Ems region?

The Ems region is enjoyable throughout the year, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for cycling, hiking, and water sports, with pleasant weather for outdoor dining in town centers. Autumn offers particularly scenic views along the Ems River with vibrant foliage. While some outdoor activities might be limited, winter can still be charming for exploring historic towns and enjoying local events like the Telgter Advent.

Are there any accessible paths or attractions for wheelchair users?

While specific details for all attractions vary, some areas are noted for accessibility. The Ems bridge is marked as wheelchair accessible, and many town centers and riverside paths offer relatively flat terrain. When planning your visit, it's advisable to check specific locations for detailed accessibility information.

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

OchtrupAltenbergeLaerLengerichEmsdettenLadbergenRheineWesterkappelnMettingenNordwaldeHörstelHorstmarMetelenSaerbeckIbbenbürenTecklenburgReckeLienenLotteHopstenNSG EmsaueAm Bagno - BuchenbergHeiliges Meer-HeupenNsg Lengericher OsningDüsterdieker NiederungTorfmoorseeOfflumer LakeEmsdettener VennRecker MoorHaler Feld-VogelpohlFeuchtgebiet Saerbeck

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