Teuto-Ems Border Crosser Route

Discover borders and experience nature

This unique cycle route takes you across historical and present-day borders, following old smuggler paths and ancient trade routes.

The Teuto-Ems Border Crosser Route offers cyclists a fascinating journey across historical boundary lines and scenic landscapes. Spanning 146 kilometres, it links the regions between the Teutoburg Forest and the River Ems. Certified with four stars by the ADFC (German Cyclists’ Association), the Teuto-Ems Border Crosser Route ranks among the most scenic cycle routes in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony).

About the Border Crosser Route

Zwei Personen fahren auf einer sonnigen Allee mit Fahrrädern, umgeben von hohen Bäumen. — CC-BY-SA Tourismusgesellschaft Osnabrücker Land mbH, Christoph Steinweg

Radeln auf der Grenzgängerroute — CC-BY-SA Melanie Schnieders

Radeln auf der Grenzgängerroute Teuto-Ems — CC-BY-SA Melanie Schnieders

Grenzgängerroute Fahrrad fahren — © Tourismusgesellschaft Osnabrücker Land mbH, Christoph Steinweg

Cycling along former borders

On the tracks of smugglers

Salt – once known as white gold – was smuggled across the borders of the Kingdom of Prussia into the Osnabrücker Land region some 200 years ago. Today, those borders exist only on old maps. The former smugglers’ routes have long since been transformed into cycle routes – and what paths they are! Covering 146 kilometres, the route winds through dense forests, past castles and welcoming country cafés.

Healing from the depths

The power of saltwater

Think saltwater only comes from the sea? Not quite! In the Osnabrücker Land, there are traces of an ancient sea, with salt deposits still visible today. In Bad Rothenfelde, a graduation tower disperses the salty water into the air – helping you relax and breathe deeply. If you’d rather take the plunge, you can enjoy the soothing waters of a thermal spa. The spa towns of the Osnabrücker Land are close together, each offering indulgent wellness experiences – like in Bad Laer, where visitors can even see saltwater bubbling straight up from the spring.

Neues Gradierwerk in Bad Rothenfelde — CC0 TourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbH, Alexander Kaßner

Schwimmbecken — CC0 TourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbH, CrossMediaRedaktion

Am Gradierwerk in Bad Rothenfelde wird feine Sole vernebelt — CC-BY-SA Tourismusgesellschaft Osnabrücker Land mbH

Wellness in Bad Laer — CC-BY-SA Tourismusgesellschaft Osnabrücker Land mbH, Thorsten Schoentaube

Ideale Landschaft für ausgedehnte Radtouren — CC-BY-SA Bad Laer Touristik GmbH

Battle of the Teutoburg Forest and TERRA.vita

Bringing history to life

In the distance, the rolling silhouette of the Teutoburg Forest comes into view. Fields, forests and small villages shape the landscape. In Osnabrücker Land, visitors journey from one fascinating chapter of history to the next. One of the biggest draws is the permanent exhibition on the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. Families especially love the dinosaur tracks in the Nature and UNESCO Geopark TERRA.vita. The DiVa Walk leads explorers in the footsteps of dinosaurs through the Wiehen Hills. A holiday in Osnabrücker Land is packed with exciting experiences. The Wübbold holiday farm, with petting animals and evening campfires, is perfect for a family getaway.

Osnabrücker Land – a region for explorers

Castles, towns and tales of the past

But it’s not all forests. The landscape is full of variety – rolling hills, moors and lakes. Scattered throughout are picturesque castles, most notably Ippenburg Castle.

Osnabrück also boasts a castle, though it’s the charming old town that truly captivates. A stroll through the historic town centre, with its narrow, centuries-old houses, is a must – as is a visit to the Town Hall. On the door handle, the word Friede (‘Peace’) commemorates the year 1648, when the Peace of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years’ War right here in Osnabrück. Those wanting to dive deeper into history can take to their bikes and follow a stage of the Peace Route. Like the Border Crosser Route, it has been awarded four stars by the ADFC and continues all the way to Münster.