Bentheim County Cycle Tour: Cross-border cycling in the County of Bentheim

If you want to experience cycling through a county in Germany, there's only one route for it. After all, the County of Bentheim is the only German region to bear this title.

This circular tour runs for 220 kilometres through the County of Bentheim, linking to a further 25 circuits of between 22 and 58 kilometres in length, which makes it ideal for tours divided into one-day stages and excursions into the Netherlands. This extensive network of cycle paths is a great way to experience the different sides of the region. The scenery is characterised by a mix of forest, meadows, heathland and fields, as well as the Vechte river and a number of lakes and canals. The region also has a wealth of historical and cultural attractions such as the almost 1,000-year-old Bentheim Castle. Terrain: the tour runs mainly on asphalt or paved trails, but there are also surfaces of crushed brick/stone and gravel. Routes are mainly away from busy roads. Lower Bentheim is largely flat, with just a few hilly stretches and gentle climbs in the Uelsen/Lönsberg region. Around Bad Bentheim/Gildehaus there are some short stretches with steep ascents. Scenery: varied countryside in a rural region including woodland, riverscapes, canals, heathland and meadowland. Cultivated wetlands in the north-east of the county.

• Length: 220 kilometres, circular tour (+ 850km network of linked routes)
• Route info: mainly flat terrain, hilly in parts, easily managed with children