Bawinkel: Cycling Routes, Local History and Alexander Park

In Bawinkel, cycling tours and local history can each become a focus of your stay. A municipal route passes through several districts, while the Mills and Grain Route offers a clearly defined circular tour. Churches, an old rectory and Alexander Park add architectural history and other local sights to your plans.

Cycling through Bawinkel and its districts

The municipal route passes through Bawinkel, Plankorth, Duisenburg, Clusorth-Bramhar, Bramhar and Klosterholte. It is associated with experiencing nature and rural tranquillity. The Mills and Grain Route is another option for planning your ride: the circular route is 61 kilometres long and rated very easy. Bawinkel is listed as a stage stop on this route. This gives you a choice between a route through several named districts and a circular cycling tour with a set distance.

Cycling and hiking huts in the municipality provide places for short breaks. Cycling rest areas with shelters are located in Plankorth, Mäske and Möllenhook. If you plan to stop for refreshments, the café in the bakehouse is an option during your cycling tour. Check its opening arrangements before visiting. The Picnic Route passes the Pigstop vending machines at Hof Pleus.

You can also include the local history museum in your plans, but only by registering in advance and arranging an appointment. Visits are offered by the local history association. If you want to combine your appointment with a cycling tour or another activity, make sure to register in advance.

Churches and architectural history

St Alexander’s Church is a Gothic hall church built in 1906. The old rectory was built in the Gothic style in 1904. Together, the two buildings offer a point of comparison between structures in the same style, built in neighbouring years. The Protestant St Peter’s Church has a different design: it was built in 1949 in the Scandinavian wooden style. The Protestant emergency church built in 1950 is known as the Barning Church and is a listed monument.

Saint Alexander is the patron saint of the church in Bawinkel. The historic Flemish Road is another part of the town’s history: it was a medieval pilgrimage route to the relics of Saint Alexander. The connection between church architecture and pilgrimage history offers another perspective on local history, alongside the different architectural styles and construction dates.

Alexander Park and the surrounding landscape

Alexander Park features a grotto, a bakehouse and a demonstration workshop for traditional crafts. There is also a marketplace with a fountain and a quiet area. These different features give the park several points of interest: historic crafts and buildings sit alongside a landscaped square and a place to relax. This makes the park a distinct activity to consider alongside cycling routes and churches.

The landscape around Bawinkel also has a long history: swamps and wetlands shaped it over time. Another glimpse into the area’s past way of life and food history is Bawinkel’s historic association with butter, geese and wild duck hunting. These traditions describe the town’s past; they are not a statement about food currently on offer.

For an overview of the wider destination: Emsland.