Discover Borken: History, Cycling Routes and Pröbstingsee

Borken is located in western Münsterland and is nestled in the Hohe Mark Nature Park. The town offers different options for planning your trip: explore historic buildings, discover the town and its districts on cycling routes, or spend time at Pröbstingsee and in the surrounding countryside.

Countryside and Cycling Routes

The “Die Berge” nature reserve, also known as “Fliegerberg,” is a sandy hill in Borken. Natural trails lead through the landscape. On the north side of Pröbstingsee, a network of natural woodland paths winds through the Pröbstinger Busch; on a walk, you can enjoy views across the dammed-up Aa.

The Borken Tourist Information Office has developed circular cycling routes that pass the town’s sights, travel through its districts and take in scenic locations. The “Borken – Town, Country, River” tour runs through Borken and its districts, including Marbeck, Ramsdorf, Gemen, Weseke, Burlo, Borkenwirthe and Hoxfeld. Check route information before setting off. For rides beyond the town, the Borken district has more than 5,000 kilometres of well-developed cycle paths away from busy roads. The Münsterland junction network allows flexible route planning across state and district borders; themed routes in the district and Münsterland include the 100 Castles Route, the Hohe Mark Cycle Route and the Flamingo Route.

Pröbstingsee: Water, Woods and a Planet Trail

At Pröbstingsee, you can go kayaking, pedal boating, paddling, rowing and sailing. You can hire a pedal boat at the boathouse. A sandy beach and a sunbathing lawn invite you to play and swim; check seasonal swimming conditions before your trip. The planet trail at Pröbsting brings a scale model of the solar system, at 1:1 billion, to life on foot. The planets are arranged around the lake, all the way to the Josef Bresser Observatory.

Kletterwald Borken also offers a clearly defined destination to help plan your visit: its course is 1,050 metres long, with heights ranging from 1.20 to 12 metres.

Buildings and Local History

From 1815 to 1908, the Diebesturm was Borken’s official town prison. Five of the former town towers are still standing. You can explore the historic buildings on your own with a historical town walk or a town rally for children; the Tourist Information Office can provide information about the routes.

In the district of Gemen, the “Haus Grave” smallholder’s house shows what rural life in Borken was like around 200 years ago. Gemen Moated Castle was built more than 900 years ago and stands on two islands in the former marshland of the Bocholter Aa. Since 1946, the Diocese of Münster has operated the castle as a youth education centre under the name “Jugendburg Gemen.”

At FARB, the “Speicher” houses around 140 objects relating to the town’s history. With the digital museum guide, you can explore objects, events and people from Borken through 360° views, videos, sounds, texts and photos. The Tourist Information Office at FARB advises visitors before and during their stay in Borken and sells cycling maps and event tickets.

Markets, Getting There and Accommodation

Borken’s weekly market takes place every Thursday morning in the market square. A Thursday afternoon market is also held there from 3 p.m. until around 7 or 8 p.m. You can sample Borken specialities and buy fresh produce from Borken farmers. Market times may change, so check them before your visit. A general market is held once a month, on the second Tuesday, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Borken town centre; check the dates, especially around public holidays.

Borken can be reached by train, bus, bicycle and car; these transport options are also available for getting around the district town. Check current connections and road conditions before travelling. The Tourist Information Office in Borken hires out bicycles and cargo bikes and helps arrange accommodation. Check availability of these services before your trip. This lets you plan your hotel stay around the town, cycling and nature experiences that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Weseke, Raesfeld, Stadtlohn, Velen, Heiden, Gronau, Reken, Heek.

Back to the main travel overview: Borken.