Reken to Haltern am See Loop

Bike touring routes & trails

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Kreis Borken

Reken

Reken to Haltern am See Loop

Hard

4.6

(233)

803

riders

Reken to Haltern am See Loop

03:39

58.7km

300m

Cycling

Your circular tour to Haltern am See requires a bit of stamina. However, the stunning natural scenery, the beautiful Sythen Castle, and the idyllic market square in Haltern make the effort worthwhile.

You start in Reken at the old church and cycle out of town towards Maria Veen. Passing fields and meadows, the path leads you to the birdwatching hide at the picturesque Torfvenn Pond. Take a break, enjoy the tranquility of nature, and see which birds you can spot.

You'll cycle through a beautiful tree-lined avenue to the Oedler Pond, where another birdwatching tower stands. Near the small village of Sythen, a visit to the castle of the same name is worthwhile before you reach the large Haltern Reservoir. Enjoyably follow the cycle path along its shore. If you like, you can stop at the Sunset Beach Bar and refresh yourself in the cool water.

Arriving at the lively market square in Haltern, you've already completed more than half the route. Perhaps stop for a break at a nice café before heading back to Reken. Two longer climbs await you along the way, as you cycle through shady forests.

by Tourist-Info Reken

Last updated: October 9, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 538 m for 67 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

571 m

Reken Tower Windmill and Open-Air Museum

Highlight • Monument

The Reken tower windmill rises prominently on a hill, visible from afar. It is one of the most beautiful and oldest of its kind in Westphalia. The cap, with its mighty sails boasting a wingspan of 22 meters, rests on a thick stump of fieldstones. These sails could be turned to face the wind using the "Krühstertes" (rotating tail). After thorough renovation, the Reken Local History Society established a museum in the mill in 1972. The museum's main theme is "from sowing to harvesting." Many of the tools and machines used in this context were in use until 1945. Exhibits on household tasks and crafts demonstrate how, without today's modern appliances, large households were supplied with food and drink.

Over the years, numerous outbuildings have clustered around the Reken windmill, forming a small open-air museum. Among them is the "Backhus," where bread is baked on special occasions. The “Immenschur” (beehive), the “Pütthus” (cooling well) and the “Museschoppe” placed on trapezoidal stones for protection against rodents.

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Tip by

2.90 km

Forest Chapel and Hermitage, Reken

Highlight • Religious Site

The forest chapel is situated in a wonderfully peaceful location, nestled along beautiful hiking and cycling trails. It is open to visitors during the day. A document dating back to 1686 mentions the chapel as a place of worship. Hermits lived there until March 3, 1879, caring for the chapel. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and houses a Pietà, a statue depicting the Sorrowful Mother.

For centuries, the forest chapel has been a place of pilgrimage for many believers. Several legends surround this place. Historically, there was a miraculous spring at this hermitage, which, however, dried up many years ago. Picnic areas and resting places (some covered) invite visitors to linger on the grounds.

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Tip by

16.7 km

Torfvennteich Birdwatching Hut

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Watch the bird life, enjoy the peace and quiet and take a little rest. Then continue on with your bike in a relaxed manner.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

21.8 km

Oedler Pond

Highlight • Lake

We really liked it at the Oedlerteich, there is also a rest area.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

29.4 km

Sythen Castle

Highlight • Castle

Sythen Castle can be visited and rented for events. Weddings in the castle chapel are also possible.

More information: schloss-sythen.nrw

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Tip by

32.1 km

Halterner Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

The Halterner See can be completely circumnavigated on a bike and hiking trail of around nine kilometers in length. It also leads over a bridge directly past the dam's weir, through the Westuferpark and along the wooded north and south-east bank to the Steverbucht.

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Tip by

37.6 km

Haltern am See Market Square

Highlight • Settlement

Beautiful market square that invites you to linger. With the first rays of sunshine, the market square is transformed into a large outdoor restaurant.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

58.7 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

24.0 km

13.6 km

9.99 km

9.28 km

1.80 km

Surfaces

34.7 km

10.3 km

7.82 km

3.55 km

1.56 km

807 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (120 m)

Lowest point (40 m)

Weather

Sunday 11 October

16°C

5°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

March 5, 2026,Rundtour von Reken nach Haltern am See

Hello, today I took a detour to Haltern am See. I started in Reken and then drove towards Haltern, around the lake. I stopped at Jupp's for a coffee ☕️ and a Belgian waffle with hot cherries 🍒. I got into a conversation with two older ladies at a table, which took some time, but it was a very nice …

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May 25, 2026,Wunderschöne Rundtour von Reken zum Stausee nach Haltern, schattige Straßen durch die Hohe Mark

A wonderfully great and shady route, especially with this week's temperatures. Through the Hohe Mark in absolute tranquility. However, places to stop for refreshments are only found around Haltern.
A very beautiful route and definitely recommended..

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August 27, 2026,Hausdülmen - Halterner Stausee 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️☀️😎

Start at high temperatures in Hausdülmen. 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️☀️😎 We found the round tour again on Komoot.
Past Silbersee III (hardly visible on this route), we went to Sythen. Unfortunately, the small castle Sythen was not open. However, a nice bench with a table in front of the castle invited us to a picnic.
As the next destination, we cycled to the …

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July 21, 2026,Fahrradtour um Haltern am See , durchs Weiße Venn

The tour through the white Venn and around Haltern am See was very nice. All TOP paths. Beautiful area for cycling.

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April 12, 2022,Dülmen-Lavesum

Just great to drive the round super nice.

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April 27, 2025,Haltern am See - Reken - Hausdülmen – Dülmen

A beautiful bike tour through the Weiße Venn (White Fens), Silbersee 3 (Silver Lake 3) – called the "Caribbean of the Ruhr Valley" by young people in summer – and the Halterner Dam. The short detour to Dülmen is a must. Highly recommended 👍🏻😁🚴‍♂️

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April 7, 2023

Your circular tour to Haltern am See requires a bit of stamina. However, the stunning natural scenery, the beautiful Sythen Castle, and the idyllic market square in Haltern make the effort worthwhile.
﻿
You start in Reken at the old church and cycle out of town towards Maria Veen. Passing fields and meadows

Translated by Google •