Papenburg Route 4

Almost without interruption, you cycle along the water on this route – you will find out why halfway along.

First, you cycle through Germany's southernmost seaport and past the Meyer Werft, then a section upstream along the Ems. At the Melkhüsken Specker-Dünhöft, the stop is worthwhile not only for a cheese sandwich or a milkshake but also to take a look at the large rose garden. Then, continue towards Aschendorf with its remarkable Altenkamp estate and to the Herbrum lock. Shortly after, you turn your back on the Ems and cycle through a landscape shaped by ditches and canals. These waterways were at the beginning of Papenburg's history. Before the first settlers started draining the moor almost 400 years ago, the region looked as you experience it on the Aschendorfer Moorpath: no water but also no dry land. The open-air museum Von-Velen-Anlage shows the history of peat mining and the growth of the oldest and largest colony of heathland settlers in Germany, which eventually became an important seaport and shipyard location.

Ride back into the old town – and take a new look at the canals and bridges, the shipping open-air museum, and the harbor. But also stop briefly along the way to take a look at Naschke's garden: the proud owner is happy to welcome guests to his green and colorfully blooming paradise full of wild and bed perennials.