Recommended Route: Völksen to Bad Münder

18.5 kilometers, no hills, plenty of recreational activities and sights—this route is sure to delight the whole family.

The starting point, Völksen, is a paradise for local history enthusiasts. The Saupark Springe, with its bison enclosure and royal hunting lodge, is a well-known destination for visitors from far and wide. And the destination, Bad Münder, offers plenty of opportunities to wind down and relax after an eventful day.

Watch: Before you hop on your bike, take a stroll along the cobblestone streets in the center of Völksen and check out the farmhouses. Fans of contemporary art should make a note of the Hermannshof, where exhibitions are held regularly. Via Alvesrode, you’ll cycle through the countryside toward the Deister—the Kleiner Deister, to be precise. Right at the edge of the forest begins the bison enclosure, a fascinating wildlife park home to over 100 species. Howling wolves, nimble otters, elegant birds of prey… Sure, a day here goes by in a flash.

And while you're here, you shouldn't miss at least one of the two daily flight demonstrations. Passing the magnificent hunting lodge, you'll leave the forest behind and head toward Springe.

Break: Springe’s historic district, with its half-timbered houses, shops, and outdoor cafés, is the perfect place to stroll and relax. Those interested in local history should visit the museum in the castle courtyard, which offers in-depth insights into the history of Springe, its twelve districts, and the Deister region.

As you continue through the valley between the "Kleiner Deister" and the "Großer Deister," you can take a moment to reflect on your experiences, as the route is flat and almost perfectly straight. Then the Osterberg comes into view, where you can breathe in the fresh forest air once more.

Final: Welcome to Bad Münder! The brine inhalation at the graduation tower will perk up tired cyclists. And at the Söltjerbrunnen, you’ll see at a glance why it’s so good for your health here…

For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere:

Why not spice up your tour with a culinary and cultural detour? From Völksen, Café Scheune in Mittelrode is just a stone’s throw away. In the cozy café garden, you can relax and unwind. Add a delicious slice of one of the homemade cakes, and the experience is perfect! If the weather isn’t quite cooperating, the lovingly decorated barn invites you to linger. And after such a delightful break, you’ll be ready to hit the road again. 

After a pleasant drive along the country roads of Calenberg, Springe soon comes into view, and with it, the path to art. Once there, there are two special places to discover and linger: the ApfelBaumMuseum and the Paradiesschmiede, run by blacksmith artist Andreas Rimkus. Together with NABU Springe and numerous sponsors, Rimkus has created a large orchard meadow with old and rare fruit varieties. In the neighboring ParadiesSchmiede, guided tours and courses are offered by appointment—a fiery and fascinating experience for the whole family. 

Stop for a bite to eat:

• Café Wild in the Bison Enclosure, 31832 Springe (Kleiner Deister), (05041) 91 29 73
• Coffee and Beer Garden at the Hunting Lodge, Jagdschloss 1, 31832 Springe, (05041) 64 04 45
• Key Largo, Bahnhofstraße 22, 31832 Springe (05041) 620412
• M14, 14 Am Markt, 31832 Springe, (05041) 779 19 29
• Café Kumlehn, 9 Zum Niederntor, 31832 Springe, (05041) 23 13
• Eiscafé Martino, 12 Am Markt, 31832 Springe, (05041) 34 75
• Pizzeria & Ice Cream Parlor Russo, Zum Oberntor 19, 31832 Springe, (05041) 64 89 30

© HMTG

Deister

Bicycle Tours in the Deister

Here you'll find an overview of numerous tours and routes around the Deister.

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