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 one of the region’s most well-known tourist destinations. 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 farmhouse-style homes. 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 lies the bison enclosure, a fascinating wildlife park home to over 100 species. Howling wolves, nimble otters, elegant birds of prey… Of course, a day here flies by.

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

Break: Springe’s Old Town, with its half-timbered houses, shops, and sidewalk cafés, invites you to stroll and linger. Anyone interested in local history should visit the museum in the castle courtyard; it offers in-depth insights into the history of Springe, its twelve districts, and the Deister region.

As you continue through the valley between “Kleiner Deister” and “Großer Deister,” you can reflect on your experiences at your leisure, since 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 first glance why it’s so healthy 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 lovely drive along the country roads of Calenberger, Springe soon comes into view—and with it, the path to art. Once there, there are two special places to discover and linger at: the ApfelBaumMuseum and the Paradiesschmiede, run by metal artist Andreas Rimkus. Together with NABU Springe and numerous sponsors, Rimkus has created a large orchard meadow featuring old and rare fruit varieties worthy of protection. At the neighboring ParadiesSchmiede, guided tours and workshops 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 Jagdschloss, Jagdschloss 1, 31832 Springe, (05041) 64 04 45
• Key Largo, Bahnhofstraße 22, 31832 Springe (05041) 620412
• M14, Am Markt 14, 31832 Springe, (05041) 779 19 29
• Café Kumlehn, Zum Niederntor 9, 31832 Springe, (05041) 23 13
• Eiscafé Martino, Am Markt 12, 31832 Springe, (05041) 34 75
• Pizzeria & Ice Cream Parlor Russo, Zum Oberntor 19, 31832 Springe, (05041) 64 89 30