“Achtung! Vorsicht!” shouted my guide. Once again, I had wandered without thinking into the bike lane. I had only been in Münster for a few hours and hadn’t yet switched my brain over to bicycles on the sidewalk mode. And that could be hazardous. You see, there are over 500,000 bikes in Münster, Germany, and only 300,000 inhabitants. Bikes are EVERYWHERE! And with good reason. If ever a city was designed with bicycles in mind, it’s Münster. This tight, flat city may not be car-friendly, but it’s perfect for zipping around on two wheels. And it seems that everyone in town does it, from little kids on balance bikes to Omas with baskets of groceries.
One side for walking… one for riding!
Bikes in Münster Germany
Bikes or “Leeze” in the Münster dialect have been a popular option for transportation since the 1870s, but after World War II, the use of Bicycles in Münster really took hold. The war destroyed much of the city, and city planners decided to rebuild with bicycles and buses as the primary means of transport. Planners created special bike paths, and private automobiles were banned from many smaller streets. New one-way streets added to the confusion (Naturally, bikes go both ways!). Combined with limited parking in the city center, it was easier to just get out of the car and walk or pedal!
If ever there was a city made for cycling, it’s Münster. The city itself is compact, and riding from one side to the other takes no time at all. And best of all is the Ring Road that follows the path of the old city wall. Today, the wall is long gone, and in its place is a wide pedestrian and bicycle promenade shaded by Linden Trees. This five Kilometer stretch is very popular for walkers and bicycles, especially in the summer. Since it circles the city, you can avoid congestion in the Altstadt.
But it’s not just pleasure rides; 47% of all errands in Münster are made on a Bicycle.
The Leeze aren’t fancy bikes with lots of gears and flashy colors. They seem almost dour with dark colors or are quite plain. Most are “sit up straight” bikes with practical handlebars, simple gear mechanisms, and fenders that keep you from splashing yourself during the inevitable rains. But in flat Münster, you don’t need a lot of gears, and with so many bikes, you don’t want the flashy one that someone might steal. (I live in a world where we lock bikes up with U-locks and chains. In Münster, the lock simply clamps the back tire. )
People were riding past the hotel at 11pm! and feel perfectly safe locking them on the street overnight.
Parking Bicycles in Münster
Bikes are EVERYWHERE
Of course, all of these bicycles HAVE to be parked SOMEWHERE! Despite what I considered an astonishing amount of bike traffic at 11 PM, they aren’t all in constant motion. Münster has that figured out, too. Across from the train station is a GIANT bicycle parking garage (Radstation Münster Hbhf.) that stores around 3500 bicycles. (You can also rent bikes here or have your bike repaired). Still, space for 3500 isn’t nearly enough, so you will find bicycles parked EVERYWHERE that there is wall space. To combat people parking in driveways or on curb cuts for the Handicapped, there is a special group of workers called the Fahrrad Ordnungsamt. Basically, they go around moving bikes parked dangerously or in the wrong spot. And I’ve watched them shift bikes closer together to make room for more bikes. (Don’t worry! They just shift the bike to a better spot. If you come back, and your bike is gone, look 10 feet down the road).
The Fahrrad Ordnungsamt… shifting poorly parked bicycles
But it’s not just Ordnung that is a problem. Because there are SOOOOOOO many bicycles, the police control to ensure people ride safely and within the law. On my Stadt Bummel, I saw a gentleman blow through a stop sign, and he was immediately whistled over by a policeman who dressed him down and handed him a ticket which comes with, as I understand, a healthy fine.
Bicycle Parking Garage… Radstation
Biking Münster and BEYOND
This healthy bicycle culture radiates out from Münster into the countryside. The Münsterland in North Rhine Westphalia is a bicyclist’s paradise. Flat roads, designated bike routes and enough Gaststädte to slake your thirst every few kilometers as you cycle. Many people enjoy riding to see the famous Wasserschloße or Water Castles in the region.
You can rent Bicycles to go off on your own… or take part in a special Bike Tour.
Bikes in Münster are generally the “plain” Dutch bikes.
But, as long as you have gears and a basket, you are good to go! I love the new e-bikes! Lucky for me, I live in a bicycle friendly town, and I use my e-bike to run errands.
Heybike Cityscape Electric Bike for Adults 350W Electric City Cruiser Bicycle-Up to 40 Miles- Removable Battery, Shimano 7-Speed and Dual Shock Absorber, 26
Max4out Beach Cruiser Bike for Adult, Womens Bicycle with Rattan Front Basket, 24 Inch Comfort Bikes with Adjustable Seat and Dual V-Brake (Black)
And if you need a minivan
cozytrikes Maroon Red Bakfiets Electric Cargo Bike – Mid-Loader Design, 36V Battery, 20
Find Bike Route Map Books on Amazon.de.
If you are comfortable with German, check out this website for special tours–> www.radregion-muensterland.de.
Leeze in Münster
When I visited in 2019, there was a wonderful Special Exhibition called “Alles auf Leeze” (everything on a Bicycle) at the Stadtmuseum (City Museum). There were over 30 bikes on display, as well as displays about Münster Bicycles throughout history. Every week, a special bicycle was featured, and when I was there, I swear they had taken the bike from my Oma’s garage! The museum has free admission, and besides the bike exhibit, it had interesting bits and pieces from all of Münster’s history. Be Warned! THERE IS NO PHOTOGRAPHY in the building. (So just put that phone or camera away, because you WILL be spoken to …several times… otherwise!)
The exhibition is long gone, but the Stadtmuseum always has special exhibits. Click to see what’s happening here https://www.stadt-muenster.de/museum/aktuelles.html
