Things To Do
in Rheine
Rheine is a mid-sized town in North Rhine-Westphalia on the banks of the River Ems, blending a compact historic center with riverside parks and well-preserved monastery grounds. It’s a gateway to the Münsterland’s flat cycling routes and nearby low ranges like the Teutoburg Forest, making it popular with families, cyclists and nature lovers. Cultural highlights include the Kloster Bentlage complex, a lively weekly market, and small museums and theaters that reflect local Westphalian traditions.
Rheine’s scale and location make it a calm base for day trips to Münster, the Ems valley and longer cycling journeys along the Emsradweg.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Rheine's historic center, taking in the beautiful architecture of the old buildings. Stop by the local bakery for a delicious breakfast of freshly baked bread and pastries. As you wander, don’t forget to admire the St. Dionysius Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
After lunch at a quaint café, immerse yourself in history at the Emsland Museum, where exhibitions showcase the region's rich past. Spend some time exploring the nearby art gallery, which features local artists and changing exhibitions. As the afternoon sun filters through the trees, take a peaceful walk along the Ems River, enjoying the serene landscape.
As twilight descends, consider dining at a traditional German restaurant, where you can savor local specialties like Sauerbraten or Bratwurst. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Rheine at night. End your evening with a drink at a cozy pub, chatting with locals and reflecting on your day.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk in the Emsauen Park, where you can enjoy lush greenery and scenic views along the Ems River. Bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy in one of the park's tranquil spots, surrounded by nature. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as the park is home to various bird species and small animals.
In the afternoon, rent a bike to explore more of the park and its surrounding areas, taking advantage of the scenic cycling paths. Stop at the park’s playground if you're traveling with family, allowing the kids to burn off some energy. When you return, grab lunch at a nearby café that offers outdoor seating.
As the sun sets, head to a nearby beer garden for a casual dinner, enjoying local brews and hearty German fare. Share stories with fellow travelers and locals while you relax in the open air. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll back through the park, taking in the peaceful ambiance under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub, 0.5L) | $3-5 |
| 🚆Regional train ticket (short trip) | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-110 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, easy-to-navigate town centre with pleasant riverside areas
- Excellent cycling and river activities (Emsradweg and Ems paddling)
- Good base for day trips to Münster, Teutoburg Forest and surrounding nature
- Friendly local markets and authentic Westphalian cuisine
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger cities
- Public transport connections are good regionally but less frequent late at night
- Some attractions have short opening hours outside peak season
- English-language services may be limited in smaller shops and older establishments
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Die Rechnung bitte" - The bill, please
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Rheine
Visit one of these nice places.
Long riverside walkway with reflections, boats, and green meadows — great for sunrise/sunset and candid shots of locals.
Historic monastery complex with atmospheric cloisters, brick architecture and gardens providing excellent architectural and detail photography.
Picturesque palace-like building surrounded by mature trees and a landscaped park — ideal for romantic and nature photography.
Old town streets, colourful shopfronts and the weekly market create vibrant street photography opportunities.
Wet meadow habitats along the Ems attract birds and seasonal bloom; bring a zoom lens for wildlife shots.
Food in Rheine
Rheine Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured Westphalian ham with dense texture and smoky flavour; commonly served sliced with bread and pickles or in local menus and delis.
Must-Try!
A classic winter dish of stewed kale with a fatty, spiced sausage called Pinkel — popular at seasonal gatherings and served in many traditional restaurants (typically autumn/winter).
A peppery beef stew traditional to Westphalia, often found on local restaurant menus and in homestyle cooking.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held regularly at the Marktplatz: fresh regional produce, cheeses, baked goods, seasonal specialties and friendly stalls — perfect for sampling local ingredients and sandwiches.
Occasional food stalls and events take place along the Ems during summer weekends and festivals offering grilled sausages, waffles, crepes and regional snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is valued for meetings, tours and public transport — aim to arrive punctually.
Respect quiet hours (usually nighttime and midday on Sundays) — avoid loud noise and lawn mowing during these times.
Germany has a strict recycling system (plastic, paper, glass, organic); follow local bin rules and remove bottle deposit returns (Pfand) when applicable.
A quick 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo' and simple 'Bitte'/'Danke' go a long way. Handshakes are common in formal settings.
Safety
Tipping in Rheine
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common; in cafés you can round to the nearest euro. For taxis and hairdressers a small tip is appreciated but not obligatory.
Cash (euros) is widely accepted; many shops and small restaurants prefer card payments via EC/Girocard or contactless cards. Mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) and international credit cards are accepted at larger establishments, but always carry some cash for markets and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasant with long daylight hours; ideal for cycling, river activities and outdoor dining. Expect more tourists on weekends and occasional thunderstorms — pack light rain protection.
Crisp days and colourful foliage along parklands and forest edges; a great time for hiking and hearty seasonal food. Temperatures drop late in the season and some attractions reduce hours.
Cold and grey with occasional frost and light snow; winter specialties like Grünkohl are in season and towns are quieter. Dress warmly and check opening times for smaller sights around holidays.
Mild weather, blooming parks and fewer crowds: excellent for cycling and market visits. Early spring can still be chilly, so layer up for breezy riverside walks.
Rheine at Night
Hiking in Rheine
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat riverside paths ideal for easy walks, birdwatching and short nature loops directly along the Ems.
Gardened paths and historic grounds around the monastery offering gentle strolls with cultural interest.
A short drive away, offering rock formations, forest trails and panoramic viewpoints for moderate hikes.
Larger nature park with a network of trails, varying terrain and marked routes suitable for day hikes and longer walks.
Airports
How to reach Rheine by plane.
The closest regional airport (approx. 35–45 km): offers regional and some international flights. Accessible by car or regional bus/train connections via Münster or Rheine area transports.
About 80–110 km away depending on route; broader flight options and reachable by regional train and bus with transfers, or by car.
Major international airport around 120–140 km away; extensive connections worldwide and reachable by direct or connecting trains from Rheine to Düsseldorf.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Rheine has many family households attracted by green spaces, schools and a calm environment.
Residents who commute to nearby cities like Münster for work, benefiting from regional rail links.
A noticeable older population enjoying local clubs, cultural activities and the relaxed pace of life.
Smaller student and young adult population, with many choosing nearby Münster for university studies while living or visiting Rheine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally with local amateur clubs and youth teams; matchdays draw community support.
Both recreational and commuter cycling are widespread thanks to flat terrain and dedicated routes like the Emsradweg.
Water sports on the Ems — canoeing, kayaking and small-boat activities are popular in warmer months.
Handball has strong local participation at club and amateur levels across the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rheine.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and many restaurants offer vegetarian options (salads, pasta, vegetable mains). Ask staff for daily specials and check markets for fresh produce to assemble simple meals.
Vegan options are available but less widespread than in larger cities; look for cafés advertising plant-based dishes or choose salads, potatoes, and vegetable mains; larger supermarkets carry vegan staples.
Gluten-free bread and options are increasingly available in supermarkets and some restaurants. Always mention 'glutenfrei' when ordering and check with staff about cross-contamination.
Carry allergy cards in German for clarity; staff are usually helpful but smaller eateries may have limited ingredient knowledge.