The 'Handelsweg' connects the German peace city Osnabrück with the Dutch Hanse city Deventer – an invitation to a 229 kilometre long hiking experience of a different kind. Follow in the tracks of travelling merchants from past centuries, experience this cross-bordering region from the perspective of 'Tödden', 'Marskramern' and 'Hollandgängern' via exciting paths and through charming landscapes... became a cross-border commuter.

image author: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Handelsweg

The Trading Route runs from Osnabrück, first through the hilly Osnabrücker and Tecklenburger Land and further on through the flat and agricultural region of the Münster- and Emsland. Then the route runs slightly downwards into the shire Bentheim. From there, it's not far to the 'Dinkel'-lowland at the Dutch border. In the neighbouring country, you walk first through the 'scenic landscape' in the region Twente and the expansive estate Twickel. Along the river 'Regge', off to the 'Sallandse Heuvelrug', a wooded mound and over agricultural paths to the Hanse town Deventer at the river IJssel, in the late Middle Ages, it was the most important town in the Netherland's east – which is still very apparent in the picturesque alleys, places and buildings in the old town. The detailed route is available at www.handelsweg.com.

image author: J.Backhausen,bac-up.net

For an active short break, there are four arrangements available, which give you the choice of different long parts of the Trading Route.

The whole route can be easily walked in 11 daily laps between 17 - 27km. Daily laps - which run mostly through flat areas - are available in the frame of package deals. Further details under www.handelsweg.com/angebote/