Boxenstopp-Route Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
The Boxenstopp-Route is a loop through the Oldenburger Münsterland, starting and finishing in Cloppenburg. You ride via Barßel and Lindern to Essen (Oldb.), then via Damme and Vechta on the way back. It’s signposted throughout and designed as a stage-based tour with plenty of planned breaks and food stops in the countryside.
The Boxenstopp-Route is a 341.1 km circular ride through the Oldenburger Münsterland, starting and finishing in Cloppenburg. You follow a signposted line via Barßel and Lindern to Essen (Oldb.), then on via Damme and Vechta back to Cloppenburg. On the way, the whole “active countryside experience” idea actually fits the planned stop points. You roll past leisure areas like the Thülsfelder Talsperre, the Dammer Bergen, the Barßel-Saterland, the Hasetal and the Ausflugsregion Nordkreis Vechta. The route also flags up rest stops with rural accommodation and places to eat, plus farm-gate sales — handy if you want to stop based on how you’re feeling that day. It’s set out as a multi-stage tour with six easy day stages (40 to 65 km each), which makes it a good fit for relaxed riders and anyone who likes planning their own trip; there’s no solid info on surface or elevation profile. If you’re organising your own tour, use the stage concept as a framework and place your stops around the leisure areas, food stops and farm shops.
Route Profile
| Distance | 341 km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | Well signposted |
| Suitable For | Recreational cyclists, E-bike, Beginners |
| Surface | Mixed |
Boxenstopp-Route Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Boxenstopp-Route
It feels most like a proper “box stop” when you plan it so you can tick off several leisure areas back-to-back. The Dammer Bergen and the Thülsfelder Talsperre are the two obvious anchor points along the route. Highlight: The Thülsfelder Talsperre is a smart place to stop because it breaks the ride with a real pause in a designated leisure area — instead of just grinding out kilometres.
Highlights on the Boxenstopp-Route
- Thülsfelder Talsperre (Erholungsgebiet) as a clear, obvious break point on the loop.
- Dammer Berge (Erholungsgebiet) for a stop in a leisure and day-trip area.
- Barßel-Saterland as a designated Erholungsgebiet along the route.
- Hasetal as an Erholungsgebiet section on the signposted line.
- Ausflugsregion Nordkreis Vechta as another key area with options for breaks.
Accommodations on the Boxenstopp-Route
Along the Boxenstopp-Route you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Boxenstopp-Route there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Boxenstopp-Route Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
What the Boxenstopp-Route does really well is the consistent signage and the clear focus on breaks: leisure areas, food stops and rural overnight options are baked in. The downside for planning is the lack of official detail on surfaces, elevation profile and clearly listed day stages.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.