Friesoythe combines a tree trail in the heart of the city with a park on the Soeste and routes for cycling and canoeing. The attractions offer different experiences: you can explore a themed trail, discover art and history in the city park, or get to know the Soeste from a canoe.
Tree Trail and City Park
The tree trail runs for about five kilometres through the heart of Friesoythe and passes 14 characteristic deciduous trees. The trees give the trail its thematic focus; its length and route through the city make it a distinct activity when exploring Friesoythe.
The city park, covering about ten hectares, is also located in the heart of Friesoythe. It was laid out along the Soeste in former wet woodland areas and is an oasis of tranquillity in the city. The park features iron sculptures at 15 stations along the Iron Cross Trail. The bell tower is also home to the Friesoythe Peace Bell, which is more than 400 years old. The park thus brings together a large green space, public art and a historic artefact.
Exploring the Soeste by Water and by Bike
The “Soestetal” canoe trail offers the chance to try canoeing in a natural setting. It runs for around three kilometres between the Soesteheim and Friesoythe City Park. Soesteheim is the stated starting point; canoe rental is available by arrangement. If you are planning this tour, arrange the rental in advance.
The named places can help you choose a cycling tour. The “Between Friesoythe and Thüle” tour starts at Friesoythe City Park and continues via Altenoythe to Bösel. “Along Old Routes” connects Friesoythe, Bösel and Mittelsten Thüle. The two tours therefore differ in their described routes and the places they pass. Check current route conditions before setting off.
More to Explore in the Wider Cloppenburg Destination
In the wider Cloppenburg destination, the Cloppenburg Museum Village – Lower Saxon Open-Air Museum offers insight into the living conditions of the rural population of north-west Germany through around 60 historic buildings. Its timeline spans from the late Middle Ages to the 1980s, offering a cultural history focus alongside Friesoythe’s trails and green spaces.
The Thülsfelder Talsperre reservoir is also part of the wider Cloppenburg destination. Fed by the Soeste, it is located in Friesoythe and the municipalities of Garrel and Molbergen, and was built between 1924 and 1927. The reservoir area and its surroundings have been protected as a nature reserve since 1938 and have also been a Natura 2000 site since 1999. The reservoir’s adventure trail has 14 interactive stations.
Another landscape option in the wider Cloppenburg destination is Dwergter Sand in Molbergen. This forest and heathland area, covering around 2,000 hectares, has an extensive network of cycling, hiking and riding trails. Alongside Friesoythe’s urban routes, larger natural areas with different trail networks are therefore available as separate options to explore.
Discover more destinations: Emstek, Bösel, Garrel, Essen, Cappeln, Molbergen, Löningen, Petersfeld
Back to the wider travel overview: Cloppenburg.
