FAQs - Frequently asked questions
Registration deadline
Advance booking has started. Depending on the number of participants, registration may be cancelled a few weeks before the event.
Advance check-in
We will be organising an advance check-in again this year. The time slot for this will be announced in good time. Participants will receive their hiking pass at the same time.
The advance check-in is only an additional offer for hikers who would like to avoid the queue on the day of the event. Of course, every participant can also check in conveniently on site on 13 April!
Check-In on the day of the event
Anyone who does not manage to collect their hiking pass from the city marketing office in the week before the event can of course still do so on 13 April from 7 a.m. before their respective starts. Please allow some time in advance for this.
All children who would like to do the puzzle fun with Bokeltje along the way will also receive their puzzle template at the check-in.
Where can I find my hiking route?
The three hiking routes will be posted here in good time before the start and can then also be downloaded and viewed on komoot:
The three routes will also be fully signposted with different colours along the way so that nobody can get lost.
When does the race start and is there a time limit?
The hiking tours start on 13 April 2025 at Diepenbrock Castle at the following times:
08:30 to 09:30 - 25 km hike (D-NL)
09:30 to 11:00 - 15 km hike
11:00 to 11:30 - 8 km family hike
The end of the event will be heralded at Diepenbrock Castle at 17:00 at the latest.
The aid stations and route signposting will be dismantled before 17:00.
How much is the entry fee and what do I get for it?
The ticket presale is running.
You can purchase your hiking ticket at the early bird rate until 5 January 2025:
Children's ticket - entry fee 4€ | The children's ticket is valid for children up to the age of 12 and can be used for all hiking routes.
From 06.01.2025 the following normal price applies:
Children's ticket - entry fee 5€
The entry fee includes refreshment stations, the hiking pass and a small reward at the finish.
At all aid stations, hikers can fill up their water bottles and receive various snacks, e.g. fruit and wine gums from our "sweet" partner Red Band.
When and how do I get my hiking pass?
You can pick up your hiking pass from the city marketing office the week before the hiking day. This means you are already checked in for the hiking day and can start directly on Sunday without having to queue at the check-in.
The exact times for pre-check-in will be announced here in good time.
If you don't manage to pick up your hiking pass in advance and get checked in - no problem! Of course, a check-in will also be set up for you on site on 13 April 2025 at Diepenbrock Castle in the coach house.
Is there a hike for families?
The 8 km hike is ideal for families with children. Children receive a treasure map when they register and can go on a treasure hunt with Bocholt's beech goblin Bokeltje along the way. A small treasure awaits the young explorers at the finish.
Which paths do I take?
All routes and paths lead through the flat terrain of the beautiful and idyllic Westmünsterland and, on the 25 km route, also partly in the Dutch Achterhoek. The routes are characterised by natural hiking trails and paths. There are few tarmac paths and the majority of the routes are in natural surroundings with little in the way of infrastructure.
Can I get lost?
All three hiking routes are marked with different coloured arrow signs at all forks. You will also receive an overview map as a printout with your hiking pass and, of course, you can download the routes to your mobile phone or tablet in advance via komoot so that you always have your navigation device with you during your hike. This should prevent you from getting lost!
P.S. Hiking maps are actually still available :-)
Please contact the Tourist-Info | Nordstraße 14, Bocholt | Phone: 02871/ 50 44 |
Catering - what should I take with me, what can I expect on the way?
The basic rule for hiking is of course - the less luggage the better!
And even though hiking with us is a self-catering event, you will be offered plenty of water, lemon tea and small snacks such as fruit, bars, wine gums etc. at the specially set up, free supply stations, so that you can always satisfy your hunger in between.
If a participant has special dietary requirements, e.g. gluten-free food, diabetic food, etc., they should of course cater for themselves accordingly.
Participants can look forward to a warm meal again on the 25km route , for which no crockery or cutlery is required!
How should I equip myself?
Well-worn shoes with matching hiking or running socks are the be-all and end-all when hiking. When choosing shoes, you can vary between hiking, running, trekking or trail running shoes, the main thing is that they are comfortable, suitable and well-worn!
The rucksack should also be well chosen and have well-padded straps that fit snugly on the shoulders.
Depending on the weather, choose clothing in "onion-look" if possible and think about sun and/or rain protection. You should also always have your water container (bottle or hydration bladder) with you. You do not need to bring your own crockery for the snacks and meals provided at the refreshment stations.
Where can I go to the toilet?
There are of course toilets in the start/finish area and at all refreshment stations. We hope that you will refrain from peeing in the wild wherever possible.
What can I expect in the start/finish area?
Against the beautiful backdrop of Diepenbrock Castle, we are once again setting up a small but beautiful hiking village for you.
Here you will find the check-in, snack options or a cool beer at the end of the hike around the Schlosscafé Diepenbrock. Of course, you can also stop off on the cosy terrace of the Schloss Diepenbrock café after your hike and treat yourself to a tasty reward.
There are great play opportunities for younger guests, including a bouncy castle and a play wagon. Partners and exhibitors will also be presenting interesting topics relating to health, hiking and fitness. For example, there will be offers from Intersport Pieron and Volksbank Bocholt for all hikers as a souvenir of their tour.
Where can I park?
You will find both free bicycle and car parking spaces around Diepenbrock Castle. Simply follow the signs on site.
For the sake of the environment and to save space, we would like Bocholt residents to come by bike if possible or at least keep the number of cars travelling to the event as low as possible. So if you and your neighbour are both taking part, it would be great if you could share a car for the journey - it's also sustainable! :-)
Traffic situation and safety
There will be temporary road closures to ensure the safety of participants. Affected roads include:
- The cycle and hiking path between Büffelhof Kragemann and Eschhegge 5 will be closed to cyclists and a diversion will be set up via Kotts Stegge and Eschhegge (13.04.25 in the morning).
- The road Zum Venn between Winterswijker Straße and Dölls Diek will be closed on 13.04.25 in the morning.
Participants are urged to take particular care in areas with poor visibility. Several areas will be secured by signage, flashing lights and marshals. In principle, the general traffic regulations apply and hikers are responsible for their own road safety.
Residents and neighbours along the routes north of Barlo to Woold in the Netherlands are asked to drive with particular care on 13 April.
What happens if I injure myself, can no longer walk or need help?
There is an accident assistance centre in the start/finish area and a mobile unit for the routes on the way.
There is first aid equipment for minor injuries at all refreshment stations. You can also contact helpers here if you are unable to finish the course. We recommend running in smaller groups. In addition, there will be one or two bike patrols along the way to keep an eye on things.
In acute emergency situations, please dial the emergency number immediately, which will be posted here and on the hiking passports in good time before the event.
Safety on the road - are the routes cordoned off?
In principle, you are responsible for your own road safety and that of other road users. This means that the routes are not specially cordoned off at road crossings, for example. You should therefore hike as you would normally do when hiking or in normal road traffic and observe the rules of right of way. For example, on shared cycle paths and footpaths you should always walk on the right and behind each other, so that cyclists can overtake you on the left.
Very dangerous or difficult to see places are additionally protected by signposts, flashing lights and marshals.
Can my dog join me on the hike?
Yes, your dog is welcome to accompany you on the hike on a lead.
General rules of behaviour
We ask you to leave your hiking environment as you found it. Please put your rubbish in your rucksack or in the rubbish bins at the refreshment stations. Please clean up any dog mess and try to refrain from peeing as much as possible (even though we know that this is sometimes impossible with small children...:-)).
If everyone behaves as they expect the other participants to behave, it should be a relaxed and great hiking day for all participants! :-)