Recke, municipality of Germany
Recke is a small municipality in North Rhine-Westphalia with gentle terrain and around 11,000 residents spread across slightly more than 50 square kilometers. The landscape is mostly flat with soft hills reaching about 125 meters (410 feet) at their highest, dotted with fields, small woodlands, and the nearby Ems river.
The area was shaped for centuries by wetlands and peat extraction from marshes, which supported the local economy. The modern municipality of Recke was formed in 1975 when nearby villages and hamlets merged, establishing the identity the town carries today.
Recke takes its name from the reeds that once covered the wetlands, a connection to nature that remains central to local identity. This heritage shows in how residents gather for seasonal festivals and outdoor markets, keeping customs alive through shared celebrations of music, food, and simple traditions.
Recke is easily reached by car or regional train, situated about 20 kilometers northeast of Rheine and 25 kilometers northwest of Osnabrück. The flat terrain and open countryside make it ideal for walking and cycling, with quiet roads and natural areas inviting exploration at a relaxed pace.
Recke maintains a sister town relationship with Ommen in the Netherlands, leading to regular cultural exchanges and visits between communities. This cross-border friendship offers visitors a chance to experience how traditions and ways of life differ just across the regional boundary.
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