Rheine-Bentlage Air Base

Rheine-Bentlage Air Base is a unique aviation facility located in the picturesque North Rhine-Westphalia region, significantly differing from typical tourist hubs. Instead of the bustle of passenger terminals, a strict atmosphere prevails here, dictated by its historical and strategic purpose. Situated in the immediate vicinity of the city of Rheine and the border with Lower Saxony, this airfield represents an interesting example of specialized infrastructure surrounded by the natural landscapes of the Ems river valley.

Although Rheine-Bentlage Air Base does not accept regular commercial flights, this location has specific features important for understanding the transport map of the region:

Features and Status of the Facility:

Historically, the base was used by the German Army Aviation Corps (Heeresflieger), making it a restricted facility for mass tourism. Travellers should be aware that the code ZPQ in booking systems may sometimes refer to a railway connection (Rail&Fly) linked to the city of Rheine, and not to direct flights to this base.

Geographical Location:

The main advantage of the location is its proximity to cultural attractions. The airfield is located just a few kilometres from the famous Kloster Bentlage (Bentlage Monastery) and the nature zoo, making the surroundings attractive for ground excursions. For flight planning, tourists are advised to use the nearest international civil airport, Münster Osnabrück (FMO), located approximately 25 km to the south.

Since Rheine-Bentlage Air Base (ZPQ) is an active or mothballed military facility and does not serve civil flights, standard tourist infrastructure is absent here. Below is the current data regarding location and service availability:

• Official Website: None (information about the military facility can only be found on general Bundeswehr resources; there is no specialized site for passengers).
• Inquiry Service Phone: Not provided (civil support is absent).
• Airport Address: Fliegerhorst Rheine-Bentlage, Salinenstraße, 48432 Rheine, Germany.
• Email: There is no public email for tourist inquiries.
• Social Media: Official accounts are absent.
• Lost Luggage Information: Service does not function (commercial baggage operations are not conducted).
• Passenger Support Contacts: Service unavailable. Attention: if your ticket shows the code ZPQ, we recommend checking if it refers to a railway segment of the trip (Rail&Fly) to the Rheine train station.

It is important to remember that Rheine-Bentlage Air Base is a closed military facility and does not accept civil flights. Therefore, the question of "how to get there" usually concerns either a trip to nearby attractions (Bentlage Monastery, Rheine Zoo) or travel to the city of Rheine itself via neighbouring civil airports. Below are the main logistics options in this region.

How to get to Rheine from nearby airports

Since it is impossible to fly directly into Rheine-Bentlage, tourists use large international hubs nearby. The most convenient option is Münster/Osnabrück (FMO), located just 27 km away. A journey by car will take about 30 minutes, and a taxi will cost approximately 50–70 EUR. There are also bus shuttles to Münster station, from where it is easy to transfer to a train to Rheine.

Other alternative options for arrival:

• Dortmund Airport (DTM) — located 87 km away. Convenient for budget travellers; the journey by train or car will take about 1–1.5 hours.
• Weeze Airport (NRN) — located 115 km away, popular among low-cost carriers.
• Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD) — located 113 km to the east.
• For those travelling from the Netherlands, Groningen Eelde Airport, located approximately 107 km away, may be convenient.

Public Transport (from Rheine centre to the Bentlage area)

If you are already in Rheine and want to visit the air base area (for example, for a walk near the monastery), use the city bus network Stadtbus Rheine. The route heading towards the zoo (NaturZoo) and Bentlage usually departs from the main train station.

• Bus: Look for route C12 or specialized "Zoo-Shuttles" during the summer season. Travel time from the station is about 15 minutes. The ticket cost is within 2–3 EUR.
• Railway: The facility itself does not have its own station, but Rheine Station (Rheine Bahnhof) is a major hub receiving IC trains and regional expresses from Münster, Osnabrück, and Emden.

Taxi and Transfer

A taxi ride from Rheine train station to the Bentlage area (Salinenstraße) will take about 10–12 minutes. This is a comfortable option, especially if you are travelling with luggage. The estimated cost of a trip around the city is 12–18 EUR. Popular taxi apps may not be as active as in metropolises, so it is better to use local services or the rank at the station.

Car and Parking

Travelling by rental car is one of the best ways to explore the North Rhine-Westphalia region. The road from the city centre to the air base area runs via the B481 or B70.

Parking: Since entry to the territory of the military base itself is strictly limited, civilians can use the spacious public car parks at NaturZoo Rheine and Bentlage Monastery. Parking fees here are reasonable (usually around 3–5 EUR per day), and from here you can walk to the perimeter of the airfield if the goal is to view the area.

Recommendations for Travellers

The Rheine region is known for its magnificent cycling routes (for example, along the Ems river). In good weather, an excellent alternative to a taxi is renting a bicycle at the station (Radstation). The ride to Bentlage by bicycle will take about 20 minutes along picturesque paths through the park, allowing you to combine logistics with a pleasant ride.

Since Rheine-Bentlage Air Base (ZPQ) is a specialized military facility and not a civil airport, its structure differs radically from familiar passenger hubs. Travellers will not find classic terminals here with Duty Free zones, check-in counters, or baggage belts. The infrastructure of the facility is subject exclusively to operational and strategic tasks.

Number of Terminals and Their Purpose

Instead of passenger terminals (A, B, C, etc.), functional zones for technical purposes are located on the base territory. The complex consists of hangars for aircraft maintenance, a control tower, and administrative buildings. The entire territory is a single secured perimeter, inside which there is no division into "international" or "domestic" sectors familiar to tourists.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The concepts of "departure zone" and "arrival hall" here have an exclusively service-related meaning. Boarding and disembarking (during the times when the base was actively used by helicopter regiments) took place directly on the apron near the hangars. For civilians, waiting areas are absent. There are no information boards with flight schedules, cafes, or premium lounges.

Navigation Features and Transitions

Navigation through the base territory is impossible for outsiders, as access is strictly limited. The only "entry point" is the main checkpoint (KPP) from Salinenstraße. It is important to understand:

• Transitions between buildings: Carried out only by personnel along internal service paths.
• Transfer: Internal shuttles or trains for moving around the airfield do not exist.
• Accessibility: The facility is not equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility, as it does not anticipate their presence.

Procedure Times

Since commercial flights are not operated, procedures for check-in, baggage drop-off, and passport control for tourists are not conducted. You do not need to arrive here 2–3 hours before "departure". Any activity at the base perimeter (checkpoint) is related exclusively to the passage of authorized personnel or military equipment.

Recommendations for Navigation in the Facility Area

Tourists finding themselves near ZPQ should orient themselves not towards an entrance to a "terminal", but towards signs for cultural sites located nearby. The entrance to the popular Bentlage park and the zoo is in the immediate vicinity of the airfield boundaries. If you see a high fence with barbed wire and warning signs, you are at the perimeter of the base. To continue your walk, simply follow along the fence on marked tourist trails towards the Ems river and the monastery.

The history of Rheine-Bentlage Air Base (ZPQ) is a chronicle of the transformation of a quiet corner of Münsterland into a significant strategic point, and then into a place of memory for German aviation. For tourists visiting the neighbouring Bentlage Monastery, this airfield serves as a reminder of the turbulent history of the 20th century, which unfolded literally just outside the walls of the ancient abode.

Foundation and War Years

The historical count for the air base begins in 1939. It was then, on the threshold of major world events, that the construction of the airfield began, which was completed in 1940. The choice of location in the Ems river valley was dictated by strategic necessity and a convenient landscape. During the Second World War, the facility was actively used by the Luftwaffe, functioning as a base for fighters, which naturally led to infrastructure destruction during bombings closer to the conflict's end.

A New Era: Bundeswehr and Theodor Blank Barracks

The post-war period brought changes: initially, the facility was under the control of the British Royal Air Force, but a true revival began with the creation of the modern German army. In 1960, the airfield was handed over to the Bundeswehr. An important milestone was the development of supporting infrastructure: personnel and support services were based in the "Theodor-Blank-Kaserne" complex (Theodor Blank Barracks). Named after the first Minister of Defence of West Germany, this military town became an integral part of the air base's life, ensuring its functioning for decades.

Legendary CH-53s and the "Helicopter Era"

The golden age of Rheine-Bentlage is inextricably linked with transport aviation. The airfield became home to the 15th Medium Transport Helicopter Regiment (Mittleres Transporthubschrauberregiment 15). The famous giant Sikorsky CH-53 helicopters were based here. The characteristic sound of their rotors became the unofficial anthem of the region, and the machines themselves participated in rescue operations around the world, from fighting forest fires to humanitarian missions, bringing fame to the city of Rheine far beyond its borders.

Conclusion of Active Service

The history of the military base as an active combat unit ended in the early 2010s as part of armed forces reform. The official disbandment of the regiment and the cessation of flights took place in the period of 2012–2013. This event was marked by touching farewell ceremonies, where local residents saw off the last departing helicopters, which had become symbols of an entire era.

Interesting Facts:

• Neighbourhood of Eras: The airfield runway begins literally a few hundred metres from the historic Bentlage Monastery (founded in the 15th century). such a proximity of military power and spiritual heritage creates a unique contrast that attracts photographers and historians.
• Civilian Sky: Despite the departure of the military, aviation has not left this place completely. Today, flight traditions are maintained by the local aero club LSV Rheine, using part of the infrastructure to launch gliders and light motorized aircraft.
• Record Aid: Helicopters from Rheine-Bentlage played a key role during the catastrophic floods on the Elbe and Oder rivers, evacuating thousands of people and delivering tonnes of cargo, which cemented the base's reputation as a rescue centre.

Since Rheine-Bentlage Air Base (ZPQ) is a military facility closed to civil aviation, it is important for passengers to understand: the familiar service infrastructure of an international airport is not present here. You will not find Duty Free shops, business lounges, or currency exchange counters here. However, as the airfield borders the popular Bentlage recreational zone, tourists can avail themselves of quality services within walking distance from the base perimeter.

Dining and Shops

There are no civilian food outlets on the airfield territory itself. However, literally in the neighbouring buildings of the historical complex Kloster Bentlage (Bentlage Monastery) and the zoo, excellent places for relaxation are located:

• Monastery Café (Kloster-Café): Located in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Ems, just a few minutes' walk from the runway. They offer excellent coffee, homemade pastries, and light snacks in a historical atmosphere.
• Zoo Bistro (Zoo-Bistro): Located at the entrance to NaturZoo Rheine. Suitable for a family lunch; hot meals and ice cream are available.
• Shopping: Souvenir shops are found in the same locations — in the monastery museum and at the zoo. You can buy books, local handicrafts, and commemorative gifts there. The nearest supermarkets and fashion stores are located in the centre of Rheine (about 4 km away).

Hotels and Accommodation

Hotels directly "at the airport" do not exist, as there is no passenger flow here. However, the Bentlage area and the city of Rheine offer excellent accommodation options for those who have come to study aviation history or the region's nature:

• Salinenparc Design Hotel: A modern hotel located closest to the air base area and the park. Ideal for those who value comfort and style.
• Gottesgabe: A historic hotel and restaurant in half-timbered style, located in the immediate vicinity of the salt graduation towers and the monastery.
• City Club Hotel Rheine: Located in the city centre, convenient for those planning to travel by train.

Banks, Communications, and Medical Services

Due to the absence of a terminal, such services are unavailable at the ZPQ facility. Tourists should rely on city infrastructure:

• ATMs and Currency Exchange: The nearest bank branches (Sparkasse, Volksbank) are in the centre of Rheine and in the Eschendorf district. It is recommended to carry cash Euros for small expenses in the park zone.
• Wi-Fi: Free internet access is provided in the monastery café, in city hotels, and at Rheine station. There is no civilian Wi-Fi network on the territory of the air base itself.
• Medical: The nearest major clinic — Mathias-Spital — is located in the city of Rheine. Emergency assistance can be called via the pan-European number 112.

Business Services and Conferences

Although there are no business lounges at the airfield, unique opportunities for holding business events are offered by Bentlage Monastery. Its restored halls are often used for conferences, seminars, and high-level cultural meetings. This is a rare opportunity to combine a business programme with immersion in history, being adjacent to a former military airfield.

Services for Passengers with Children and Reduced Mobility

The military facility itself is not adapted for tourists. However, the adjacent territory of Bentlage Park is fully equipped for comfortable recreation:

• Paths in the park and near the monastery are level and suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
• In the NaturZoo, there are mother and child rooms as well as playgrounds.
• The local taxi service provides vehicles equipped for transporting people with disabilities (advance booking is recommended).

It is important to note immediately: since Rheine-Bentlage Air Base (ZPQ) is a military facility and does not serve civil flights, the gastronomic infrastructure familiar to tourists is completely absent here. Inside the perimeter, there are no food courts, fast food restaurants, or coffee shops of famous chains. The concepts of "departure zone" or "Duty Free zone" are not applicable here.

However, thanks to the unique location of the airfield right next to the Bentlage recreational zone, "passengers" (or rather, visitors to this area) have access to several excellent establishments located literally within walking distance of the runway.

Main Locations for Dining

Instead of terminals, look for the historical buildings nearby. All establishments are located in the public zone (landside), and entry is free for everyone.

• Kloster-Café im Bentlage (Café in the Monastery)
  Located in the east wing of the historic monastery, just a 5–7 minute walk from the air base gates. This is the most atmospheric place in the district.
  • Atmosphere: A quiet, cosy garden and historical interiors. Ideal for relaxing rest.
  • What to try: Be sure to order the traditional German "Kaffee und Kuchen" (coffee and cake). They serve magnificent homemade cakes, fruit tarts, and fresh pastries. At lunchtime, soups and light seasonal dishes are available.
  • Average spend: 10–15 EUR.
• Zoo-Bistro (Bistro at the Zoo)
  Located directly at the entrance to NaturZoo Rheine, which borders the airfield.
  • Format: A classic German self-service bistro. An excellent option for a quick snack (fast food).
  • Menu: French fries (Pommes frites), currywurst, schnitzels, salads, ice cream, and soft drinks.
  • Average spend: 5–10 EUR.

Specialized Nutrition and Dietary Options

Since the choice of establishments is limited to two main points, the assortment of dishes is quite traditional for the Westphalia region.

• Vegetarians: The Kloster-Café always has a large selection of sweet pastries and vegetable quiches that are suitable for vegetarians. Salads and potato dishes are available at the Zoo-Bistro.
• Vegans: Selection may be limited (fruit salads, drinks). It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the staff.
• Halal and Kosher food: Local cafes usually do not hold specialized certificates. If strict adherence to these dietary laws is required, it is better to bring food with you or dine at Turkish or Middle Eastern restaurants in the city centre of Rheine (4 km from the base).
• Gluten-free dishes: The monastery café sometimes offers gluten-free pastries, but this is not guaranteed daily.

Opening Hours

Please note that establishments around the airfield do not operate 24/7, unlike large airports.

• Kloster-Café: Usually open from Tuesday to Saturday from 14:00 to 18:00, and on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 18:00. Monday is a closed day.
• Zoo-Bistro: Operates during zoo opening hours, typically from 09:00 to 18:00 (in summer) and until 17:00 (in winter).

Recommendations

For a quick snack before a walk along the airfield, choose the bistro at the zoo — it is fast, filling, and inexpensive. If you want to have a full lunch or enjoy the atmosphere of old Germany, head to the monastery café or the restaurant at the Salinenparc hotel (a little further along the avenue), where haute cuisine and excellent breakfasts are served.

Since Rheine-Bentlage Air Base (ZPQ) is a military facility and does not serve commercial passenger flights, standard tips for air travellers apply here on a special principle. The main recommendation is to clearly understand the status of the facility to avoid logistical errors. Below are tips adapted to the real situation at this airfield.

Recommendations on Arrival Time

You do not need to arrive here 2–3 hours before "departure", as civil flights do not exist. If you plan to visit the area as a tourist (to see the monastery or zoo), the best time to visit is the morning (from 09:00 to 11:00). At this time, the car parks at NaturZoo are still free, and the light is ideal for photographing historical buildings against the backdrop of the airfield.

Registration and Security Features

This is the most important point for your safety:

• Check-in: There are no check-in counters or self-service terminals here. If you hold a ticket with the code ZPQ, be sure to check its details. In 99% of cases, this means rail transport (Rail&Fly) to the Rheine city train station, not an air flight.
• Security Zone: The entire airfield perimeter is a restricted zone. You categorically must not attempt to penetrate behind the fence, climb over barriers, or ignore "Militärischer Sicherheitsbereich" (Military Security Zone) signs. This may lead to detention by the police.
• Photography: Photographing nature and civil objects (the monastery) is permitted. However, avoid directed photography of checkpoints, military personnel, or military equipment if it is within visibility.

Tips on "Seat Selection"

Since choosing a seat on a plane is impossible here, the advice concerns choosing a spot to observe the surroundings. The best views of the runway and the Ems river valley open up from the dyke (Salinendamm) and from the paths of Bentlage Park. If you are lucky, you will be able to observe flights of light aviation from the local aero club or glider training.

Hand Luggage: What to Take With You

Instead of airline requirements for carrying liquids, orient yourself towards a hiking format:

• Footwear: Wear comfortable trainers. Excellent gravel paths are laid around the airfield, but you will have to walk a lot.
• Gear: It is recommended to take binoculars (for bird and aircraft watching) and a raincoat, as the weather in Westphalia is changeable, and there are no shelters in the open field.
• Prohibited Items: Do not take drones (quadcopters) with you. Launching unmanned aerial vehicles in the flight control zone of a military airfield is strictly prohibited and monitored by radar.

Recommendations for Transit Passengers

If your trip involves a transfer in this region, most likely you will use a combined "Plane + Train" route.

• Connection: The nearest real airport for a transfer is Münster/Osnabrück (FMO). Allow at least 2 hours for the transfer between Münster airport and Rheine train station.
• Logistics: Do not plan an overnight stay "at Rheine-Bentlage Airport" — there are no waiting halls here. Book a hotel in the city centre of Rheine.

Customs Control

Since there is no state border for passengers here, customs procedures are absent. If you arrived in Germany from outside the EU, you will pass passport control at the first point of entry (for example, in Frankfurt or Munich) before reaching the Rheine region.

How to Save Time and Money

• Transport: Do not take a taxi from other cities to "Rheine-Bentlage Airport" if you are not sure of the purpose of the trip. Taxi drivers will bring you to the closed gates of the base, and the meter will be substantial. It is better to travel by train to Rheine station and take a local bus or bicycle from there.
• Food: The restaurants at the monastery are excellent but can be expensive. To save money, buy sandwiches and water at a supermarket in the city and have a picnic in the designated zones of Bentlage Park.

What to Do in Case of "Flight Delay"

In the context of this place, "delay" usually means a train delay to Rheine station. Do not panic:

• The station is in the city centre, nearby there is the Emsgalerie shopping centre where you can wait comfortably.
• If you have a free 2–3 hours, visit the city of Rheine itself — its market square and the Church of St. Dionysius deserve attention and are within walking distance of the station.