Best lakes around Kreis Recklinghausen, located in the northern Ruhr area, offer diverse recreational opportunities amidst scenic surroundings. This region is known for its appealing lakes, which provide a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can find tranquil spots for relaxation and extensive paths for walking and cycling. The natural landscape of Kreis Recklinghausen makes it a notable destination for those seeking water-based recreation.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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Here the Wesel-Datteln and Dortmund-Ems Canals join
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A beautiful and easy-to-ride path along the canal. There's always something to see here.
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Always worth a visit The sunset there is fantastic
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on bumpy paths along the canal. The wind always comes from the front
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Two canals meet here. A quiet trip along the canal with a lock that may have to be crossed with a small detour if you are travelling in the wrong direction.
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After four years of closure, the reconstruction of the bridge is now complete and the road is reopened! It has been open to traffic since the beginning of August 2024.
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We haven't cycled on the other canals yet, but what we saw on the Dortmund-Ems Canal was a beautiful landscape, and we were able to cycle on mostly good cycle paths along the canal. Between Senden and Münster you can even cycle on the right-hand side of the canal on an asphalt cycle path. The towns of Datteln, Selm, Olfen, Senden, Lüdinghausen and Münster are easily accessible from the canal. The entire stage from Dortmund-Deusen, the start of the canal, to Münster was 220km there and back. In Lüdinghausen and Münster we stayed in 2 very good cyclist hotels. Lüdinghausen, "Hotel No. 11" and Münster "Zum guten Hirten" (approx. 500m from the canal. Bus connection in front of the hotel to the city center. I can only recommend this tour.
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Dattelner Meer Four canals meet in Datteln: Dortmund-Ems Canal, Rhine-Herne Canal, Wesel-Datteln Canal and Datteln-Hamm Canal. The length of these waterways in the Datteln urban area is a total of 17 kilometers. That is why Datteln confidently calls itself the "largest canal junction in the world." See: https://www.roemerlipperoute.de/entdecken/vorstellung-etappenorte/datteln/dattelner-meer/
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The lakes in Kreis Recklinghausen offer diverse natural features. You'll find extensive paths for walking and cycling, serene environments, and picturesque sunsets, particularly at the Halterner Reservoir. The region also features forest areas like the Hohe Mark Nature Park and nature reserves such as the Westruper Heide, Holtwicker Heide, and Sebbelheide, which are accessible via a dense network of trails.
The lakes provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. Walking and cycling are very popular, with extensive paths available. Fishing and boating are also possible in designated areas, especially at the Halterner Reservoir. For more structured activities, you can find various hiking trails and gravel biking routes in the surrounding areas.
Yes, many lakes in Kreis Recklinghausen are considered family-friendly. The Halterner Reservoir and Hullerner Reservoir, for instance, offer easy paths suitable for walks with children. The Stadtmühlenbucht Water Playground is another highlight that caters specifically to families.
Absolutely. Cycling is a popular activity around the lakes. The Halterner Reservoir has a 10 km circular route with beautiful views, and the Dattelner Lake offers pleasant paths along the canal. Many routes combine both the Halterner and Hullerner Reservoirs for longer excursions. You can also explore various gravel biking and MTB trails in the wider region.
The Halterner Reservoir is popular for its extensive paths, making it ideal for walking and cycling. It's known for beautiful sunsets and offers a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere with fantastic views. While swimming is generally prohibited due to its function as a drinking water source, it's a great spot for enjoying nature and boating in designated areas.
The Hullerner Reservoir is often considered a quieter alternative to the Halterner Reservoir, offering a more serene experience. It's less crowded and perfect for those seeking peace. It can be combined with the Halterner Reservoir for a longer route, with a maximum length of about 13 kilometers for a full tour.
Yes, the Hullerner Reservoir is particularly known for its tranquil ambiance and is less crowded than other local reservoirs, making it ideal for peaceful walks. The Dattelner Lake also offers pleasant paths along the canal, providing a quiet setting to observe nature.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer are particularly popular for outdoor activities like cycling and walking. The warmer months allow for more time outdoors, and the passenger ship "Möwe" operates on the Halterner Reservoir from March/April until the end of the autumn vacation. Even in winter, the paths around the lakes offer opportunities for peaceful walks.
Beyond the lakes themselves, you can find interesting features like the confluence of two canals at the Dattelner Lake, known as the "largest canal junction in the world." The Stever Dam at the Haltern Reservoir is another notable man-made structure. Additionally, the Emscher-Auen Flood Retention Basin Castrop-Rauxel offers a new habitat for animals and plants around an old farm.
Visitors frequently praise the serene environment, the extensive network of walking and cycling paths, and the picturesque views, especially the sunsets. The opportunity to combine different reservoirs for longer tours, like the Halterner and Hullerner, is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to observe nature.
Yes, there are several hiking trails in the vicinity. For instance, the "LandStreifer Oer-Erkenschwick 'Haard an der Grenze'" and "LandStreifer Haltern 'Deep mountains, high valleys'" are moderate hiking routes. You can find more details and other options on the Hiking around Kreis Recklinghausen guide page.
Swimming is largely restricted in some of the major lakes, such as the Halterner Reservoir, due to their function as drinking water sources. However, other lakes like Ternscher See and Badeweiher Marl may offer opportunities for water-based recreation, though specific swimming regulations should always be checked locally.


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