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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Ruhr Region

Kreis Recklinghausen

Top 20 Lakes around Kreis Recklinghausen

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.

Best lakes around Kreis Recklinghausen

  • The most popular lakes is Dattelner Lake, a river that is a meeting point for 2 canals. This area is known for its pleasant paths and beautiful sunsets.
  • Another must-see spot is Hullerner Reservoir, a lake known for being less crowded than other local reservoirs. It offers a serene experience and is suitable for extended walks or bike rides.
  • Visitors also love Halterner Reservoir, a lake that serves as a major drinking water facility. It provides extensive paths for walking and cycling, along with picturesque sunsets.
  • Kreis Recklinghausen is known for reservoirs, canal-fed lakes, and former gravel pits. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, each with distinct features and recreational value.
  • The lakes around Kreis Recklinghausen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 4200 upvotes and over 300 photos shared across its highlights.

Last updated: April 25, 2026

Halterner Reservoir

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Great starting point for a walk around the lake. It's the largest drinking water extraction facility, which is why swimming is prohibited everywhere.

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In spring 2024, the paths will be in very good condition and accessible to any bicycle.

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Hullerner Reservoir

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The Hullern reservoir is very beautiful, as it is usually not as crowded as the Haltern reservoir. If you want, you can take both lakes with you. A great tour. I love to drive them again and again.

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Beautiful lake to rest and relax, also suitable for fishing, swimming and boating.

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Herner Meer

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The service roads on both sides of the canal and the Herner Meer are great for mountain bikes and trekking bikes. A nice recreational opportunity and a good section for cycling and hiking tours.

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Dattelner Lake

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2 canals meet... This is what happens here, and it's nice to look at, but it's particularly interesting because of the nearby locks

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From the higher riverside path of the Rhein-Herne-Kanal you have a wonderful view of the extensive Bergsenkungs- and nature reserve Pöppinghäuser forest. On extensive water surfaces, numerous species of birds can be observed.

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Nice section on the bike path around the lake.

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Hullerner Reservoir

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For a tour around the Hullerner reservoir you can choose between different path lengths. The maximum length is about 13 kilometers, which includes the confluence of the Stever on the one hand and the connecting piece of the Stever to the Haltern reservoir on the other hand.
With the help of two pedestrian bridges, however, shorter distances can also be used.

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The view from the directly adjacent canal path offers a great view of a wetland with fascinating development of nature and is a spectacle that is not particularly often encountered here in the Ruhr area.

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Tips from the Community

Detlef Breuer
April 13, 2025, Dattelner Meer

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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Matthes
February 26, 2025, Dattelner Meer

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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Günther
August 8, 2024, Dattelner Meer

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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Jojanaga
July 11, 2024, Dattelner Meer

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes in Kreis Recklinghausen?

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.

What outdoor activities are popular around the lakes in Kreis Recklinghausen?

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.

Are there family-friendly lakes around Kreis Recklinghausen?

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.

Can I cycle around the lakes in Kreis Recklinghausen?

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.

What makes the Halterner Reservoir a popular destination?

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.

How does the Hullerner Reservoir differ from the Halterner Reservoir?

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.

Are there any lakes suitable for quiet walks or a more tranquil experience?

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.

What is the best time to visit the lakes in Kreis Recklinghausen?

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.

Are there any unique natural or man-made features to see at the lakes?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Kreis Recklinghausen?

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.

Are there any specific trails recommended for hiking near the lakes?

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.

Is swimming allowed in the lakes of Kreis Recklinghausen?

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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Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Find the best lakes around Kreis Recklinghausen per region:

DorstenCastrop-RauxelHertenWaltropDattelnHalterner StauseeHohe MarkHaltern am SeeDie HaardHullerner StauseeBachsystem Des WienbachesBorkenbergeOer-Erkenschwick

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Still not found your perfect lake around Kreis Recklinghausen? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

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