Top 20 Lakes around Schiphorst

While Schiphorst itself is a small village, the surrounding region in Overijssel and Drenthe offers a diverse range of lakes. You'll find picturesque waterways and lakes formed by historical peat extraction, such as those around Giethoorn, as well as larger recreational lakes like the Leekstermeer. These areas are rich in natural beauty and provide various outdoor activities.

Yes, the renowned 'water village' of Giethoorn, often called the 'Venice of the North,' is conveniently located near Schiphorst. It features an extensive network of canals and several important lakes, including the Bovenwijde, which is part of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park.

Many lakes in the region offer excellent water activities. On the Bovenwijde near Giethoorn, you can rent electric boats, go canoeing, or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The Leekstermeer is particularly suitable for windsurfing on its eastern side, while other recreational lakes like Blauwe Meer and 'T Nije Hemelriek offer swimming and relaxation.

Several spots are great for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors enjoy Großensee North Beach, which offers a sandy beach and sunbathing areas. Another excellent option is the Nordstrand Bathing Area, Lütjensee, a free swimming area on the northern shore of Lütjensee Lake. Additionally, the Monk Pond has small, free bathing areas, and lakes like Blauwe Meer and 'T Nije Hemelriek in Drenthe are popular for their sandy beaches and clear waters.

Absolutely. Many lakes in the region are suitable for families. The Nordstrand Bathing Area, Lütjensee is noted as family-friendly, as are the Monk Pond and the Swimming spots on the north shore of Mönchsteich. In the wider region, Belterwijde lake is known for its shallow waters, making it particularly suitable for families with children.

Several lakes welcome dogs. The Monk Pond is known for its idyllic location and offers small, free bathing areas for dogs. Großensee North Beach is also noted as dog-friendly, allowing dogs to swim. The Lütjensee Lake area is also dog-friendly, offering great paths for walks.

Yes, there are several opportunities for hiking. The Monk Pond features a very nice nature trail around its perimeter, offering fantastic views. For more extensive options, you can explore various routes listed in the Hiking around Schiphorst guide, which includes trails like the easy 'Alte Poststraße Parking Lot – Wichtel Nature Kindergarten loop'.

Beyond water sports and hiking, the area around Schiphorst offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB Trails around Schiphorst, with options ranging from easy to moderate. There are also scenic Road Cycling Routes around Schiphorst, such as the 'View of Nusse – Sunset View Over Schönautal loop'.

The lakes and their surroundings are rich in natural features. The Bovenwijde lake, part of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, is fringed by reeds and is an excellent spot for spotting waterbirds. The Leekstermeer and its surrounding area are designated as a Ramsar Wetland, highlighting its ecological importance. Many lakes also feature forests and diverse flora and fauna.

The Leekstermeer is the largest lake in the province of Drenthe, covering 335 hectares. It's significant both ecologically and recreationally. Designated a Ramsar Wetland, it's an important natural area. Its eastern side, with a harder sand bottom, is particularly popular for windsurfing, while the western part has a swampy peat bottom.

While the focus is on natural lakes, the region does have historical context. The village of Giethoorn itself, with its unique canal system, is a cultural highlight. The area around Lütjensee Lake, known as Stormarnsche Schweiz, has a history dating back to 1248, with the 'Tymmokirche' named after its founder. These areas offer a blend of natural beauty and historical charm.

Visitors frequently praise the idyllic and tranquil atmosphere of the lakes. Many appreciate the beautiful nature trails, such as the one around Monk Pond, and the opportunity for peaceful boat rides. The sandy beaches and sunbathing areas, like at Großensee North Beach, also receive high marks for providing a 'holiday feeling' and a chance to cool off in the water.