Best lakes around t Hilgelo are centered around the recreational area of 't Hilgelo in Winterswijk, Netherlands. This area is part of the 22,000-hectare Winterswijk National Landscape. The lake, formed through sand extraction, covers approximately 36 to 72 hectares and offers various water sports, sandy beaches, and walking routes. It provides a comprehensive recreational experience for visitors.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Great landscape. Nice round around the lake.
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Anyone who goes on a camping holiday here has everything on site. Playgrounds, a restaurant, a sandy beach at the lake and a beach club.
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A beautiful little lake near Winterswijk. There are also cafes here and the circular route around the lake is easy to cycle.
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Nice bike path parallel to the lake
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Beautiful, close to the city lake and amusement park 🤩, very nice to cycle 👍
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Just bike to the lake and swim. A dream.
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Beautiful lake, invites you to swim in summer.
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At 't Hilgelo, you can enjoy a variety of water sports including swimming, surfing, pedal boating, rowing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It's also a popular spot for diving, featuring a submerged bus at 12 meters depth. Recreatieplas Hambroekplas is suitable for swimming and canoeing.
Yes, both major lakes are very family-friendly. 't Hilgelo offers extensive sandy beaches, sunbathing lawns, and numerous playgrounds, including a giant pirate ship. Sand Beach at Recreatieplas Hambroekplas also features a sandy beach and several playground structures like swings, slides, and climbing frames.
The lakes are set within the picturesque 'coulisse landscape' of the Achterhoek, characterized by characteristic farms, forests, and grasslands. Meddosee is noted as a nature reserve, offering serene environments. The area around 't Hilgelo is part of the 22,000-hectare Winterswijk National Landscape.
Absolutely. Hilgelo Lake Path is a well-regarded cycle way and trail around the lake, suitable for both hiking and cycling. The area around 't Hilgelo is directly accessible via various cycling routes, such as the Castles Cycle Route East-Gelderland and ATB routes. You can find more options in our guide to Dog-friendly hikes around t Hilgelo.
Yes, there are several mountain biking opportunities. You can explore trails like the 'Meddosee – Lake Hilgelo loop from Winterswijk' or the 'MTB Route Winterswijk'. For more details, check out our guide on MTB Trails around t Hilgelo.
At 't Hilgelo, you'll find pavilions with cafes and snack bars, as well as beach clubs like Beachclub MEER. Sand Beach at Recreatieplas Hambroekplas also has a beach pavilion for snacks and refreshments.
Yes, anglers can find quiet spots for fishing at 't Hilgelo. The lake is known for species such as Common Carp, Mirror Carp, Tench, European Perch, Northern Pike, Roach, and Bream. Specific permits are required for fishing.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, offering different experiences with each season. However, for swimming and water sports, the warmer months are ideal. The area is particularly popular in summer for sunbathing and water activities, as highlighted by visitors to 't Hilgelo.
Yes, the region offers several gravel biking routes. You can find options like 'The Hilgelo – Meddosee loop from Winterswijk West' or 'De Leemputten Nature Reserve – Groenlosche Slinge loop from Winterswijk West'. Explore more in our guide to Gravel biking around t Hilgelo.
For Recreatieplas Hambroekplas, paid parking is available for cars, while access for walkers and cyclists is free. For 't Hilgelo, parking facilities are generally available to accommodate visitors.
Visitors frequently praise 't Hilgelo for its excellent water quality, diverse recreational opportunities, and beautiful natural setting. Many highlight it as a perfect spot for a break, sunbathing, and swimming, with some appreciating the contrast between bustling and quiet areas around the lake.


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