Attractions and Places To See around Natural Park Leegmoor - Top 4
Best attractions and places to see around Natural Park Leegmoor include its extensive moorland landscape, a 450-hectare protected area in Surwold, Germany. This European protected area is known for its rewetting projects and diverse birdlife. Visitors can explore the expansive moorland, interspersed with bodies of water and meadows, offering opportunities for nature observation. The park provides views of its unique ecological features and tranquil natural settings.
Best attractions and places to see around Natural Park Leegmoor
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Leegmoor Observation Tower
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Esterwegen Memorial Cemetery
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Bench at the Moor in Naturpark Hümmling
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Here is an information board about the moor and the ground-nesting birds
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A simple bench for a short rest.
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The tower can be reached via the main path. The path is secured with a barrier at the front. A narrow path leads past the barrier on the right. I think it was deliberately chosen to be so narrow. After that you have to drive about 500 m along a dirt road. When you get there and take a break, take the rubbish with you. Those who want to "litter or smear everything around" should do so within your own four walls - if you have any. Intelligence comes from understanding ... The observation tower in the Leegmoor nature reserve provides impressive insights into the bird life of the European protected area. In addition, there are areas with a fairly well-developed meadow bird population as well as open water areas with resting birds all year round and the extensive moor, pasture and meadow landscape. Thanks to the relatively good access, this natural experience can be admired all year round. https://surwold.de/aussichtsturm-im-leegmoor/
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Great observation tower with a great view over the Leegmoor and the entire region
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The cemetery, now known as the Esterwegen burial site, has been renamed several times. The dead from the Börgermoor, Esterwegen and Neusustrum concentration camps and, until 1945, all prison camps in Emsland were buried in individual graves in the grave complex, originally known as the “Börgermoor camp cemetery” or also known as “Teufelsberg” by the guards and prisoners. In addition, at least two Soviet prisoners of war who died in the Klostermoor work detail rest here. Since shortly after the end of the war, the list of graves has been considered missing, so the graves are nameless. However, since deaths were registered in the camps and at registry offices, many of the names of those buried here can be identified. In the 1950s, exhumations of the concentration camp dead, who were reburied in the cemetery near the Versen camp, and of the “Nacht und Nebel” prisoners, who were transferred to their home countries, took place. The wooden and later stone crosses that were originally placed on the individual graves were no longer used when the cemetery was redesigned in 1972/73. In 1981, the state of Lower Saxony built an open memorial hall in the middle of the cemetery with the names of the 15 Emsland camps and an information board. In 1985, the Fédération des Victimes du Nazisme, Enrôlées de force Luxembourg inaugurated a memorial stone with a plaque in the entrance area of the cemetery in memory of the Luxembourg forced conscripts imprisoned in the Emsland camps.
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The observation tower in Leegmoor is an absolute treat for all moor fans. From here you have a great overview of the entire Leegmoor to Esterwegen. The journey may be a bit bumpy because of the gravel road, but it's worth it. With a little effort and pushing, the Leegmoor can also be driven through from Börgermoor to Esterwegen.
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Extremely impressive burial ground for more than 1300 victims of National Socialist tyranny. The attentive visitor will discover the history, the suffering, but also the will of different victims of National Socialism, not to have died in vain. At the same time this is also the place of annual rallies around the 8th of May, the day of the liberation from the NS, and around the 1st of September, the day the war started in 1939. One should take some time.
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Coming in early in the morning or in the evening is the best lighting mood
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I expect to see in Natural Park Leegmoor?
Natural Park Leegmoor is primarily characterized by its extensive moorland landscape, which includes rewetting projects. You'll find a diverse environment with bodies of water, meadows, and sandy paths. The area is particularly rich in meadow birds and offers year-round open water areas for resting birds. Additionally, the nearby Bockhorster See provides a peaceful lake with clear waters.
Are there specific viewpoints to observe the moorland and wildlife?
Yes, the Leegmoor Observation Tower is a key point of interest, offering impressive views of the diverse birdlife and the expansive moorland, pasture, and meadow scenery. Another spot is the Bench at the Moor in Naturpark Hümmling, which provides a place for rest and features an information board about the moor and its ground-nesting birds.
What kind of trails are available for hiking in Natural Park Leegmoor?
The Natural Park Leegmoor area offers various hiking opportunities, including easy trails suitable for shorter walks. You can find routes like the 'Rest Bench – Leegmoor loop from Bockhorst' (5 km) or the 'Leegmoor Observation Tower loop from Börger' (1.9 km). For more options, explore the easy hikes around Natural Park Leegmoor or the broader hiking guide for the region.
What is the best time of year to visit Natural Park Leegmoor, especially for birdwatching?
The Natural Park Leegmoor is known for its birdlife year-round, thanks to open water areas for resting birds. Visitors have reported seeing cranes in October, suggesting autumn can be a good time for birdwatching. Generally, spring and autumn offer excellent opportunities to observe migratory birds.
Are there any historical or cultural sites within or near Natural Park Leegmoor?
Yes, for those interested in cultural sites, there are three information panels located in the countryside that shed light on the historic Bockhorst burial site. These panels provide insights into the area's past.
Is Natural Park Leegmoor suitable for families with children?
Natural Park Leegmoor itself is suitable for families interested in nature observation and tranquil walks. For a wider range of family-friendly activities, the nearby Surwolds Forest Recreation Area offers attractions such as a summer toboggan run, a mini-golf course, a large adventure playground, a fairytale forest, and a climbing forest. More information can be found on niedersachsen-tourism.com.
Can I bring my dog to Natural Park Leegmoor?
Dogs are generally permitted in the Natural Park Leegmoor area, but it's important to keep them on a short leash, especially due to the presence of ground-nesting birds and wildlife. In the nearby Surwolds Forest, dogs are allowed on a short leash but are not permitted on the playground.
What are the parking options for visitors to Natural Park Leegmoor?
While specific parking facilities for the entire park are not detailed, access to the Leegmoor Observation Tower involves a gravel road, suggesting parking might be available nearby. It's advisable to look for designated parking areas at trailheads or key access points when planning your visit.
Are there any other recreational activities available nearby, beyond the nature reserve?
Absolutely. The nearby Surwolds Forest Recreation Area (Erholungsgebiet Surwolds Wald) offers a variety of recreational activities. These include a 32-meter high observation tower, a 300-meter-long summer toboggan run, a mini-golf course, a large adventure playground, a fairytale forest, a climbing forest, Outdoor LaserTag, and a heated outdoor forest pool. You can find more details on niedersachsen-tourism.com.
What are the typical trail conditions and difficulty levels in Natural Park Leegmoor?
The trails within Natural Park Leegmoor are generally considered easy, suitable for tranquil walks and nature observation. The terrain is characterized by moorland, meadows, and sandy paths, with minimal elevation changes. For specific routes, you can check guides like Easy hikes around Natural Park Leegmoor.
Are there any facilities like benches or information boards along the trails?
Yes, you can find facilities such as the Bench at the Moor in Naturpark Hümmling, which offers a place for a short rest and features an information board about the moor and its ground-nesting birds. Information panels are also present at the Bockhorst burial site.
Where can I find accommodation or places to eat near Natural Park Leegmoor?
The Natural Park Leegmoor is located in the municipality of Surwold. While specific establishments are not listed, you can find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options in Surwold and the broader Nordhümmling region. It's recommended to check local listings for the most current information.
Are there specific running routes available around Natural Park Leegmoor?
Yes, there are several running routes in the vicinity of Natural Park Leegmoor. Options range from easy to difficult, such as the 'Running loop from Esterwegen' (4.8 km, easy) or the 'Hestersee – Aussichtspunkt Moor-Lehrpfad loop from Esterwegen' (20.9 km, difficult). You can explore more routes in the Running Trails around Natural Park Leegmoor guide.
What makes the Leegmoor Observation Tower a popular attraction?
The Leegmoor Observation Tower is popular because it offers a comprehensive overview of the entire Leegmoor area, including its expansive moorland, pastures, and meadows. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and provides a feeling of vastness and tranquility, with only the sounds of wind and birdsong.
Most popular routes around Natural Park Leegmoor
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