Things to Do around Lippeaue

The Lippeaue nature reserve offers a variety of outdoor activities, including touring cycling, hiking, jogging, road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. The area features diverse landscapes such as marshlands, forests, and riverine floodplains, providing varied terrain for exploration. More than 100 routes are available for different skill levels.

Popular touring cycling routes include the Naturerlebnis Auenlandroute, a 22-mile (35 km) moderate route, and the Datteln-Hamm Canal loop, which is approximately 28 miles (46 km) long. For road cycling, routes like the Höxberg and Soestwarte loop offer moderate challenges over 20 miles (32 km).

Yes, Lippeaue offers hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels, including easy options. An example is the The Saloon Kessler – Kesselermühle Weir loop, an easy 4-mile (6.7 km) route. The reserve's well-maintained paths and diverse landscapes accommodate leisurely walks.

The Lippeaue nature reserve features marshlands, forests, sandy heaths, and the meandering River Lippe with its floodplains and wet meadows. Renaturation efforts have restored the river's natural course, enhancing the dynamic ecosystem. Natural eutrophic lakes, oxbow lakes, and old fruit tree avenues are also present.

Lippeaue is a biodiversity hotspot, serving as a breeding, resting, and wintering ground for many water-bound birds, including white storks, black storks, and kingfishers. Rare plant species thrive here, and the area is home to endangered animal species such as the European bullhead, European tree frog, and spined loach. Grazing cattle and horses are also present.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Lippeaue area includes cultural and historical features. These include the baroque garden at Schloss Hovestadt, Sändkers Mühle in Heintrop (a technical cultural monument), and the Heintrop museum station. Nearby churches like St. Ida in Herzfeld and St. Clemens in Hellinghausen also hold historical significance.

Spectacular viewing and observation points are strategically placed along the floodplain. The Disselmersch observation hut is one such location, allowing visitors to observe wildlife and natural beauty. Numerous rest areas with benches and tables are also available for breaks.

Lippeaue is a popular destination, with more than 4,000 visitors having explored its routes on komoot. The available routes have an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users.

Komoot offers several guides for Lippeaue, including Cycling around Lippeaue, Hiking around Lippeaue, and Running Trails around Lippeaue. Specific guides for easy hikes, MTB trails, and gravel biking are also available.

The Lippeaue nature reserve offers a range of routes suitable for various fitness levels, including options that are accessible for families. Paths are regularly maintained, ensuring safety for all users. Easy hiking and cycling routes are available for family outings.

For information related to the 'Auenland nature experience' project, which aims to enhance accessibility and attractiveness of the Lippeaue, a contact number is available. Inquiries can be directed to the ABU central information point at +49 2921 / 9698780.

Lippeaue offers several jogging routes, including the Lippe Floodplain loop from Lippstadt, a 5.6-mile (9 km) moderate route with a 5-star rating. Another option is the Bridge Over the Lippe loop, a 6.1-mile (9.8 km) moderate route also rated 5 stars.