Attractions and Places To See around Cloppenburg - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Cloppenburg, a town in Lower Saxony, Germany, offers a diverse range of experiences. Situated within the Wildeshausen Geest Nature Park, the region is characterized by picturesque lakes, swamps, and the Soeste river. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, cultural sites like the renowned Museumsdorf Cloppenburg, and various natural features. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities amidst its varied landscape.
Best attractions and places to see around Cloppenburg
- The most popular attractions is Thülsfeld Dam – Three Bridges Trail, a lake area that offers well-developed and signposted cycle paths. It is a local recreation area with great bike and hiking trails and places to take a break.
- Another must-see spot is Petersfelder Weg Forest Path, a trail that circles the Thülsfelder Dam. This path is approximately 10 kilometers long and allows for exploration on foot or by bike.
- Visitors also love Soeste Riverside Trail in Cloppenburg, a trail along the Soeste river. This route is suitable for cycling or jogging and leads towards the Thülsfelder dam nature reserve.
- Cloppenburg is known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and recreational trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from open-air museums to expansive nature parks.
- The attractions around Cloppenburg are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1300 upvotes and over 120 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Beach at the Thülsfelder Reservoir
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Thülsfelder Reservoir North Shore and Spillway
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Barßel Marina
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Back at the port you can take a trip on the MS Spitzhörn, round trips take place on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The museum ship "Angela von Barßel" is also worth a visit.
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Thülsfelder Reservoir — Northeast Shore
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Today the dam is a great destination with many cycle paths, camping offers and leisure activities: thuelsfelder-talsperre.de.
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Petersfelder Weg Forest Path
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The Thülsfelder Dam is a reservoir completed in 1927, which was created at the time to regulate the water level of the Soeste River. During heavy rainfall, the meadows and fields in the region around Friesoythe were often flooded, so the river was dammed by a 3-kilometer-wide dam in the area of a valley cut. Today, the Thülsfelder Dam is a beautiful nature reserve with a water surface of 170 hectares and can be easily circumnavigated on well-developed hiking trails. You walk through extensive forests, heathlands and sand dunes, cross wooden bridges and marvel at the lagoons, reed belts and swamp areas on the west bank.
The path around the Thülsfelder Dam is around 10 kilometers long and you can start your exploration on foot or by bike from several free parking areas.
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Heathland at the Thülsfeld Reservoir
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Soeste Riverside Trail in Cloppenburg
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Elisabethfehn Canal Bridge at Fischerkrug
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Hase Cycle Path Bicycle Artworks
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Drawbridge on the Sagter Ems
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Popular around Cloppenburg
Geest Cycle Route – Experience natural spaces
Hase Ems route — cycling through Hasetal and Emsland in 7 stages
Up on the Bike - Themed Cycling Tours in the Thülsfelder Talsperre Recreational Area
Following Germany’s Hase and Ems rivers – Hase-Ems-Tour
Run Wild – trail running routes throughout Germany
German Fehnroute – cycle Tour through the unique Fehn region
Explore nature, wildlife and culture – hiking in and around Bremen in Germany
Burial mounds, silence and a lot of space – hiking Germany’s Geestweg
A cycling escape in Germany’s Lower Saxony – Pit Stop Route
Moorland and nautical history – cycling the Fehn Route in Germany
Other adventures around Cloppenburg
Tips from the Community
The cycle path around the dam is easy to ride. You should take your time to enjoy the beautiful rest areas around the dam
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A great photo opportunity on the German Fehnroute
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A great section of the German Fehn Route runs here. It is very easy to cycle
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Beautiful path through the forest
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You won't find another route out of this city that's so beautifully guided.
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great “canal flair” with a beautiful bridge and adjacent lock
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One of countless white bascule bridges. But all beautiful
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The Thülsfelder Dam is a reservoir between Cloppenburg and Friesoythe in the Oldenburger Münsterland. It borders the communities of Friesoythe, Garrel and Molbergen and was built between 1924 and 1927 to protect the banks of the Soeste from flooding. With a storage capacity of 10.8 million cubic meters, it is one of the “large dams” and is, after the Brohm Dam, the northernmost reservoir in Germany.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main natural attractions and outdoor areas to explore around Cloppenburg?
The region around Cloppenburg is rich in natural beauty. A prominent feature is the Wildeshausen Geest Nature Park, which encompasses picturesque lakes and swamps. The Thülsfeld Dam – Three Bridges Trail and the wider Thülsfelder Reservoir area are popular for their scenic views, well-developed cycle paths, and hiking trails. You can also find the Soeste Riverside Trail in Cloppenburg, ideal for cycling or jogging along the river towards the dam's nature reserve. Further afield, the Visbek Nature Reserve offers geest brooks and wetlands with traditional watermills.
Are there any significant historical or cultural sites near Cloppenburg?
Absolutely. The most renowned historical attraction is the Museumsdorf Cloppenburg – Lower Saxony Open Air Museum, one of Germany's oldest open-air museums. It features over 50 historic buildings from the 16th to early 20th centuries, showcasing rural culture and history. You can find more details about its houses and exhibits on their website: museumsdorf.de. Other notable sites include the historic Kirche St. Andreas, the Amtshaus, and the Remains of the Castle Tower in the City Park. Just outside Cloppenburg, the Gnadenkapelle St. Marien in Bethen is a significant pilgrimage site.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Cloppenburg's attractions?
The area offers diverse outdoor activities, especially around the Thülsfelder Reservoir. You can enjoy cycling and hiking on trails like the Petersfelder Weg Forest Path, which circles the reservoir for about 10 kilometers. For more options, explore the various cycling routes around Cloppenburg or discover running trails and easy hikes in the region.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Cloppenburg area?
Yes, Cloppenburg offers several family-friendly options. The Beach at the Thülsfelder Reservoir is a great spot for families. The Museumsdorf Cloppenburg is also engaging for all ages, providing an interactive look into history. Additionally, you'll find various Waldspielplätze (Forest Playgrounds) scattered throughout the area, and leisure parks like Tier- und Freizeitpark Thule and Molli Baer Spielpark provide entertainment for children.
Where can I find unique natural features or geological formations?
Beyond the scenic lakes and forests, you can visit the Route of Megalithic Culture east of Cloppenburg, near Visbek. This route features impressive archaeological sites from the Stone Age, including megalithic graves like 'Visbeker Brautigam' and 'Visbeker Braut.' Another unique spot is the Dicker Stein in Ambühren (Big Stone in Ambühren), a massive 128-ton glacial erratic that serves as a memorial.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Thülsfelder Reservoir area?
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at the Thülsfelder Reservoir. Many highlight the well-developed cycle and hiking paths, the peaceful atmosphere, and the beautiful views from spots like the viewing platform or the 'Seeblick' hotel-restaurant. The area is considered a great local recreation spot, perfect for taking a break and enjoying nature, whether in winter or summer.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions around Cloppenburg?
Yes, some attractions in the area offer wheelchair accessibility. The Thülsfelder Reservoir North Shore and Spillway is noted as wheelchair accessible, as is the Barßel Marina and the Drawbridge on the Sagter Ems. It's always a good idea to check specific venue details for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
What is the best time of year to visit Cloppenburg and its attractions?
The Thülsfelder Reservoir area is enjoyable year-round, with nature constantly changing. Spring and summer are ideal for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the outdoor beaches and forest playgrounds. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter can provide a serene, peaceful experience. For specific events or museum visits, checking their schedules is recommended.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near the main attractions?
Yes, particularly around the Thülsfelder Reservoir. There is a hotel-restaurant 'Seeblick' near the Thülsfelder Reservoir North Shore and Spillway, offering a beautiful view of the lake. The Drawbridge on the Sagter Ems also has a restaurant nearby. For a wider selection, the town center of Cloppenburg provides various dining options.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting in the region?
The natural areas around Cloppenburg, especially along the Soeste Riverside Trail and within the Wildeshausen Geest Nature Park, offer chances for wildlife spotting. Visitors have reported seeing kingfishers, nutrias, jays, and herons along the Soeste river. The protected nature area of the Thülsfelder Reservoir also supports diverse regional flora and fauna.
How can I get to the Museumsdorf Cloppenburg and is there parking available?
The Museumsdorf Cloppenburg is a central attraction and generally well-signposted. While specific parking details are not provided here, major attractions like this typically offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. For detailed directions and parking information, it's best to consult the museum's official website or local tourist information.
Most popular routes around Cloppenburg
Most popular attractions around Cloppenburg
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