Best lakes around Dorsten offer diverse recreational opportunities in its immediate surroundings. The region benefits from several accessible lakes providing options for water sports, hiking, and nature observation. These bodies of water are often integrated into nature parks, enhancing their appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Popular around Dorsten
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We feel a special connection to some places. But what does that actually mean? And how does such a relationship differ from one with a person? Wheel of Fortune Exercise: Inner Developmental Goals 3 - RELATIONSHIP As humans, we are born in need of help. Other living beings are capable of survival from birth; we depend on other people to feed us or protect us from cold and heat. And we organize the world so that it benefits and protects us. The fact that we are social, intelligent, and adaptable beings is our recipe for success. Living together is (not) a stroke of luck. Look for examples from your own life where this coexistence works well. And consider how the attitudes and feelings below contribute to this. (1) Appreciation Approach others and the world with a fundamental sense of appreciation, gratitude, and joy. (2) Connectedness A strong sense of being connected to or part of a larger whole, such as a community, humanity, or a global ecosystem. (3) Humility Being able to act in accordance with the needs of the situation without concern for one's own importance. (4) Empathy and Compassion The ability to treat others, oneself, and nature with kindness, empathy, and compassion, and to cope with the associated suffering.
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In spring 2024, the paths will be in very good condition and accessible to any bicycle.
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The trip around both reservoirs is really fun, but I could imagine that it could be crowded here when the weather is very nice.
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The SteverLandRoute leads here directly along the Haltern reservoir and always allows great views of the large lake and the boats. The SteverLandRoute is the family bike path in the Münsterland: Here, information boards for adults and information boards especially for children (!) provide information about the great project. There are a total of 14 hands-on stations along the route. If you like, you can use the children's discovery card to travel from station to station, collect coin impressions and become a Stever expert. Have a look at our collection :)
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A very well-kept bike path at the Haltern reservoir. If you drive here you have some nice viewpoints to the marina on the north shore.
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With its important past as a Roman base around the birth of Christ, Haltern am See has had town rights since 1289 and is a historical, up-and-coming medium-sized town, located at the northernmost point of the Lippe, embedded in the Hohe Mark, Haard and Borkenberge forest areas. The current urban area of Haltern am See was created as part of the municipal territorial reform in North Rhine-Westphalia in 1975. At that time, the town and the Haltern district, consisting of the communities Kirchspiel-Haltern (Holtwick, Lavesum and Sythen), Hullern and Lippramsdorf, were merged and expanded south of the Lippe to include the communities of Flaesheim (formerly part of the Datteln district) and Hamm-Bossendorf (parts of the Hamm community formerly part of the Marl district). The allocation of districts south of the Lippe to Haltern meant crossing a centuries-old border. A border that was the reason and prerequisite for the granting of town rights to Haltern by the sovereign and Prince-Bishop of Münster, Everhard von Diest, in the 13th century. Since 1908, Haltern am See has had a pumping station to pump drinking water for the northern Ruhr area. Water extraction has been steadily expanded; it helped the city to earn its decorative name "Haltern am See" and reached its provisional end point with the completion of the Hullerner Lake in 1985. A side effect of the area-intensive water management is the increased recreational value of the Haltern landscape, which, free of industry, has become even more attractive to visitors and locals thanks to the creation of the lakes. Today, the Haltern lakes with their boathouses, sailing harbor and seaside resort are the destination of many people seeking relaxation. But Haltern am See has more to offer visitors than just the lake. The attractive and varied landscape is often referred to as the lungs of the Ruhr area. The city is the heart of the Hohe Mark Nature Park. The extensive forests of the Haard and the Hohe Mark, as well as the Westruper Heide, Holtwicker Heide and Sebbelheide nature reserves, are accessible via a dense network of hiking, cycling, horse riding and walking trails. The pedestrian zones of the old town and the modern town centers of Sythen, Flaesheim, Lippramsdorf, Hullern and Lavesum are popular shopping and meeting places for residents and visitors alike.
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Along the northern path you have some beautiful views of the lake and the island of Overath. In the forest section of the local "Hochzeitsallee" (Karl-Homann-Weg), 130 winter linden trees were planted by newlyweds.
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On the north side of the lake you have a beautiful view over the water into the sun. Some of the paths are paved, but most are not.
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The region around Dorsten offers several popular lakes for recreation. The Halterner Reservoir is a significant man-made lake popular for relaxation, sailing, and pedal boating in designated areas. Another favorite is Pfingstsee, known for its unique biotope formed by mining subsidence. The Heidesee in the Kirchhellen Heath also attracts visitors with varied trails through the forest and along its shores.
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. The Halterner Reservoir offers a seaside resort with an 800-meter sandy beach at Seebad Haltern, perfect for swimming and relaxation. The Badeweiher Marl features a designated bathing area with a three-meter diving tower, separated swimming lanes, a shallow children's area with a mini-slide, a spacious sunbathing lawn, and a playground. The Pfingstsee and Heidesee in the Kirchhellen Heath are also categorized as family-friendly, offering pleasant trails and natural surroundings.
The lakes around Dorsten provide diverse water activities. At the Halterner Reservoir, you can enjoy sailing and pedal boating in designated areas. The Auesee in Wesel, though a bit further, is excellent for swimming, diving (including exploring a sunken yacht), surfing, and sailing. The Badeweiher Marl is a popular spot for swimming, featuring a diving tower and dedicated swimming lanes.
For peaceful walks and nature observation, the Hullerner Stausee is ideal, offering a tranquil 10-kilometer circular path and excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with species like cormorants, great crested grebes, and herons. The Pfingstsee features a very nice route through its biotope, perfect for observing unique ecosystems. The Halterner Reservoir is encircled by an 8.3-kilometer path suitable for walking, integrated into the Hohe Mark Nature Park.
Absolutely. The Halterner Reservoir has an 8.3-kilometer path around the lake, perfect for hiking and cycling. The Hullerner Stausee offers a peaceful 10-kilometer circular path for walkers and cyclists. The Auesee in Wesel features a 7-kilometer illuminated circular path catering to walkers, joggers, and cyclists. For more extensive options, you can explore various routes in the region, including easy hikes around Dorsten or gravel biking around Dorsten.
Swimming is permitted in designated areas at several lakes. The Seebad Haltern at the Halterner Reservoir offers an 800-meter sandy beach for swimming. The Badeweiher Marl has a designated bathing area with excellent facilities. The Auesee in Wesel is a highly regarded artificial bathing lake with excellent water quality and DLRG supervision during swimming season. However, swimming is generally prohibited in the main body of the Halterner Reservoir as it is a drinking water extraction facility.
The lakes around Dorsten are rich in natural beauty and wildlife. The Hullerner Stausee is a prime spot for birdwatching, where you can observe cormorants, great crested grebes, geese, ducks, herons, and occasionally ospreys. The Pfingstsee is a unique biotope formed by mining subsidence, offering a chance to see new ecosystems. The Badeweiher Marl also preserves a portion as a biotope, allowing for the observation of local wildlife like grey herons.
Yes, the Pfingstsee is listed as dog-friendly, offering a nice route through its biotope where dogs can accompany their owners. Many of the circular paths around lakes like the Halterner Reservoir and Hullerner Stausee are also suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and local regulations are followed.
Many lakes offer convenient facilities. The Halterner Reservoir has various gastronomic options along its circular path and a seaside resort. The Badeweiher Marl features a playground for children, a beach volleyball field, and sunbathing lawns. The Heidhof Experience Center, near the Heidesee, is a popular contact point with a kiosk, playground, and barbecue huts for rent.
The lakes around Dorsten are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling around the lakes, with beautiful natural scenery. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, especially at designated bathing areas like Seebad Haltern or Badeweiher Marl. Even in winter, the tranquil paths around lakes like Hullerner Stausee can be serene for quiet walks.
The lakes are generally well-accessible. For instance, the Halterner Reservoir is located in Haltern am See, a neighboring town easily reachable from Dorsten. Specific public transport options vary by lake, but many are served by regional bus lines. For driving, parking facilities are typically available near popular recreational areas, though it's advisable to check specific locations for details, especially on busy days.
Yes, some lakes have interesting origins. The Pfingstsee is a notable example, having formed in areas where mining caused the surface to sink, creating new biotopes. The Halterner Reservoir and Hullerner Stausee are significant man-made reservoirs that serve as vital sources of drinking water for the northern Ruhr area, with their expansion contributing to the region's recreational value.


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