Best lakes around Waltrop are found in the surrounding region, offering diverse recreational opportunities. While no major lakes are directly within Waltrop's municipal boundaries, nearby reservoirs, artificial lakes, and canal sections provide natural beauty and various activities. The area is characterized by its connection to the Ruhr region's waterways and nature parks, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Beautiful paths right along the canal with a view of the canal crossing.
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Here the Wesel-Datteln and Dortmund-Ems Canals join
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A beautiful and easy-to-ride path along the canal. There's always something to see here.
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Always worth a visit The sunset there is fantastic
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on bumpy paths along the canal. The wind always comes from the front
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Two canals meet here. A quiet trip along the canal with a lock that may have to be crossed with a small detour if you are travelling in the wrong direction.
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We haven't cycled on the other canals yet, but what we saw on the Dortmund-Ems Canal was a beautiful landscape, and we were able to cycle on mostly good cycle paths along the canal. Between Senden and Münster you can even cycle on the right-hand side of the canal on an asphalt cycle path. The towns of Datteln, Selm, Olfen, Senden, Lüdinghausen and Münster are easily accessible from the canal. The entire stage from Dortmund-Deusen, the start of the canal, to Münster was 220km there and back. In Lüdinghausen and Münster we stayed in 2 very good cyclist hotels. Lüdinghausen, "Hotel No. 11" and Münster "Zum guten Hirten" (approx. 500m from the canal. Bus connection in front of the hotel to the city center. I can only recommend this tour.
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Dattelner Meer Four canals meet in Datteln: Dortmund-Ems Canal, Rhine-Herne Canal, Wesel-Datteln Canal and Datteln-Hamm Canal. The length of these waterways in the Datteln urban area is a total of 17 kilometers. That is why Datteln confidently calls itself the "largest canal junction in the world." See: https://www.roemerlipperoute.de/entdecken/vorstellung-etappenorte/datteln/dattelner-meer/
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While no major lakes are directly within Waltrop, the surrounding region offers several popular options. The Halterner Stausee is a well-known recreation area for water sports and swimming. The Hullerner Stausee offers a more tranquil setting for cycling and nature enjoyment. The Herner Meer is popular for recreational water sports and relaxation, and the Horstmarer Lake Beach provides an artificial lake with a bathing beach and diverse leisure activities.
Yes, there are several excellent hiking opportunities. The Halterner Stausee features a scenic 8.3-kilometer circular path. The Pöppinghauser Wald Nature Reserve offers extensive wetland areas and forests ideal for nature walks. For more options, you can explore various routes in the Easy hikes around Waltrop guide.
Absolutely. The Halterner Stausee has a popular circular path suitable for cycling. The Hullerner Stausee is part of the family-friendly SteverLandRoute, offering beautiful views. The Dattelner Lake area, known as the world's largest canal junction, also features good cycle paths along the canals. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Waltrop guide.
The Halterner Stausee is a hub for water sports, including sailing, canoeing, and pedal boating. While surfing is generally not permitted on the main reservoir, it is possible on the nearby Silbersee II. The Herner Meer is also popular for various recreational water sports. For swimming, the lido at Halterner Stausee, the bathing beach at Horstmarer Lake Beach, and Ternscher Lake are popular spots during warmer months.
Yes, many lakes offer family-friendly options. The Horstmarer Lake Beach is an artificial lake with a bathing beach and large green areas, offering a wide range of leisure activities for families. The Halterner Stausee area is also popular with families, and the nearby Kettelerhof amusement park provides additional entertainment. The Ternscher Lake also has a beach bar and is suitable for family outings.
The warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn, are ideal for visiting the lakes. This period allows for swimming, sunbathing at lidos and beaches, and enjoying water sports. Cycling and hiking are pleasant throughout spring, summer, and autumn, with the surrounding nature parks offering beautiful scenery.
Yes, the region has some interesting features. The Dattelner Lake is notable for being the largest canal junction in the world, where four major canals converge. The Herner Meer is home to the impressive EMSCHERKUNST steel sculpture "Reemrenreh" by Bogomir Ecker. The Pöppinghauser Wald Nature Reserve offers elevated views of the Rhein-Herne-Kanal and extensive wetlands.
Many lakes offer gastronomic options. The Halterner Stausee has numerous establishments along its shore. At Ternscher Lake, you can find a beach bar for snacks and drinks. The Herner Meer area also has nearby shops and traditional restaurants, and the Horstmarer Lake Beach includes a cafe.
Access varies by location. The Horstmarer Lake Beach has parking facilities. The Herner Meer is easily accessible by both land and public transportation. For specific parking information or public transport routes, it's advisable to check local guides or the official tourism website for Haltern am See: haltern-tourismus.de.
The Halterner Stausee is one of the most popular local recreation areas due to its natural beauty, diverse activities, and role as a significant drinking water source. It's surrounded by the forests of the Hohe Mark Nature Park, offering picturesque landscapes. Visitors enjoy its 8.3-kilometer circular path for walking and cycling, as well as water sports like sailing and canoeing, and swimming at its lido.
Yes, the Halterner Stausee is surrounded by the extensive forests of the Hohe Mark Nature Park. Additionally, the Pöppinghauser Wald Nature Reserve, located near the Rhein-Herne-Kanal, is a significant wetland area created by subsidence, offering a rich habitat for various bird species and plant life.
The Hullerner Stausee, connected to the Halterner Stausee, is known for its more tranquil atmosphere. It's primarily used for drinking water production and is generally less crowded, making it ideal for peaceful outdoor activities like cycling along the SteverLandRoute and enjoying nature in a serene environment.


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