Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Lakes
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Kreis Steinfurt

Recke

Top 20 Lakes around Recke

Best lakes around Recke offer diverse recreational opportunities within a natural landscape. While Recke itself does not feature large lakes, several appealing bodies of water are located nearby. These lakes, often former gravel pits or reservoirs, provide areas for outdoor recreation and natural attractions. The region is characterized by its accessible natural escapes and well-maintained recreational areas.

Best lakes around Recke

  • The most popular lakes is Torfmoor Lake, a lake that is a former gravel pit within a 57-hectare recreation area. It features a bathing bay, a sandy beach, and a 2.5-kilometer circular hiking trail.
  • Another must-see spot is Great Holy Lake, a natural lake located within a nature reserve. It is known as the oldest natural lake in Westphalia and offers hiking trails around its perimeter.
  • Visitors also love Aasee, Ibbenbüren, a lake with a recreation area. This location provides a pleasant environment with gastronomy options and a circular route.
  • Recke is known for natural lakes, former gravel pits, and reservoirs. These offer a variety of landscapes and activities for visitors to see and explore.
  • The lakes around Recke are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 900 upvotes and over 140 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Torfmoor Lake

Highlight • Lake

Very well maintained public area. On the way: tree nature trail and fitness tips. Bathing almost all the lake allowed (swimwear compulsion), non-swimmers with kiosk, sailing school (also with children's program), barbecue hut, toilets. Despite summer holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony I hardly counted more than ten bathers in midsummer 2018. Is a mass beach on the Mediterranean really nicer?

Translated by Google •

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Aasee, Ibbenbüren

Highlight • Lake

Beautiful recreation area. There is also a Heimatstube Ibbenbüren and a small climbing forest.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Herthasee

Highlight • Lake

Ideal break on the tour

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Aasee Park, Ibbenbüren

Highlight • Lake

Plenty of leisure activities, especially for families with children. But a walk around the lake is always a good idea, even if you're not a big fan.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Great Holy Lake

Highlight • Lake

The Heilige Meer is the oldest natural lake in Westphalia. It is located in a nature reserve, and there are great hiking trails around it and in the surrounding area.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Recke.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Recke

Teutoschleifen – hiking on premium trails in Tecklenburger Land

Töddenland cycle path — on the trail of the wandering merchants

Vom Kiebitz empfohlen – NaTourismus-Routen im Tecklenburger Land

Hiking around Recke

Cycling around Recke

Road Cycling Routes around Recke

Running Trails around Recke

MTB Trails around Recke

Gravel biking around Recke

Other adventures around Recke

Teutoschleifen – hiking on premium trails in Tecklenburger Land

Hiking Collection by

Tecklenburger Land

Tips from the Community

Ludger 🚴🌳🌲🍄🏞️🌅🔮
May 4, 2025, Aaseepark Ibbenbüren

The Aasee recreation area is located very close to Ibbenbüren's town center and is one of the city's most popular recreational areas, not just for walks (circular path: 2.7 km). The centerpiece of the area is the approximately 1.5-hectare Aasee lake, offering opportunities for fishing and paddle boating. Directly on the lake are a tennis court, a skate park, the Aasee swimming pool, an indoor/outdoor wave pool (see also Aasee-Bad Ibbenbüren), and the Café Ventana. In April, a new dirt bike track was inaugurated right next to the skate park at the Aasee, where young and old can try out new jumps and share their experiences. Well-known themed routes of the Münsterland Cycling Park, such as the 100 Castles Route, lead around the lake. Nearby are also the station for the historic steam locomotive "Teutoburger Wald Express," the climbing park, and the local history museum.

Translated by Google

1

0

Always a popular destination

Translated by Google

2

0

Nice, clean campsite. Very well maintained.

Translated by Google

1

0

Jess
July 17, 2023, Herthasee

We have been camping here several times. You can also swim in the lake as a day guest and the restaurant can also be used without visiting the lake. The place is highly recommended for camping, especially with children. The lake is not deep and there are numerous offers for children, such as playgrounds, rental of various vehicles, mini golf,… Unfortunately, dogs are prohibited.

Translated by Google

1

0

Great weather, great view

Translated by Google

5

0

Radelprofi
January 4, 2023, Herthasee

Short breaks with a bathing lake and lots of nature or a relaxing camping holiday

Translated by Google

2

0

A visit is worthwhile here

Translated by Google

6

0

It's worth taking a break here

Translated by Google

6

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural attractions can I find around the lakes near Recke?

The lakes near Recke offer diverse natural attractions. For instance, Torfmoor Lake is set within a 57-hectare recreation area with reforested sections and a 2.5-kilometer circular hiking trail. Great Holy Lake is located within a nature reserve and is known as the oldest natural lake in Westphalia, offering scenic hiking trails. Offlumer See features a re-naturalized landscape with distinctive red funnel towers providing panoramic views, especially at sunset.

Are there family-friendly lakes with activities for children near Recke?

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Aasee, Ibbenbüren, offers a recreation area with multiple children's playgrounds, a pedal boat rental, and a beach club. Alfsee is part of an extensive Holiday and Adventure Park, featuring a Germanic Adventure World, an indoor fun center, mazes, and various playgrounds. Torfmoor Lake also has a sandy beach suitable for small swimmers and a kiosk.

Which lakes offer good opportunities for swimming and bathing?

For swimming and bathing, Torfmoor Lake is highly recommended, featuring a well-maintained public area with a bathing bay and a sandy beach. Offlumer See is also known for its excellent water quality and a pleasant bathing beach. Herthasee is another popular spot for campers and day visitors looking to swim.

What are the best lakes for a relaxing walk or nature observation?

For relaxing walks and nature observation, Great Holy Lake, located within a nature reserve, offers beautiful hiking trails. Quendorfer See provides a serene environment with a mostly flat 2-kilometer loop trail, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying informative signs about local flora and fauna. Offlumer See also has a circular hiking trail that takes about 1.5 hours to complete through its re-naturalized surroundings.

Are there any lakes with historical or unique natural significance?

Yes, Great Holy Lake holds significant natural importance as the oldest natural lake in Westphalia, situated within a protected nature reserve. Quendorfer See also features informative signs along its loop trail detailing the history of the area.

What water sports or adventure activities are available at the lakes?

Alfsee is a hub for water sports and adventure, offering water skiing with three lifts for various skill levels, a water park, and go-karting. Aasee Park, Ibbenbüren, provides pedal boat rentals and a beach club for leisure activities.

Can I find places to eat or drink near the lakes around Recke?

Yes, several lakes offer gastronomic options. Aasee, Ibbenbüren, has great gastronomy options. Offlumer See features a restaurant called 'Ewige Liebe' with lake views. Herthasee also has a pub and restaurant nearby, and Torfmoor Lake has a kiosk.

Are there cycling routes connecting the lakes or offering scenic views?

The area around Alfsee is ideal for cycling with well-signposted routes. Offlumer See is connected to the 'Radroute Triangel' cycling path and even has an e-bike charging station. For more cycling options, you can explore the Gravel biking routes around Recke or Road Cycling Routes around Recke, which include tours like the 'Kloster Gravenhorst Pond – Recke Marina loop'.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Recke?

The summer months are particularly popular for visiting the lakes, especially for swimming and enjoying sunsets at places like Torfmoor Lake and Offlumer See. However, the circular trails around lakes like Great Holy Lake can be enjoyed year-round, though they might be muddy in winter or after heavy rain.

Are the trails around the lakes generally accessible for everyone, including those with strollers or wheelchairs?

Many lakes offer accessible paths. Quendorfer See features a well-maintained, mostly flat 2-kilometer loop trail suitable for walkers of all levels, including families with children. Great Holy Lake also has wheelchair-accessible sections on its trails.

Are dogs allowed on trails around the lakes near Recke?

While specific rules can vary by location, many natural areas and trails around the lakes are generally dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check local signage at each lake for specific regulations, especially in nature reserves like the one around Great Holy Lake.

Where can I find hiking trails near the lakes around Recke?

Numerous hiking trails are available near the lakes. Torfmoor Lake has a 2.5-kilometer circular trail, and Aasee Park, Ibbenbüren, offers a 2.7-kilometer circular path. For more extensive options, you can explore the Hiking around Recke guide, which includes routes like the 'Heiliges Meer – Teutoschleifen' and 'Heathland at the Heiliges Meer – Great Holy Lake loop'.

Are there any lakes that are particularly good for watching sunsets?

Yes, Torfmoor Lake is particularly noted for its beautiful sunsets in the summer. Offlumer See also offers scenic views over the recreational landscape, especially at sunset, from its distinctive red funnel towers.

Most popular routes around Recke

Family-friendly hikes around Recke

Most popular attractions around Recke

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

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

IbbenbürenAltenbergeOchtrupWesterkappelnMettingenRheineHörstelNordwaldeEmsHopstenMetelenTecklenburgLotteLengerichLadbergenSaerbeckEmsdettenHorstmarLienenLaerHeiliges Meer-HeupenTorfmoorseeAm Bagno - BuchenbergNSG EmsaueOfflumer Lake

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around the Ems

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy