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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf
Kreis Kleve

Kerken

Top 20 Lakes around Kerken

Best lakes around Kerken offer diverse natural landscapes, including prominent recreational areas and former river channels. The region features natural bathing lakes, extensive walking and cycling paths, and areas suitable for various outdoor activities. These bodies of water, often formed from old Rhine channels or peat extraction, provide habitats for wildlife and opportunities for nature appreciation.

Best lakes around Kerken

  • The most popular lakes is Littardkuhlen Ponds, a series of ponds that are part of an old Rhine channel. This area is noted for walking and enjoying nature.
  • Another must-see spot is Niepkuhlen Bridge over Große Kull, a bridge offering views over the Niepkuhlen. The approximately 90-meter-long structure provides a crossing point over these bodies of water.
  • Visitors also love Wild Horses in Maasduinen National Park, an area with many small lakes and ponds. This nature reserve is suitable for hikers and offers views of the landscape.
  • Kerken is known for natural bathing lakes, ponds, and former river channels. These include recreational areas and bodies of water formed from peat extraction, offering varied natural environments to explore.
  • The lakes around Kerken are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1600 upvotes and over 600 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Niepkuhlen Bridge over Große Kull

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Hopefully this natural landscape will remain with us for a long time to come. These bodies of water threaten to silt up.

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You can see them again and again between the many small lakes and ponds. However, I doubt whether these are really wild horses.

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Very nice nature reserve.

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Littardkuhlen Ponds

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Very nice area to walk and enjoy 🍀

de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staatsforst_Rheurdt/Littard

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A nature reserve worth seeing with a lot of forest and a lake-like river.
The lakes were created from peat extraction when they filled with water. Private moorings have been created on the lakes and provide a habitat for wild birds and animals.

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Popular around Kerken

Cycling around Kerken

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Tips from the Community

Wolfgang Piltz
December 25, 2025, Lakes and Forest of Staatsforst Rheurdt/Littard

Beautiful hike on Christmas Day in sunshine and temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius.

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A beautiful piece of nature

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Great forest area to hike through

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The Rheurdt/Littard State Forest is a nature reserve on the Lower Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia, which is located in Rheurdt near the border with Neukirchen-Vluyn and covers an area of around 144 hectares. It was first placed under protection by regulation in 2004 and has also been designated as FFH area DE-4504-301 Rheurdt/Littard State Forest since 2013, which means it is part of the European Natura 2000 protected area network2. The area is a closed mixed deciduous forest area characterized by pedunculate oak-hornbeam forests and acidic beech forests. Particularly noteworthy is the almost 25-hectare Littard natural forest cell, which is not managed so that wild plants and animals can develop undisturbed2. The important bird species that live in the Rheurdt/Littard State Forest include the black woodpecker and the kingfisher. Source: KI

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very good cycle paths and beautiful area have fun

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Unfortunately we didn't see any

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However, the Maasduinen, to which the area belongs, are more difficult to drive on, especially with bikes with narrow tires, and are very sandy. Hiking or pushing bikes gives you fitness. Unique nature experience, especially in rainy times (lakes are full) or in autumn when the heather is in bloom. However, the official and marked cycle paths (junction system) are easy to use. Leukermeer and Reindersmeer are a highlight, especially the bird life.

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The "wild horses" are always interesting to watch, and I've also seen goats there. In autumn you can find many different types of mushrooms to look at and photograph Unfortunately, in dry summers the water disappears except for a few small ponds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of lakes can I find around Kerken?

The Kerken region features a diverse range of lakes, including natural bathing lakes, ponds, and former river channels. Many of these, like the Littardkuhlen Ponds, are remnants of old Rhine channels or were formed from peat extraction, creating unique natural environments.

Are there family-friendly lakes or activities for children near Kerken?

Yes, several areas are great for families. The Eyller See, for instance, offers a large playground available from May to September, a high ropes course, and a climbing rock. The Littardkuhlen Ponds and the Lakes and Forests of Staatsforst Rheurdt/Littard are also noted as family-friendly for walks and enjoying nature.

Where can I go swimming or enjoy water sports around Kerken?

The Eyller See is a highly recommended natural bathing lake with excellent water quality, perfect for swimming. It also offers paddle boating and has a dedicated diving base. While other lakes are great for nature, Eyller See is the primary spot for active water recreation.

Are there good hiking trails around the lakes near Kerken?

Absolutely. The Eyller See is surrounded by extensive walking paths. For more structured routes, you can explore various easy hikes around Kerken, such as the 'Cemetery Chapel Oberweg – Paulsen Cross loop from Aldekerk' or the 'St. Dionysius Church Nieukerk – Rentenbank Picnic Area loop from Nieukerk'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Easy hikes around Kerken guide.

Can I cycle around the lakes in the Kerken region?

Yes, the area around the Eyller See features numerous cycling paths. For longer tours, consider routes like the 'Niers Riverside Trail – Along the Niers loop from Aldekerk' or the 'Great cycling route – Diebels Brewery loop from Aldekerk'. More cycling options are available in the Cycling around Kerken guide.

Are there any dog-friendly areas or trails near the lakes?

The Eyller See recreation area includes dedicated sections where dogs are allowed to roam freely and even enter the water. Many of the walking paths around the other lakes, such as the Littardkuhlen Ponds, are also suitable for walks with dogs.

What natural features or wildlife can I expect to see?

The lakes are often part of nature reserves, providing habitats for wild birds and animals. At Wild Horses in Maasduinen National Park, you might spot horses among the many small lakes and ponds. The Lakes and Forests of Staatsforst Rheurdt/Littard are also known for their rich wildlife and tranquil natural settings.

Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around the lakes?

The Niepkuhlen Bridge over Große Kull offers excellent views over the Niepkuhlen, an old Rhine channel. Additionally, the Verberger Kull features a beautifully created viewing platform with a bench, perfect for enjoying the Niepkuhlen nature reserve.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Kerken?

The lakes offer beauty year-round. For swimming and water sports, the warmer months from May to September are ideal, especially at Eyller See where the playground is also open. For walking and cycling, spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while the Lakes and Forests of Staatsforst Rheurdt/Littard offer a changing picture in every season.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Kerken?

Visitors frequently praise the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Many appreciate the opportunities for walking and enjoying nature, especially around areas like the Littardkuhlen Ponds and the Lakes and Forests of Staatsforst Rheurdt/Littard. The diverse activities at Eyller See, from swimming to high ropes, also receive high marks.

Are there any unique geological features among the lakes?

Many of the lakes and ponds in the Kerken area, such as the Littardkuhlen Ponds and the Niepkuhlen, are remnants of the ancient Rhine river channels. Others, like the lake-like river in the Lakes and Forests of Staatsforst Rheurdt/Littard, were formed from peat extraction, which filled with water over time.

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

GochKevelaerWeezeGeldernBerg En DalStraelenWachtendonkKalkarReesEmmerich am RheinUedemRheurdtIssumBedburg-HauStaatsforst Rheurdt/Littard

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