Top 3 Lakes around Venekotensee

Venekotensee is popular for cycling, hiking, sport fishing, and pleasure boating. You can also enjoy wildlife observation in the area. A well-maintained path along its 2500-meter shoreline is ideal for walkers and cyclists.

Yes, the region offers several family-friendly options. Hariksee, for example, features boat rentals (pedal, electric, kayaks), a small ferry, a restaurant, a camping site, and mini-golf. The Lake Venekoten area and the Bohlenweg Lakeside Rest Area are also noted as family-friendly. For specific family-friendly hiking routes, you can explore options in the Family-friendly hikes around Venekotensee guide.

The Krickenbecker Seen are an important bird sanctuary and part of the European Natura 2000 network. Their extensive water surfaces with reed belts serve as a habitat, resting place, and wintering ground for numerous bird species, making them ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. You might also spot beavers, particularly near the Beaver dam on the Venekotenbach.

The region offers diverse trails. Around Venekotensee, there's a 2500-meter path for walkers and cyclists. The Krickenbecker Seen feature well-marked hiking and cycling trails (7.3 km and 10.2 km circular routes). For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Venekotensee guide and the Traffic-free bike rides around Venekotensee guide.

Swimming is officially prohibited in Venekotensee. While these rules are sometimes ignored, it's important to be aware of the regulations. For other lakes in the region, it's best to check local signage or official sources regarding swimming permissions.

At Hariksee, you can visit the reconstructed "Insel-Schlösschen" (Island Castle), which houses an excursion restaurant, and the historic Mühlrather Mühle (mill). These offer a glimpse into the local heritage while enjoying the natural surroundings.

Visitors often praise the great landscape between the lake districts. The bike path between Lake Venekoten and the Schwalm river is particularly attractive. However, some paths, while solid earth, can be stony and bumpy for cyclists. Weekends, especially in good weather, can see a lot of day-trippers.

Yes, the Bohlenweg Lakeside Rest Area is a popular spot for a relaxing break, though it can get busy on sunny weekends. Hariksee also features a restaurant and a camping site, and the "Insel-Schlösschen" houses an excursion restaurant.

Many popular spots, like the Bohlenweg Lakeside Rest Area and the trails around Lake Venekoten, can be very well attended on weekends, especially when the weather is good. For a quieter experience, visiting during the week is recommended.

The region has seen a successful resettlement project for beavers, with the first animal registered in the Viersen district in 1997. The Schwalm river is now fully populated, and beaver sightings have also occurred at the Krickenbeck lakes. You can observe their activity, such as "nibbled" trees, particularly near the Beaver dam on the Venekotenbach.

Venekotensee is known for sport fishing. While the guide does not specify permit details, it is generally required to obtain a fishing permit for angling in German lakes. It is advisable to check with local authorities or fishing clubs for specific regulations and permit requirements before fishing.