Top 20 Lakes around Nijmegen

The lakes around Nijmegen offer a wide range of recreational activities. You can go swimming, stand-up paddling (SUP), windsurfing, and even e-foiling at places like the Kraaijenbergse Plassen and Spiegelwaal. For land-based activities, there are extensive walking, running, and cycling paths, including a 5.5-kilometer running route around Berendonck. Many areas also feature beaches for relaxation and picnicking.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Kraaijenbergse Plassen has a large beach and offers various water sports. The Waalstrand, while technically a river beach, is a popular spot for families to relax, build sandcastles, and paddle in side channels. Oude Waal Nature Reserve and Groenewater Pond also offer pleasant, accessible environments for family walks.

For water sports, the Spiegelwaal is a bustling hub offering stand-up paddling (SUP) tours, SUP yoga, windsurfing, and e-foiling. The Kraaijenbergse Plassen is another significant water sports area, ideal for rowing, surfing, sailing, and canoeing, with a marina available.

The Kraaijenbergse Plassen are excellent for cycling, with routes that mostly follow the lakeshores. The area around Berendonck also features cycling paths. Additionally, you can find various cycling routes that incorporate the region's water bodies, such as the 'Oude Waal Nature Reserve – Gelderse Poort Nature Reserve loop' which is an easy route. You can explore more cycling options in the Cycling around Nijmegen guide.

Absolutely. The Oude Waal Nature Reserve offers a peaceful path along an outer-dike branch of the Waal with views of meadows. Millingerwaard – pure nature is a 700-hectare reserve known for its rustic and natural environment, perfect for tranquil walks. The Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen nature reserve, south of Nijmegen, also provides extensive walking opportunities amidst fens and diverse nature.

Yes, several lakes are popular for swimming. The Spiegelwaal has designated swimming areas and beaches, making it a popular spot in warmer months. Berendonck also offers opportunities for swimming. The Kraaijenbergse Plassen features a large beach and is suitable for swimming. The Waalstrand, along the Waal river, is also used for relaxing and paddling in its calmer side channels.

The lakes are most vibrant during the warmer months, from spring to early autumn, when water sports, swimming, and outdoor events are in full swing. However, the natural reserves like Oude Waal Nature Reserve and Millingerwaard – pure nature offer beautiful scenery for walking and cycling year-round, including peaceful winter walks.

Many of the natural areas and lakes around Nijmegen are dog-friendly, especially for walks on leash. Nature reserves like the Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen and the Millingerwaard – pure nature are generally welcoming for dog walkers, offering extensive trails through varied landscapes. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs in certain sections or during particular seasons.

The region's lakes boast unique features shaped by both nature and human intervention. The Spiegelwaal is a side channel of the Waal river, created for flood risk management, which also formed the urban island Veur-Lent. The Kraaijenbergse Plassen were formed from sand and gravel extraction, now surrounded by beautiful natural areas. You'll also find outer-dike branches of the Waal, like the Oude Waal Nature Reserve, offering distinctive riverine landscapes.

Yes, near Berendonck lake, you'll find Hotel Thermen Berendonck, a five-star wellness resort. It offers luxury accommodation, extensive spa facilities including saunas, baths, and quiet rooms, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and indulgence after a day by the lake.

For stunning views, the Spiegelwaal offers lovely vistas of Nijmegen. The Waalstrand provides a fantastic view of the city skyline, especially the Waalbrug. For natural landscapes, the Oude Waal Nature Reserve provides beautiful views of the old arm of the river and surrounding meadows. The Groenewater Pond is an idyllic spot in the forest, perfect for scenic photos.

The lakes region offers diverse hiking trails. You can find paths along the Oude Waal Nature Reserve, through the 700-hectare Millingerwaard – pure nature, and around the Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen. These trails range from easy strolls to more intermediate routes through forests and wetlands. For more detailed hiking options, refer to the MTB Trails around Nijmegen guide, which also includes trails suitable for walking.

Yes, you can find refreshment options near several lakes. For instance, near the Kraaijenbergse Plassen, there's Hoeve de Zoete Geest, a cozy tea garden. The Spiegelwaal area, being close to Nijmegen's city center, has various establishments. Berendonck also features restaurants as part of the Hotel Thermen Berendonck complex.