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Nature Reserves in North Rhine-Westphalia

Nature Reserves in Münster District

Discover
Nature Reserves in North Rhine-Westphalia

Nature Reserves in Münster District

Nature Reserves in Münster District

Nature Reserve Guide

Münster District is home to more than 40 nature reserves, offering a diverse collection of protected landscapes within Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region. These areas encompass a variety of terrains characteristic of the wider Münsterland, from the wetlands and moorlands of the German-Dutch border to the dense oak, hornbeam, and pine forests found in areas like the Davert and Hohe Ward. The landscapes also include riverine meadows along the Ems and sandy heathlands, providing critical habitats for numerous species. These protected…

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Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.5

(3020)

13,232

hikers

#1.

Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide

Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide in Bottrop, Germany, offers diverse forests, heathlands, and lakes for hiking, cycling, and running routes.

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4.6

(2834)

12,301

hikers

#2.

Nsg Emsaue Westlich Warendorf

Nsg Emsaue Westlich Warendorf is a 415-hectare nature reserve along the Ems River, offering diverse landscapes for cycling, hiking, and mountain biking.

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4.6

(3150)

11,852

hikers

#3.

N.S.G. Gevelsberger Stadtwald

N.S.G. Gevelsberger Stadtwald is a 500-hectare nature reserve with diverse beech forests and valleys, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

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4.5

(2784)

11,842

hikers

#4.

Borkenberge

Borkenberge is a 1570-hectare nature reserve with diverse heathlands, forests, and moors, offering varied routes for cycling, hiking, and mountain biking.

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4.6

(2717)

11,445

hikers

#5.

Emsaue bei Telgte

Emsaue bei Telgte is a nature reserve with diverse riverine landscapes, ancient pastures, and Ice Age sand dunes, offering numerous routes for cycling and hiking.

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4.4

(2645)

11,253

hikers

#6.

Zwillbrocker Venn

Zwillbrocker Venn is a nature reserve on the German-Dutch border, offering diverse landscapes for hiking, cycling, and jogging on well-maintained routes.

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4.7

(2850)

10,748

hikers

#7.

Baumberge

Baumberge is a nature reserve west of Münster, offering hilly terrain, extensive beech forests, and unique sandstone formations for hiking and cycling routes.

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4.6

(2511)

10,357

hikers

#8.

Nsg Hiesfelder Wald

Nsg Hiesfelder Wald is Oberhausen's largest forest nature reserve, offering diverse terrain shaped by ancient forests and Ice Age features for cycling and hiking routes.

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4.6

(1884)

10,131

hikers

#9.

Am Bagno - Buchenberg

Am Bagno - Buchenberg is a nature reserve in Steinfurt with diverse forests, wetlands, and the Bagno-See, offering routes for cycling, jogging, and hiking.

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4.6

(2193)

9,664

hikers

#10.

Venner Moor

Venner Moor is a unique moorland nature reserve near Senden, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and more through its peat-cutting pits and forests.

Hiking

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Cycling

4.6

(2364)

9,399

hikers

#11.

Bachsystem Des Wienbaches

Bachsystem Des Wienbaches is a nature reserve in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, offering diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling along its stream ecosystem.

Hiking

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4.5

(1947)

8,012

hikers

#12.

Hirschpark Nordkirchen

Hirschpark Nordkirchen is a nature reserve in Münsterland with diverse oak-hornbeam forests and grasslands, offering varied terrain for hiking, cycling, and running routes.

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4.4

(1764)

7,612

hikers

#13.

Borkenberge

Borkenberge is a diverse nature reserve in Münsterland, offering varied terrain for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking on over 100 routes.

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Cycling

4.5

(1402)

7,268

hikers

#14.

Münstersche Davert

Münstersche Davert is a densely wooded nature reserve with ancient trees and wetland habitats, offering numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on its flat terrain.

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4.6

(1528)

7,180

hikers

#15.

Nsg Lippeaue Von Werne Bis Heil

Nsg Lippeaue Von Werne Bis Heil is a 415-hectare nature reserve in Germany, offering diverse routes for cycling, hiking, and mountain biking through floodplains and riparian forests.

Hiking

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4.6

(1687)

7,110

hikers

#16.

Nsg Tuetenvenn

Nsg Tuetenvenn is a nature reserve in Ochtrup, featuring wet meadows and floodplains ideal for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on over 50 routes.

Hiking

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Cycling

4.5

(1217)

6,386

hikers

#17.

Davert

Davert is a nature reserve in Münsterland offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking routes through pastures and the Emmerbachaue floodplain.

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4.5

(1314)

6,322

hikers

#18.

Warendorfer Davert

Warendorfer Davert is a nature reserve in Münsterland with diverse forests and wet meadows, offering flat terrain ideal for hiking and cycling routes.

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4.4

(1258)

6,157

hikers

#19.

Nsg Koellnischer Wald

Nsg Koellnischer Wald is a nature reserve in Bottrop, Germany, offering extensive deciduous forests with numerous paths and streams for hiking and cycling.

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4.3

(1419)

5,827

hikers

#20.

Rieselfelder

Rieselfelder is a 430-hectare nature reserve in Münster, Germany, offering diverse terrain for cycling, hiking, and more across its unique wetland ecosystem.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nature reserves in Münster District?

The nature reserves in Münster District are a collection of more than 40 protected areas in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region. These reserves safeguard diverse landscapes, including wetlands, forests, moorlands, and riverine meadows. They contain an extensive network of over 6,000 routes for activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

What activities are available in the nature reserves in Münster District?

The primary activities in the nature reserves are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with thousands of designated routes available. Many areas also offer trails suitable for running and leisurely walks. Specific reserves, such as the Zwillbrocker Venn, are noted for birdwatching due to their unique wetland habitats.

Which are some of the most visited nature reserves in Münster District?

Based on visitor data, some of the most frequented reserves include Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide with its forests and heathlands, and Nsg Emsaue Westlich Warendorf along the Ems River. The Zwillbrocker Venn, a moorland on the Dutch border, is also a popular destination.

What kind of routes are in Zwillbrocker Venn?

The Zwillbrocker Venn offers more than 130 routes across its moorland and wetland landscape. This includes over 50 designated hiking trails and more than 25 cycling routes on well-maintained paths. The terrain is generally flat, making it suitable for a range of fitness levels.

What is the terrain like in the Baumberge nature reserve?

The Baumberge reserve is characterized by its hilly terrain, which is distinct within the otherwise flat Münsterland region. The landscape features extensive beech forests and unique sandstone formations. This varied topography provides routes with more elevation change compared to other local reserves.

What can you do in the Borkenberge nature reserve?

The Borkenberge reserve provides a network of over 150 routes for outdoor activities. The area is suitable for hiking, with over 50 trails, as well as road cycling and mountain biking. Its landscape is a mix of heathlands, forests, and moors.

Are there hiking trails in the nature reserves in Münster District?

Yes, there is an extensive network of hiking trails across the nature reserves. For example, N.S.G. Gevelsberger Stadtwald contains over 60 hiking routes through its beech forests. The Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide also offers more than 70 hiking trails of varying lengths.

What cycling routes are available in Münster District's nature reserves?

A wide variety of cycling routes are available, catering to both road cycling and touring bicycles. The N.S.G. Gevelsberger Stadtwald has over 30 touring bicycle routes. The relatively flat terrain of reserves like Nsg Emsaue Westlich Warendorf makes them well-suited for leisurely cycling.

Are there family-friendly routes in these nature reserves?

Yes, many reserves offer routes suitable for families and beginners. Areas with generally flat terrain, such as the wetlands of Zwillbrocker Venn or the riverine paths in Emsaue bei Telgte, have well-maintained and less strenuous trails. These are often ideal for walks and casual bike rides.

What is the landscape of the Emsaue nature reserves?

The nature reserves along the Ems river, such as Nsg Emsaue Westlich Warendorf and Emsaue bei Telgte, feature diverse riverine landscapes. These areas include meadows, pastures, and remnants of old river channels. The terrain is predominantly flat, with trails following the course of the river.

What makes the Venner Moor landscape unique?

The landscape of Venner Moor is shaped by its history of peat extraction. This has created a distinctive mosaic of water-filled peat-cutting pits, birch forests, and heathland. The reserve's trails navigate this unique environment, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial and natural past.

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