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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4.5
(58585)
Average rating
263K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.5
(3020)
13,232
hikers
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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4.6
(2364)
9,399
hikers
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.
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4.5
(1947)
8,012
hikers
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
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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4.5
(1402)
7,268
hikers
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
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.
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4.6
(1687)
7,110
hikers
Nsg Tuetenvenn is a nature reserve in Ochtrup, featuring wet meadows and floodplains ideal for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on over 50 routes.
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4.5
(1217)
6,386
hikers
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
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
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
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

