Top 20 Natural Monuments around Dülmen
Best natural monuments around Dülmen are found in the Münsterland region of Germany, offering diverse natural experiences. The area features a mix of heathlands, forests, and significant reservoirs, providing varied landscapes. These natural features contribute to the region's ecological value and offer opportunities for outdoor activities. Dülmen's surroundings are characterized by unique ecosystems and natural habitats.
Best natural monuments around Dülmen
- The most popular natural monuments is Halterner Reservoir, a lake that supplies drinking water to the northern Ruhr area. This reservoir offers a 10 km circular route with lake views and resting places.
- Another must-see spot is Hullerner Reservoir, a lake known for its idyllic, natural setting. It features a circular trail with tranquil viewing points, ideal for quiet recreation and often less crowded than the Halterner Reservoir.
- Visitors also love Westruper Heath, a 90-hectare heathland characterized by broom heath, sandy grassland, and juniper bushes. This area is a refuge for numerous rare plant and animal species, and is particularly notable when the heather is in bloom.
- Dülmen is known for its lakes, heathlands, and wildlife parks. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from expansive water bodies to unique ecosystems.
- The natural monuments around Dülmen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 4000 upvotes and over 300 photos shared.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Halterner Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Hullerner Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Westruper Heath
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Halterner Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Halterner Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Since I'm from Essen, I've had to drive for some time, but the peace and quiet and the fantastic view alone are worth making a detour here every time.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Dülmen.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Dülmen
Hiking and discoveries – family walks in the Hohe Mark Nature Park
Forests, water & wildlife – cycling Tours in the Hohe Mark Nature Park
LandStreifer – circular hiking trails to Germany’s Hohe Mark Steig
Your bond with nature — Germany’s Hohe Mark Steig
Day Tours on the Hohe Mark cycle route
Germany’s Hohe Mark cycle route – escape into nature
Cycling around Dülmen
Hiking around Dülmen
Road Cycling Routes around Dülmen
Running Trails around Dülmen
Other adventures around Dülmen
Tips from the Community
The Haltern reservoir is the Stever dammed for drinking water production and a popular local recreation area. The SteverLand route always runs along the shore of the lake. The SteverLandRoute is the family bike path in the Münsterland: Here, information boards for adults and information boards especially for children (!) provide information about the great project. There are a total of 14 hands-on stations along the route. If you like, you can use the children's discovery card to travel from station to station, collect coin impressions and become a Stever expert. Have a look at our collection :)
11
1
The Halterner reservoir, officially called "Stevertalsperre" is one of the most popular local recreation areas in the Ruhr area.
8
1
While large areas of the region were still covered with heathland at the beginning of the 19th century, today the Westruper Heide is a remnant of that time. The approximately 90-hectare heath is in the immediate vicinity of the Haltern reservoir.
21
0
Beautiful local recreation area, but always heavily frequented. In the forests around you can hike undisturbed.
6
0
The Hullern reservoir is the Stever dammed for drinking water production. This lake only has a "sandy beach" during long periods of drought, like here in August 2022. The SteverLandRoute runs along the banks of the Hullern and Halterner reservoirs and offers beautiful views of the lake from the cycle path, which is otherwise inaccessible. The fourth stage of the Steverland route always leads along the shore of the lake. The SteverlandRoute is the family bike path in Münsterland. Take a look at our collection! :)
9
0
Definitely stop off at the Jupp am See to linger over coffee and cake or a currywurst. Next door is also a great climbing garden for young and old.
6
0
With its important past as a Roman base around the birth of Christ, Haltern am See has had town rights since 1289 and is a historical, up-and-coming medium-sized town, located at the northernmost point of the Lippe, embedded in the Hohe Mark, Haard and Borkenberge forest areas. The current urban area of Haltern am See was created as part of the municipal territorial reform in North Rhine-Westphalia in 1975. At that time, the town and the Haltern district, consisting of the communities Kirchspiel-Haltern (Holtwick, Lavesum and Sythen), Hullern and Lippramsdorf, were merged and expanded south of the Lippe to include the communities of Flaesheim (formerly part of the Datteln district) and Hamm-Bossendorf (parts of the Hamm community formerly part of the Marl district). The allocation of districts south of the Lippe to Haltern meant crossing a centuries-old border. A border that was the reason and prerequisite for the granting of town rights to Haltern by the sovereign and Prince-Bishop of Münster, Everhard von Diest, in the 13th century. Since 1908, Haltern am See has had a pumping station to pump drinking water for the northern Ruhr area. Water extraction has been steadily expanded; it helped the city to earn its decorative name "Haltern am See" and reached its provisional end point with the completion of the Hullerner Lake in 1985. A side effect of the area-intensive water management is the increased recreational value of the Haltern landscape, which, free of industry, has become even more attractive to visitors and locals thanks to the creation of the lakes. Today, the Haltern lakes with their boathouses, sailing harbor and seaside resort are the destination of many people seeking relaxation. But Haltern am See has more to offer visitors than just the lake. The attractive and varied landscape is often referred to as the lungs of the Ruhr area. The city is the heart of the Hohe Mark Nature Park. The extensive forests of the Haard and the Hohe Mark, as well as the Westruper Heide, Holtwicker Heide and Sebbelheide nature reserves, are accessible via a dense network of hiking, cycling, horse riding and walking trails. The pedestrian zones of the old town and the modern town centers of Sythen, Flaesheim, Lippramsdorf, Hullern and Lavesum are popular shopping and meeting places for residents and visitors alike.
13
1
A beautiful reservoir, which will probably be completely overrun in the best weather in summer...
7
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural monuments around Dülmen for outdoor activities?
The Halterner Reservoir is highly popular, offering a 10 km circular route with beautiful lake views. Another favorite is the Hullerner Reservoir, known for its idyllic setting and tranquil viewing points. Both are excellent for cycling and hiking.
Where can I experience unique wildlife near Dülmen?
The Dülmen Wildlife Park, just a short walk from the city center, is home to free-roaming native animals like fallow deer and moorland sheep. For a truly unique experience, visit the Merfelder Bruch, where you can observe the Dülmen wild horses, Germany's last truly wild horse population, in their natural habitat.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Dülmen?
Absolutely! The Dülmen Wildlife Park is perfect for families, offering easy walking trails and opportunities to see animals. The Halterner Reservoir also has family-friendly facilities, including an 800-meter natural sandy beach at 'Seebad' for recreation.
What is the best time to visit the Westruper Heath?
The Westruper Heath is beautiful year-round, but it is particularly stunning in August when the heather is in full bloom, creating a vibrant purple landscape. Sunrise also offers a picturesque view. You can find more information about the heathland at nature-castles-landscapes.com.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or short walks?
Yes, the Westruper Heath offers four signposted themed trails ranging from 3 to 4 kilometers, perfect for easy walks. The Dülmen Wildlife Park also features several circular paths of varying lengths, including a romantic route around the 'Herzteich'.
What kind of cycling routes can I find near Dülmen's natural monuments?
The region around Dülmen offers diverse cycling opportunities. You can find gravel biking routes like the 'Halterner Reservoir – View of the Hullerner Reservoir loop' or road cycling routes such as the 'Borkenberge Nature Reserve – Sythen Castle loop'. For more details and routes, check out the Gravel biking around Dülmen guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Dülmen guide.
Can I observe birds at the reservoirs near Dülmen?
Yes, the Hullerner Reservoir is an excellent spot for birdwatching. You can often spot cormorants, great crested grebes, geese, herons, and occasionally even ospreys in its idyllic, natural setting.
What makes the Westruper Heath unique?
The Westruper Heath is a rare remnant of the sand heaths that once covered the Haltern region. It's characterized by broom heath, bell heath, sandy grassland, and distinctive juniper bushes, creating an almost fairytale-like landscape. It's also a vital refuge for numerous rare plant and animal species.
Are there any running trails near the natural monuments?
Yes, there are several running trails available. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Wildpark Dülmen loop' or the 'Welter Bach nature reserve loop'. Explore more options in the Running Trails around Dülmen guide.
What historical significance do the Dülmen wild horses hold?
The Dülmen wild horses at Merfelder Bruch have a documented history dating back to 1316, making them considered the last truly wild horse population in Germany. Their annual wild horse catch, where young stallions are separated, is a unique tradition with over 100 years of history. You can learn more about them at nrw-tourism.com.
What facilities are available at the Halterner Reservoir?
The Halterner Reservoir offers a 10 km circular route with resting places and an 800-meter-long natural sandy beach, 'Seebad', which includes recreational facilities. It's a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, bathers, hikers, and cyclists.
Is the Dülmener Wildlife Park accessible for everyone?
The Dülmener Wildlife Park is open to the public free of charge all year round and features well-maintained paths, making it accessible for walking and strolling. Its central path is even integrated into Dülmen's cycle path network.
Most popular routes around Dülmen
Most popular attractions around Dülmen
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Dülmen:
