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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Ruhr Region
Kreis Recklinghausen

Datteln

Attractions and Places To See around Datteln - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Datteln include a variety of natural and cultural sites within the Ruhr district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The town is recognized for its unique position as the world's largest canal junction, where four major canals converge. This area offers diverse landscapes, from expansive forest areas like the Haard Nature Park to significant waterways and historical points of interest. Visitors can explore a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Best attractions and places…

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Halterner Reservoir

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Great starting point for a walk around the lake. It's the largest drinking water extraction facility, which is why swimming is prohibited everywhere.

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In spring 2024, the paths will be in very good condition and accessible to any bicycle.

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Hullerner Reservoir

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The Hullern reservoir is very beautiful, as it is usually not as crowded as the Haltern reservoir. If you want, you can take both lakes with you. A great tour. I love to drive them again and again.

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At the entrance to the Hoheward heap, you will be greeted by a dragon: its steel head rises 18 meters and the bridge railing rests against the ribs of the …

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The Alte Fahrt is a disused branch of the Dortmund-Ems Canal. With the growing ship traffic on the canal, various side arms had to be built as early as 1929, …

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Popular around Datteln

LandStreifer – circular hiking trails to Germany’s Hohe Mark Steig

Your bond with nature — Germany’s Hohe Mark Steig

Germany’s Hohe Mark cycle route – escape into nature

Hiking around Datteln

Cycling around Datteln

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MTB Trails around Datteln

Road Cycling Routes around Datteln

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LandStreifer – circular hiking trails to Germany’s Hohe Mark Steig

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Naturpark Hohe Mark

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Didada
April 5, 2024, North Shore Trail at Halterner Stausee

In spring 2024, the paths will be in very good condition and accessible to any bicycle.

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The trip around both reservoirs is really fun, but I could imagine that it could be crowded here when the weather is very nice.

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The SteverLandRoute leads here directly along the Haltern reservoir and always allows great views of the large lake and the boats. 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 :)

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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! :)

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A very well-kept bike path at the Haltern reservoir. If you drive here you have some nice viewpoints to the marina on the north shore.

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The 165 m long dragon bridge connects the old Recklinghausen II colliery site in Hochlarmark with the Hoheward spoil tip. The bridge depicts a dragon skeleton, neck and head oriented so that the dragon faces visitors.

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It connects the Hochlarmark district park with the Hoheward spoil tip

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Datteln?

Datteln offers a rich natural landscape. You can visit the Haard Nature Park, the largest contiguous forest area in the Ruhr region, perfect for hiking and cycling. The town is also known for the Dattelner Meer, part of the world's largest canal junction, offering extensive paths for walking and cycling along the waterways. Additionally, the Halterner Reservoir and the quieter Hullerner Reservoir provide peaceful settings for breaks and walks.

Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Datteln?

Yes, Datteln has several cultural and historical points of interest. You can delve into the region's mining past at the Bunkermuseum Datteln, housed in a former air-raid bunker. For a nostalgic journey, the 50er-Jahre-Museum offers an interactive look at daily life in the 1950s. The protected Dorfschultenhof, a former Westphalian farmhouse, also displays selected cultural exhibits.

What outdoor activities are popular around Datteln, especially near the canals?

The extensive canal system around Datteln, including the Dattelner Meer, is ideal for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling or walking along the 35 kilometers of riverside paths. Canoeing and riverboat cruises are also popular on the waterways. For more structured routes, explore options for gravel biking or hiking around Datteln.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Datteln?

Absolutely. The Recreational Park in Natroper Fields is a great option for families, featuring a children's playground and various animals like pigs, goats, and ponies. Many of the natural areas, such as the paths around the Dattelner Meer and the Halterner Reservoir, are also suitable for family walks and bike rides. The Dragon Bridge at Hoheward Spoil Heap is a distinctive and fun landmark that children often enjoy.

Where can I find good hiking trails near Datteln?

Datteln is surrounded by excellent hiking opportunities. The Haard Nature Park offers over 167 kilometers of hiking trails. You can also find numerous trails around the reservoirs, such as the North Shore Trail at the Halterner Reservoir. For a variety of options, including easy walks, check out the easy hikes around Datteln guide.

What is the significance of Datteln's canal system?

Datteln holds the unique distinction of being the world's largest canal junction. Here, four major canals converge: the Dortmund-Ems Canal, Rhein-Herne Canal, Datteln-Hamm Canal, and Wesel-Datteln Canal. This expansive system is not only a vital transport route but also a significant recreational area, with the 'Alte Fahrt' section of the Dortmund-Ems Canal now a spacious biotope for nature lovers.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Datteln?

Visitors frequently praise the diverse landscapes and the blend of natural beauty with historical sites. The panoramic views from the Hoheward Spoil Heap & Horizon Observatory are often highlighted as a must-see. The peaceful atmosphere of the Hullerner Reservoir and the well-maintained paths around the Halterner Reservoir are also popular for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Are there any unique viewpoints or landmarks in the area?

Yes, the Hoheward Spoil Heap & Horizon Observatory offers unparalleled panoramic views over the Ruhr area. Another distinctive landmark is the Dragon Bridge at Hoheward Spoil Heap, featuring an 18-meter-high steel dragon head that marks the entrance to the spoil tip. The Historic Town Hall, built in neoclassical style, also stands as a protected monument.

What kind of cycling routes are available near Datteln?

Datteln offers a variety of cycling routes, particularly along its extensive canal system and within the Haard Nature Park. The riverside paths of the Dattelner Meer provide 35 kilometers of scenic cycling. For those interested in off-road adventures, there are dedicated gravel biking routes around Datteln.

Is the Stadthalle Datteln accessible for events?

The Stadthalle Datteln serves as the town's cultural hub, hosting a variety of events from concerts to trade fairs. It underwent significant modernization in 2023 and is designed to be barrier-free, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Can I find places to eat or relax in a historical setting?

Yes, Köster's Kaffeehaus is a charming option. Housed in a monument-protected half-timbered house dating back to 1710, it offers a cozy atmosphere with art and a historical ambiance, originally operating as a tavern.

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

HertenCastrop-RauxelOer-ErkenschwickWaltropHaltern am SeeDorstenHohe MarkHullerner StauseeDie HaardHalterner StauseeBachsystem Des WienbachesBorkenbergeDer HagenVolkspark KatzenbuschBlauer LakeRhader Wiesen

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