Top 20 Lakes around Twist
Best lakes around Twist, a municipality in Lower Saxony, Germany, are primarily recreational lakes and reservoirs rather than large natural bodies of water. The area is situated within the Emsland district, near the Bourtanger Moor-Bargerveen International Nature Park, characterized by its raised bogs and wetlands. While major natural lakes are not a prominent feature directly within Twist, the region offers various water bodies for recreation and nature observation. These lakes provide opportunities for outdoor activities, often featuring sandy beaches and…
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Geeste Reservoir North Beach
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Restaurant Deichkrone at the Geeste Reservoir
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Bargerveen Nature Reserve
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Lake Dankern (Recreational Lake)
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So much is going on here ... so if you fancy a lot of hustle and bustle ...
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Thatched Shelter by the Lake
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Popular around Twist
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After the peat bog was extracted in the 1960s, the Dutch Forestry Commission began the renaturation of what is now the Bargerveen nature reserve. Today, due to its exceptional diversity of flora and fauna, it enjoys special protection as a European bird sanctuary and an important wetland. You can explore the area on approximately 30 kilometers of hiking trails, enjoy panoramic views of the bog from the observation hill and tower, or experience the unique landscape on guided tours and accessible rides on the Veenland Express train.
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Beautiful nature all around and an exceptional shelter directly on the lake
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Nice shelter when the weather doesn't play along.
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A beautiful recreation area with beach and palm trees. Something like that can also be made from a cooling water reservoir for a nuclear power plant.
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Beautifully made by Elg reeddekkersbedrijf
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The Geeste reservoir was built in the 1980s and has a capacity of around 23.4 million cubic meters of water. It is used from the Dortmund-Ems Canal at times when there is sufficient water flow in the Ems filled with a pump. At times of low water, up to 18 million cubic meters of water can then be returned via the canal to the Ems from the basin in the same way. Without further interference with nature, the Dortmund-Ems Canal serves as a long-distance water pipeline between the reservoir and the Ems. The total capacity of the basin is designed in such a way that the Lingen nuclear power plant can continue to operate even if the drought lasts for months without affecting the ecology of the Ems. The lake is about 2 km long and about 1.3 km wide at its widest point. The path on the crest of the dam is about 5.8 km long. The Geeste reservoir serves as a local recreation area for the region and offers a wide range of opportunities for walkers, cyclists, swimmers, sailors and divers.
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Good vantage point over the area there.
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The Bargerveen are a beautiful nature reserve. A former peat region, but now nature can recover. Many different bird species and snakes (e.g. adders) can be observed there. And there are wonderfully developed hiking/biking trails through the heath/peat landscape. We recommend!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lakes can I expect to find around Twist?
The lakes around Twist are primarily recreational lakes and reservoirs, rather than large natural bodies of water. They are often integrated into nature reserves, offering opportunities for recreation and nature observation, frequently featuring sandy beaches and visitor facilities.
Are there family-friendly lakes with activities for children?
Yes, Lake Dankern (Recreational Lake) is a popular family destination with a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, and various water sports. The Geeste Reservoir North Beach also offers a bathing beach and opportunities for sailing, surfing, or diving, making it suitable for families.
What outdoor activities are popular around the lakes near Twist?
The area around Twist's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along beautifully situated paths around the Geeste Reservoir, or hiking and cycling tours around Lake Dankern. There are also numerous hiking routes available, such as "The Torfstecher (Peat Cutter) – Moorland Trails" or "Bargerveen Heath and Wetlands," which you can explore further in the Hiking around Twist guide.
Are there good places for nature observation or wildlife spotting near the lakes?
Absolutely. The region is situated within the Bourtanger Moor-Bargerveen International Nature Park, characterized by raised bogs and wetlands. The Südliches Versener Moor Nature Reserve, for instance, is a rewetting area that provides habitat for numerous bird and amphibian species, making it ideal for nature observation.
What are some notable viewpoints around the lakes?
The Thatched Shelter by the Lake offers a wonderful refuge and vantage point within a large living raised bog area. Additionally, the Restaurant Deichkrone at the Geeste Reservoir provides great views over the lake, especially from its outdoor seating.
Can I go swimming in the lakes around Twist?
Yes, swimming is a popular activity. Lake Dankern (Recreational Lake) has a sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The Geeste Reservoir North Beach also features a great bathing beach where you can cool off.
Are there places to eat or stay near the lakes?
Yes, for dining, the Restaurant Deichkrone at the Geeste Reservoir is a highly-rated option right on the lake. For accommodation, Lake Dankern is part of a holiday park, offering various facilities and lodging options for visitors.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Twist?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports at places like Lake Dankern and the Geeste Reservoir. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling through the surrounding nature reserves, with beautiful scenery.
Are there easy walking paths around the lakes?
Many of the paths around the lakes are suitable for easy walks. For example, the area around the Thatched Shelter by the Lake offers a nice, quiet area for walking. You can find several easy hiking routes, such as "The Torfstecher (Peat Cutter) – Moorland Trails," in the Easy hikes around Twist guide.
What makes the Geeste Reservoir unique?
The Geeste Reservoir is an artificial lake built in the 1980s. It's known for its extensive beach, opportunities for sailing, surfing, and diving, and the scenic paths around it that are popular for cycling. It offers a great spot for outdoor breaks.
What kind of wildlife can be found in the Bourtanger Moor-Bargerveen Nature Park?
The Bourtanger Moor-Bargerveen International Nature Park, which includes areas like the Südliches Versener Moor Nature Reserve, is characterized by its raised bogs and wetlands. These unique ecosystems provide habitat for numerous bird and amphibian species, making it a rich area for wildlife observation.
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