Top 20 Lakes around Dornum
Best lakes around Dornum offer diverse natural experiences within East Frisia, Germany. This region is known for its unique bog landscapes and coastal proximity. Dornum provides access to significant natural attractions, including Germany's largest raised bog lake. The area features various walking routes and opportunities to observe distinct ecosystems.
Best lakes around Dornum
- The most popular lakes is Great Schlopp Lake, a lake that serves as a resting area for wildlife. It is a larger inland lake with benches along its cycle path.
- Another must-see spot is Ewiges Meer Boardwalk and Moor Lake, a moor lake and natural monument. This location features a wooden circular route through moor heaths and offers an observation deck.
- Visitors also love Südstrandpolder Birdwatching Hut, a hut and viewpoint near a lake. This site allows for observing many different animals, with information boards inside the hut.
- Dornum is known for its raised bog lakes, artificial pond systems, and inland lakes. These bodies of water offer a variety of natural features and recreational opportunities for exploration.
- The lakes around Dornum are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 160 upvotes and more than 300 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 6, 2026
Ewiges Meer
Highlight • Lake
Im zentralen Hochmoorbereich dominiert weitgehend die natürliche Entwicklung, und örtlich sind die für aufgewölbte Regenmoore charakteristischen Bult-Schlenken-Komplexe ausgebildet. Nährstoffarmut und Säuregehalt des Moorwassers lassen nur spezialisiertes pflanzliches oder tierisches Leben gedeihen. Rosmarinheide (Andromeda polifolia), Gewöhnliche Moosbeere (Vaccinium oxycoccos), Moorlilie (Narthecium ossifragum), Gewöhnliche Rasenbinse (Trichophorum cespitosum), Rundblättriger, Mittlerer und Langblättriger Sonnentau (Drosera spec.) und Weißes Schnabelried (Rhynchospora alba) sind typische Blütenpflanzen, die mit diversen Torfmoosen sowie mit Wollgräsern (Eriophorum spec.) vergesellschaftet sind.
Die umgebende, überwiegend offene Landschaft wird geprägt von Moorheiden aus Besen- und Glockenheide (Calluna vulgaris und Erica tetralix) sowie Beständen aus Pfeifengras (Molinia caerulea). Der lückige Gehölzbewuchs setzt sich vor allem aus Moorbirken (Betula pubescens), Grauweiden (Salix cinerea) und Ebereschen (Sorbus aucuparia) zusammen. Da die drei ursprünglich getrennten Moorkörper erst vor relativ kurzer Zeit zusammengewachsen sind, beträgt die Dicke der Torfschicht um das Meer teilweise nur einen Meter.
Neben der Hauptwasserfläche gibt es noch weitere sogenannte Mooraugen wie das „Kleine Eversmeer“ (nach Teilverlandung derzeit noch ca. 3,4 ha Wasserfläche), die „Dobbe“ (8,7 ha einschließlich Verlandungszonen) und die beiden „Krickmeere“ (0,6 und 0,35 ha), dazu zahlreiche größere durch Torfgewinnung entstandene wassergefüllte Rinnen. Hier brüten die streng geschützten, letzten Trauerseeschwalben in Ostfriesland.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ewiges_Meer
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Südstrandpolder Birdwatching Hut
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Great Schlopp Lake
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Lake Großheide
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Neuharlingersiel Beach
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Tips from the Community
With a surface area of 89.2 hectares, the Eternal Sea is Germany's largest raised bog lake. The boardwalk around the nature reserve is currently closed. Only the path to the sea is open and can be reached from the parking lot in just a few minutes. There is a small platform and a bench.
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Welcome to bird watching at the Südstrandpolder! The Südstrandpolder is of artificial origin: construction of a military airport began here in 1940, but was never completed, with the exception of the dike. Instead, a diverse landscape developed from the former mudflats. Today, the polder is home to extensive bushes and wet heaths, as well as the largest reed beds on the East Frisian Islands. These reed beds and the pond system created in 1988 are home to many species of birds that breed, feed and rest here.
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Fantastic landscapes there. Really recommend going there.
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The lake, which was created by sand mining, has a water surface of around 4.5 hectares and a maximum depth of around 10 meters. It was expanded into a leisure complex with parking spaces for cars and mobile homes in 2012. In addition to a rampart with a seating area, the paving of the footpath with benches and benches and an open-plan pavilion, an area for leisure and relaxation was created for locals and guests. The leisure complex has a beach area with a shallow water zone and an adjacent lawn. The leisure activities are expanded by green and play areas as well as a beach volleyball court. The "Kieselbucht" playground can be found directly at the bathing lake. Parking and mobile home parking spaces are located on Kruisweg.
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Information about the moor at https://www.ewiges-meer-route.de/ewiges-meer-route/
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Beautiful beach 🏖. Just let your mind wander here.
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You should bring time and binoculars with you here. A huge bird area. Beautiful untouched nature.🦤
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore around Dornum's lakes?
The region around Dornum is known for its distinctive raised bog landscapes. A prime example is the Ewiges Meer, Germany's largest raised bog lake, which boasts a unique ecosystem and is a designated nature reserve. You can experience this at the Ewiges Meer Boardwalk and Moor Lake, where a wooden circular route leads through moor heaths to an observation deck. The area is crucial for preserving rare species, including the last black terns in East Frisia.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities near Dornum?
Yes, several lakes around Dornum offer family-friendly options. Lake Großheide is a popular bathing lake with a sandy beach, playground, and beach volleyball courts, making it ideal for a day out. The Südstrandpolder Birdwatching Hut is also family-friendly, offering opportunities to observe various animals with informative boards inside.
Where can I go birdwatching near the lakes?
The Südstrandpolder Birdwatching Hut is an excellent spot for observing a wide variety of birds. Located near a lake, it provides information boards and is known for its diverse animal life depending on the season. Additionally, the Pond in the Salt Marshes (Ruhezone I/18), particularly after storm surges or in winter, transforms into a vast expanse of water, creating a paradise for hundreds of birds.
What kind of walking or hiking trails are available around Dornum's lakes?
You'll find diverse walking opportunities. The Ewiges Meer Boardwalk and Moor Lake offers a wooden circular route through unique moor heaths. For longer walks, the summer dike section from Hilgenriedersiel to Nessmersiel, near the Pond in the Salt Marshes, provides a paved path through salt marshes, where you might encounter young cattle. For more structured routes, explore the running trails around Dornum, which often incorporate scenic lake views.
Can I cycle around the lakes in Dornum?
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the area. The Great Schlopp Lake features a cycle path along its northern end with benches for resting. The paved path along the summer dike near the Pond in the Salt Marshes is also suitable for cycling. For dedicated cycling routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Dornum or MTB Trails around Dornum.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Dornum?
The summer months are ideal for guided tours at the Ewiges Meer, which can be booked through the tourist information in Dornum. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and enjoying bathing lakes. However, the unique atmosphere of the Ewiges Meer can be particularly dramatic on stormy, rainy days, offering a different kind of experience.
Are there any lakes suitable for swimming near Dornum?
Yes, Lake Großheide, also known as Kiessee, is a designated bathing lake. It features a small sandy beach with a shallow water zone, making it a great spot for swimming and relaxation during warmer months.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes and surrounding bog landscapes are rich in wildlife. The Ewiges Meer is a crucial breeding ground for the last black terns in East Frisia. At the Südstrandpolder Birdwatching Hut, you can observe many different animals, especially various bird species. The salt marshes near the Pond in the Salt Marshes are used as pasture for young cattle, so you might encounter curious animals there, and the area is a paradise for hundreds of birds, particularly in winter.
Are there any legends or historical stories associated with the lakes?
The Ewiges Meer is steeped in local legends, including tales of a "Moorfrau" (moor woman) who is said to reside in the lake and appear in the mist during late evenings. This adds a mystical element to the already impressive natural landscape of Germany's largest raised bog lake.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Dornum?
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse natural experiences, from the unique bog landscapes of the Ewiges Meer to the tranquil birdwatching opportunities at Südstrandpolder. The community also enjoys the well-maintained paths for cycling and walking, the family-friendly amenities at Lake Großheide, and the overall peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and nature observation.
Is the Ewiges Meer accessible for everyone?
The Ewiges Meer Boardwalk and Moor Lake is noted as wheelchair accessible, allowing a broader range of visitors to experience its unique beauty and reach the observation deck. Guided tours are also available during summer months.
Where can I find information about guided tours around the lakes?
Guided tours, particularly for the Ewiges Meer, are available during the summer months. You can book these tours through the tourist information center in Dornum.
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