Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee
Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee
Best natural monuments around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee are located within a significant nature reserve in Nettetal, North Rhine-Westphalia, known for its diverse ecosystems. This area features four interconnected lakes, which originated from extensive peat extraction and now form a distinctive cloverleaf shape. The landscape includes extensive forests, wetlands, and moist grasslands, providing habitat for numerous plant and animal species. It is part of the EU bird protection area "Schwalm-Nette-Platte mit Grenzwald und Meinweg" and the European Natura…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
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
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee
The Maas-Niederrhein Trail - Cross-border hiking in 19 stages
Leichte.Wander.Welt. - 10 barrier-free paths
Hiking around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee
Cycling around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee
Road Cycling Routes around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee
Running Trails around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee
MTB Trails around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee

Gravel biking around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee
It's pleasant here on the lakeshore.
26
1
Great, quiet place to have a picnic and unwind
11
0
Beautiful tower made of wood and metal. Great view with foresight and interesting movements in the wind 😉😁
8
0
There you can let your soul dangle
15
1
The Krickenbecker lakes are always popular.
41
1
Birds like to use the gate in front of the outflow of the lake as a perch.
50
1
You should also point out that cycling is not allowed here, but you can push yourself 😉 Otherwise it's really nice here, especially in the evening hours.
11
0
The region is characterized by a diverse mosaic of natural features. You can explore the four interconnected Krickenbecker Lakes (Hinsbecker Bruch, Glabbacher Bruch, Poelvenn, and Schrolik), which originated from peat extraction. The area also features extensive old deciduous forests, significant alder carr forests, and unique succession zones along the lake shores. The Glabbacher Bruch Lake is particularly scenic.
For panoramic views, visit the Taubenberg Observation Tower on the Hinsbecker Höhen, offering vistas of the lakes and surrounding countryside. The Schroliksee Viewing Platform provides close-up views of the lake landscape and information about resident swimming birds. Bird lovers should also visit the Rohrdommel Observation Tower and Wetland View for spotting rare bird species in the reeds.
The Krickenbecker Seen are a crucial breeding and resting ground for numerous water birds. You might observe Eurasian wigeons, common pochards, gadwalls, tufted ducks, northern shovelers, common mergansers, and greylag geese. During migration seasons, ospreys, greater white-fronted geese, and bean geese can be seen. The Kleiner De Wittsee is a vital breeding ground for species like Eurasian reed warblers, marsh warblers, common reed buntings, and common nightingales. The alder carr forests host the largest grey heron breeding colony in the region.
Yes, the succession zones along the lake shores are home to rare plants, including the very rare German club-rush (Deutsche Schneide). In spring and summer, the former bed of the Nordkanal is vibrant with blooming marsh marigolds and yellow irises.
The Krickenbecker Seen themselves have historical roots, originating from extensive peat extraction between the 16th and 19th centuries. Additionally, the former Nordkanal (Grand Canal du Nord), conceived by Napoleon in the early 19th century, runs through the area, serving as a cultural-historical feature within the natural landscape.
Many areas are suitable for families. The Krickenbecker Lakes and Little De Wittsee offer paths for walking or cycling, with small trails leading to fishing piers. Viewpoints like the Schroliksee Viewing Platform and the Rohrdommel Observation Tower are also family-friendly for nature observation.
The area offers unique experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn are excellent for birdwatching due to migratory species. In spring, you can also see marsh marigolds and yellow irises blooming along the Nordkanal. Summer provides lush greenery and water lilies on the lakes, while winter offers peaceful walks and different bird species.
The region is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops around the lakes. There are also extensive cycling paths and running routes that allow you to explore the diverse landscapes.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. Consider the 'De Witt Lake – Water View 11 De Wittsee loop' or the 'Krickenbecker Lakes – Schroliksee Viewing Platform loop from Flootsmühle'. For more options, explore the easy hikes guide for the area.
Yes, the area is very popular for cycling. There are numerous cycling paths that allow you to explore the Krickenbecker Lakes and the wider nature reserve. You can find detailed routes in the cycling guide for Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee.
Parking spaces are available in the vicinity of the natural monuments. For example, parking is located opposite the circus youth hostel in Hinsbeck, which is convenient for accessing the Taubenberg Observation Tower and the Hinsbecker Höhen.
Visitors frequently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning natural beauty. Many appreciate the opportunities for birdwatching, the scenic views from observation towers, and the well-maintained paths for walking and cycling. The diverse landscape, changing with the seasons, also receives high praise, with photographers finding abundant motifs.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Krickenbecker Laken und Kleiner De Wittsee: