Top 20 Lakes around the Ems
Best lakes around the Ems offer diverse natural landscapes for outdoor activities. The region features a mix of natural lakes and reservoirs, providing various opportunities for exploration. Many areas around the Ems lakes include easy walking trails and are family friendly. The landscape often combines water features with parkland and natural reserves.
Best lakes around the Ems
- The most popular lakes is Geeste Reservoir (West Side), a lake that hosts recurring regattas annually. This location also features a sailing…
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Ems Lake, Warendorf
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Steinhorster Becken Observation Tower
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Steinhorster Becken Nature Reserve
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The Steinhorster Basin is considered to be the largest human-made biotope in North Rhine-Westphalia. Here native, but also many migrating waders and water birds find undisturbed areas for breeding, …
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Rieselfelder Nature Reserve
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Steinhorster Becken Nature Reserve
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Weir and outflow at Steinhorster Becken
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Geeste Reservoir (West Side)
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MarinaPark Emstal
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Former State Garden Show Park, Rheda-Wiedenbrück
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Emssee and Flora Westfalica Park
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Popular around Ems
Hiking Germany's Hermannsweg – In the footsteps of the Cheruscan
Groot Frieslandpad (LAW 14) – Right through the North of the Netherlands
LandesGartenSchau Route – Westphalian Dream Parks
Geest Cycle Route – Experience natural spaces
Germany's Westphalian City Tour — linking historic town centres
100 Castles Route – Discover the historical treasures of Münsterland by bike
Hellweg-Weser railway cycle route – Ride through western Germany
The Paderborn Land Route – 250 kilometers through the middle of Westphalia
Hase Ems route — cycling through Hasetal and Emsland in 7 stages
The Ems Cycle Route – in 7 stages from the Senne to the North Sea
Other adventures around the Ems
Tips from the Community
Great area for leisurely driving.
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Nice little bungalows are located at the marina.
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Tourism At the reservoir there is an 850 m long sandy beach with a lawn for sunbathing, restaurants, a sun terrace, a large children's playground, a halfpipe for inline skaters and a beach volleyball court. There are also numerous outdoor activities, such as windsurfing, sailing, diving, stand-up paddling and a mountain bike trail. Around 15 km of paved cycling and hiking trails open up the lake, 5.8 km of which are on the crest of the dam. The Emspark Auenwald holiday park has been located directly on the lake since 2006. There is also a youth campsite, a mobile home site and a youth house at the reservoir. The house is run by the Jugendhaus am Speicherbecken Geeste e.V. association. The Geester Seemeile takes place on the second weekend in July, an open-air shanty on the second Sunday in August and a kite festival in spring/summer.
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The lake The artificial lake was built in the 1980s as a cooling water basin for the Emsland nuclear power plant, twelve kilometers away, on the former Lingen state forest "Biener Sand" and "Geester Sand". It is about two kilometers long and 1.3 km wide at its widest point. It is located on the B 70 and 15 meters higher than the surrounding terrain. According to RWE, the water surface is 230 hectares. The lake has no natural inflows other than precipitation and groundwater. Its water is taken from the Ems via the Dortmund-Ems canal and returned when required. The ring dam is a dam made of earth fill. If the Ems water flow is not sufficient to supply the additional water volumes required for normal operation of the power plant block, this can be taken in whole or in part from the reservoir. The stored water is fed to the block's extraction area via the Dortmund-Ems Canal.
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The Steinhorster Basin near Delbrück is really a very beautiful and large idyllic nature reserve, especially for water birds and other aquatic animals. The A3 hiking trail that leads around it is also very beautiful. I've been there 2 years in a row and very impressed.
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The Ems is dammed here in a controlled manner. The weir blends into the landscape.
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Just look and let your mind wander.
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A tip for beer 🍺 A small, family-run, committed and cozy brewery in Lünne. With an attached restaurant, it is an experience, the tour was very informative and you could try all the types of beer that are made there! The location is very dignified and cozy. Guests can also try curling or crossbow shooting, for example. The service was extremely friendly and attentive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around the Ems?
Yes, many lakes in the Ems region are well-suited for families. For example, Ems Lake, Warendorf features a park and a pirate playground. The Geeste Reservoir (West Side) and Saerbeck bathing lake also offer family-friendly environments.
What kind of walking trails can I find around the Ems lakes?
You'll find a variety of walking trails, including easy paths suitable for leisurely strolls. Ems Lake, Warendorf is known for being easy to walk around. The area around the View of Emssee and Emsseepark also offers idyllic paths. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore routes like the 'Hövelhof heathland circular walk' or the 'Ems adventure trail: Moosheide north loop' which are part of the Hiking around the Ems guide.
Are there wheelchair-accessible paths near the Ems lakes?
Yes, some areas offer accessible paths. The Former State Garden Show Park in Rheda-Wiedenbrück is noted for having wheelchair-accessible routes, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic environment.
Where can I find parking near the lakes?
Many popular lake destinations provide parking facilities. For instance, Ems Lake, Warendorf and the Former State Garden Show Park in Rheda-Wiedenbrück are highlights that include parking in their amenities.
What outdoor activities can I do near the Ems lakes?
The Ems lakes region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like those found in the Hiking around the Ems guide, or cycle along routes such as the 'Kul-Tour' from the Cycling around the Ems guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like the 'Lahre observation tower – Riverside Path' available in the MTB Trails around the Ems guide. Water sports, including sailing, are prominent at locations like the Geeste Reservoir (West Side).
Are there good spots for swimming in the Ems region?
Yes, the Ems region features designated bathing lakes. The Saerbeck bathing lake is a popular choice for swimming and relaxing by the water.
What natural features can I expect to see around the Ems lakes?
The Ems lakes are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. You'll encounter a mix of natural lakes and reservoirs, often surrounded by parkland and natural reserves. Highlights like the Fichtenvennsee offer forest settings, while the Emssee Nature Reserve Observation Tower provides views over protected areas.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, some lake areas offer facilities like cafes and restaurants. MarinaPark Emstal is a highlight that includes both a cafe and a restaurant, providing convenient options for refreshments.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Ems lakes?
Visitors frequently praise the idyllic and relaxing atmosphere of the Ems lakes. Many appreciate the easy-to-navigate paths, the beautiful scenery, and the opportunities for both active recreation and peaceful relaxation. The combination of water features with green spaces and facilities like playgrounds, as seen at Ems Lake, Warendorf, is particularly popular.
Can I find viewpoints to enjoy the scenery?
Absolutely. The Ems region offers several excellent viewpoints. The Emssee Nature Reserve Observation Tower provides panoramic views, and other highlights like the View of Emssee and Emsseepark are specifically noted for their scenic vistas.
What is the best time to visit the Ems lakes?
The Ems lakes are enjoyable throughout much of the year, with spring and summer being ideal for water activities and lush green landscapes. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while milder winter days can be pleasant for walks. The Geeste Reservoir (West Side) hosts recurring regattas annually, which might be a specific draw during certain times.
Most popular routes around the Ems
Most popular attractions around the Ems
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