Top 20 Lakes around Hövelhof
Best lakes around Hövelhof include several notable and popular bodies of water easily accessible from the area. While large natural lakes are not directly within the municipality, the region offers diverse aquatic environments. Hövelhof is situated near the origin of the Ems river, with scenic landscapes like the Moosheide nature reserve. This area provides opportunities for outdoor activities centered around its various lakes and ponds.
Best lakes around Hövelhof
- The most popular lakes is Padersee, a lake that was created as a flood retention basin and now serves as a recreation area. It features an adventure playground and pleasant paths for strolling.
- Another must-see spot is Lippesee, a lake popular for water sports and recreation. Visitors can enjoy sailing, surfing, pedal boating, and fishing, with a paved cycling and walking path encircling the lake.
- Visitors also love Bentteiche Ponds in the Upper Furlbach Gorges, a series of ponds that originated from former clay mining pits. These have evolved into unique biotopes, offering a serene natural environment.
- Hövelhof is known for its diverse range of lakes, including recreational lakes, former mining pits turned into biotopes, and flood retention basins. These provide varied experiences for nature observation and outdoor activities.
- The lakes around Hövelhof are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2900 upvotes and over 260 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lippesee
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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, resting or feeding. The area is part of the European bird sanctuary "Rietberger Emsniederung with Steinhorster Basin".
A wide ring moat protects the core zone of the nature reserve from disturbances. From the top of the dike and two lookout towers, the natural and animal world can be observed with binoculars or telescopes.
Hike (A1, A2, A3) or cycle (De5) the area via one of the signposted circular routes. Finally, it is worth taking a detour to the Brinkmeier farm café.
The history of the Steinhorster basin
In the 1970s, a retention basin was created to protect the towns of Rietberg and Rheda-Wiedenbrück on the Upper Ems near Steinhorst from flooding. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia bought the central storage space of around 80 hectares and turned it into a water bird reserve.
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Lippesee Circular Overflow Weir
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Padersee
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Steinhorster Becken Nature Reserve
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Popular around Hövelhof
The Paderborn Land Route – 250 kilometers through the middle of Westphalia
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Tips from the Community
The hike around Padersee and Neuhaus Castle can be easily done together as a small tour 😊
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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 dyke grazing at the Steinhorst basin is very practical, because the sheep 🐑 naturally help to keep the grass short there.
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Image taken in November 2022
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The Steinhorst Basin is located near Delbrück and is a truly beautiful and expansive nature reserve. Perfect for fish 🐟🐠 and birds 🐦. It's a great place to walk or cycle. There are two observation towers there, and the "Water, Paths, Corners" cycle path from Delbrück to Lake Möhne also begins there. It was a truly beautiful ride, approximately 130 km long.
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A beautiful route, along the NSG
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Very nice recreation area. There are numerous ways and opportunities to enjoy the view of the lake.
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A pearl of nature. Always worth a trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore around Hövelhof?
Around Hövelhof, you'll find a diverse range of lakes, including popular recreational areas like the Lippesee, flood retention basins that now serve as recreation spots such as the Padersee, and unique biotopes formed from former clay mining pits, like the Bentteiche Ponds.
Which lakes near Hövelhof are best for water sports and swimming?
The Lippesee is a prime destination for water sports. You can enjoy sailing, surfing, pedal boating, and fishing there. It also features a small beach on the north shore for swimming and relaxation. Water skiing opportunities are available at the adjacent Nesthauser See.
Are there family-friendly lakes with activities for children?
Yes, both the Lippesee and the Padersee are excellent choices for families. The Lippesee offers a children's playground, mini golf, and sunbathing lawns. The Padersee features an adventure playground and pleasant paths for strolling, making it ideal for families.
Where can I find serene natural environments for observation near Hövelhof?
The Bentteiche Ponds in the Upper Furlbach Gorges offer a unique and serene natural environment. These ponds originated from former clay mining pits and have evolved into distinct biotopes, perfect for nature observation and tranquil walks.
Are there good options for walking or cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Lippesee is completely encircled by mostly paved paths, suitable for cycling and running all year round. The Padersee also has very nice paths for strolling. For more extensive routes, you can find various hiking and cycling guides for the Hövelhof region.
What outdoor activities are available near the lakes around Hövelhof?
Beyond water sports, the area around Hövelhof's lakes offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, hiking routes, and cycling paths, including a mountain bike course at the Lippesee. The nearby Moosheide nature reserve also offers scenic landscapes for exploration.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Hövelhof?
Yes, the Lippesee is considered dog-friendly, with paths suitable for walks with your pet. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash where required and respect local regulations.
Are there accessible viewpoints or areas for visitors with limited mobility?
The View of the Lippesee from the south shore is noted as wheelchair accessible. This viewpoint offers a great perspective of the lake and includes seating arrangements for a comfortable break.
What natural features can I see besides the lakes themselves?
Beyond the lakes, the region boasts the Moosheide nature reserve, where the Ems river originates. This area features scenic landscapes with sand dunes and heathlands, which are particularly beautiful when the heather blooms in August and September. The Bentteiche Ponds are also unique biotopes formed in former clay mining pits.
Are there places to eat or relax near the lakes?
Yes, near the Padersee, you'll find a beer garden and cafes. The Lippesee has a kiosk with a small beach on the north shore, and barbecue areas for visitors to enjoy.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Hövelhof?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse recreational opportunities, especially at the Lippesee, for its water sports and well-maintained paths. The serene natural beauty of the Bentteiche Ponds and the family-friendly amenities at the Padersee are also highly appreciated.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Hövelhof?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, with paths suitable for cycling and running in all seasons. For water sports and swimming, the warmer months are ideal. If you wish to experience the heathlands of the nearby Moosheide nature reserve in full bloom, August and September are particularly beautiful.
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