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Germany
Lower Saxony
Landkreis Emsland

Geeste

Top 20 Lakes around Geeste

Best lakes around Geeste are primarily centered around the Geeste Reservoir, an artificial lake originally constructed as a cooling basin. This significant recreational area features a large body of water, approximately 2 kilometers long and over 1 kilometer wide, with a 6-kilometer hiking trail along its dike. The region offers clear waters suitable for swimming and various water sports, alongside natural surroundings and facilities for outdoor activities. It serves as a hub for both active recreation and relaxation in a…

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Geeste Reservoir North Beach

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The artificial lake was built in the 1980s as a cooling water basin for the Emsland nuclear power plant, twelve kilometers away. It is about two kilometers long and just over a kilometer wide at its widest point.

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Geeste Reservoir East Shore

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Really nice there if you drive around by bike
You feel like you're on vacation
And then stop off at the top of the dyke
Unfortunately, on a Sunday when the weather is nice, it's always very crowded there

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Four recurring regattas take place annually on the reservoir Geeste.

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An 850 meter long beach with sunbathing area invites you to laze around

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Bargerveen Nature Reserve

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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 …

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Emsland Tourismus GmbH

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Emsland Tourismus GmbH
January 30, 2026, Bargerveen Nature Reserve

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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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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Beautiful, interesting stopover on the lake tour!

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Here is a tourist restaurant with a view of the Geestesee. You can charge e-bikes with your own charger here on request.

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Beautifully landscaped lake with gastronomy and sandy beach. A touch of the Caribbean. Detour makes sense.

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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Geeste Reservoir a popular destination?

The Geeste Reservoir, an artificial lake, is a significant recreational area known for its clear waters, ideal for swimming and various water sports like windsurfing, sailing, and diving. It features an 850-meter-long beach and a 6-kilometer hiking trail along its dike, offering scenic views and opportunities for relaxation and active recreation. You can find specific spots like the Geeste Reservoir North Beach and the Geeste Reservoir (West Side), which hosts annual regattas.

Are there good options for cycling around the lakes in Geeste?

Yes, the area around Geeste is well-suited for cycling. The Geeste Reservoir, in particular, has beautifully situated paths, including a popular 6-kilometer trail along its dike. You can find various cycling routes, such as the 'Geeste Reservoir – Geeste Reservoir loop from Geeste' or the 'Ems River – Geeste Reservoir North Shore loop from Geeste'. For more options, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Geeste guide.

What kind of water sports can I do at the Geeste Reservoir?

The Geeste Reservoir is a hub for water-based activities. Its clear water makes it inviting for swimming, and it's a popular spot for windsurfing, sailing, and diving. The Geeste Reservoir (West Side) is home to a sailing yacht club and hosts annual regattas, highlighting the extensive water sports opportunities available.

Are there family-friendly lakes or activities in the Geeste region?

Absolutely. The Geeste Reservoir is very family-friendly, offering a beach, a playground, and various outdoor activities suitable for family outings. Additionally, Haselünne Lake, located near a camping and weekend park, features a charming landscape within a nature reserve and an approximately 100-meter-long sandy beach with a gently sloping shore, making it ideal for children.

Where can I find places to eat or relax near the Geeste lakes?

You can find several options for breaks and meals. The Restaurant Deichkrone at the Geeste Reservoir is a popular spot located right on the lake, offering a great view and a place to relax after activities. The Geeste Reservoir area also has other establishments where you can take a break outdoors or in a locality.

What are the best hiking opportunities around the lakes in Geeste?

The Geeste Reservoir offers excellent hiking opportunities, most notably a 6-kilometer-long hiking trail that runs along the dike, providing scenic views of the water and surrounding land. This trail also leads through a species-rich biotope. For more hiking options, you can check out the Running Trails around Geeste guide, which includes routes like the 'Geeste Reservoir – Geeste Reservoir (West Side) loop from Geeste'.

What natural features can I expect to see around the Geeste lakes?

The Geeste Reservoir area combines lively beach areas with tranquil natural surroundings. The dike trail leads through a species-rich biotope directly bordering the lake, offering opportunities for nature observation. The lake itself is known for its clear water. Haselünne Lake is also embedded in the charming landscape of a nature reserve.

Is there a specific lake known for its views or natural beauty?

The Geeste Reservoir offers picturesque views from its dike trail, encompassing both the expansive water and the surrounding natural landscape. Specific viewpoints like the Geeste Reservoir North Beach and Geeste Reservoir East Shore provide excellent vantage points to appreciate the lake's beauty and the activities on the water.

What is the best time to visit the lakes around Geeste?

The lakes around Geeste, particularly the Geeste Reservoir, are popular during the summer months due to the clear water being inviting for swimming and the extensive water sports opportunities. However, the 6-kilometer hiking and cycling trails around the reservoir make it enjoyable for outdoor activities throughout the warmer seasons.

Are there options for gravel biking near the lakes?

Yes, there are gravel biking opportunities around Geeste. Routes such as the 'Geeste Reservoir – Dortmund-Ems Canal Cycle Path loop from Biene' offer a chance to explore the area on gravel. You can find more detailed routes and information in the Gravel biking around Geeste guide.

What is the origin of the Geeste Reservoir?

The Geeste Reservoir is an artificial lake, originally built in the 1980s. It served as a cooling water basin for the Emsland nuclear power plant, located twelve kilometers away. Today, it has transformed into a significant recreational area, offering a wide range of activities and natural beauty.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Geeste? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

MeppenTwistHaren (Ems)VreesLingen (Ems)EmsbürenHaselünneSpelleLähdenSchapenBawinkelGroß BerßenLorupGerstenSalzbergenWerlteRastdorfNaturpark HümmlingSustrumLünneNiederlangenOberlangenFrerenLathenStavernBörgerSögelPapenburgSpahnharrenstätteLahnMessingenThuineKlein BerßenRhede (Ems)HandrupWettrupHerzlakeWerpelohDersumNeuleheBeestenHüvenWalchumDörpenBockhorstFresenburgWippingenEsterwegenHilkenbrookNeubörgerRenkenbergeKluseSurwoldAndervenneDankernseeBreddenberg

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