Hiking through the German Nettetal

The German Nettetal is part of the Maas-Schwalm-Nette border park. This hiking trail introduces you to the German town of Kaldenkirchen, the Krickenbecker Seen and the mixed forests of the Venloër Heide.

Krickenbecker Seen
The Krickenbecker Seen are four lakes created by peat extraction that lie in the shape of a cloverleaf around Krickenbeck Castle. The lakes are located in the valley of the Nette river that still flows through the lakes today. This nature reserve is one of the oldest and largest in North Rhine-Westphalia. On the banks you walk through alder swamp forests and damp grasslands. In this part of the border region it is wonderfully quiet.

Venlo Heath
In Napoleon's time, the Venloër Heide was still part of a large cross-border heathland. Where this heathland has been preserved in the Netherlands, you walk through a mixed forest on German territory. Near the forest you pass the Schwanenhaus, called the Cologne Barrier in the Netherlands. This is the former border crossing for the motorway between Venlo and Germany. After walking, you can enjoy a drink and a meal in a unique atmosphere at Oelespot Restaurant.

Would you like to explore the Maas-Schwalm-Nette border park by bike? Then take route 372960.