Offene Heide

Due to its use as a military training area in the heart of the Senne, it is not managed and has not been reshaped very much, so that this open landscape, which is home to many rare plant and animal species, has been preserved to this day.

The Ems rises on the edge of the "Moosheide" nature reserve. The top spring in the Holte-Stukenbrocker district of Stukenbrock-Senne is a seepage spring that pours all year round. Many water outlets nourish the source stream, so that there are other sources in addition to the town of Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock in the area of the municipality of Hövelhof.

You can't get closer to nature ...

The Ems springs from the seepage source in the NSG Moosheide. First a small stream that later grows into a river. Since I am usually in the Ems floodplains in Münster, Telgte or Eine, it was quite interesting to see the origin of the Ems. And it starts quite small and inconspicuous ;-) The hiking area in the Moosheide is very scenic, with many narrow to wide and sandy hiking trails, through forests and open heath areas.

The water gushes fresh and clear from the source of the Ems.

The Moosheide is a circular nature reserve with a size of 442.72 ha, which is predominantly (281.83 ha) in Hövelhof in the district of Paderborn and the smaller part (160.89 ha) in Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock in the district Gütersloh. In the area are the seepage sources of the Ems

Holiday feeling, great nature, just let your mind wander ...

Please go during the week, as it can be relatively full on the weekend.

A beautiful renatured part of Emsquellen

These selfie points can be found in many places in the city. Very nice

Very interesting that such a beginning becomes a big river.

I can not remember when I last saw so much beautiful flowering heather. A feast for bees who whirr and hum around here.

While you relax you can find out more about the place on the boards.

Who takes a break here is not undisturbed. This section is very popular, so it is often overcrowded.

all in all a very nice area for hiking, mountain biking and dog walking;)

A must for anyone who loves the Ems, where everything begins ... a mystical place

Beautifully laid out, but very slippery in autumn - good shoes are a MUST!

Here arises the source of the Ems

A great sprawling heathland in the military training area. Note opening hours!

A great biotope with a nice, quiet hiking trail. The tables are explained understandably and give young and old good information.

Beautiful wide heathland, well worth a visit if the heather is not blooming.

We've discovered a selfie point and made ample use of it. 😀

Great idea and a nice souvenir photo!

Found 2 selfie points on the round.