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Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Effelder Forest Lake

Lakes

North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Heinsberg

Wassenberg

Effelder Forest Lake

Highlight • Lake

Effelder Forest Lake

Recommended by 58 hikers out of 60

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Schwalm-Nette

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Location: Wassenberg, Heinsberg, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Best Hikes to Effelder Forest Lake

4.4

(85)

358

hikers

1. View of Waldsee Effeld – Gitstappermolen loop from Effeld

6.31km

01:36

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.5

(51)

192

hikers

2. View of Waldsee Effeld – Effelder Forest Lake loop from Effeld

8.13km

02:03

20m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(48)

154

hikers

3. Rur Riverside Trail in Roerdal – Gitstapper Watermill loop from Herkenbosch

9.70km

02:28

20m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

July 26, 2025

Several rare and endangered species can be found at the Effelder Waldsee and in the surrounding area. These include the little ringed plover and several diver species, which even breed here. Whitethroats, cuckoos, and greylag geese are some of the native bird species. The lake also serves as a stopover for migratory birds traveling between the south and north.

At the edges of the lake and in the surrounding forest, species such as marsh iris, milkweed, and chickweed grow.

Insects such as firebugs and sand beetles do not escape the watchful eye of visitors. Butterflies and moths, including the wood butterfly, can also be spotted here.

A hiking trail runs around the lake.

Source and more: niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/der-effelder-waldsee-7dc9c3d5d5

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Herbert 🏔 👣 Frei(e)Zeit 💞

January 23, 2025

Depending on the weather, atmospheric view of the lake.

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Anneke B.

February 16, 2025

An old gravel pit, now a nature reserve with many water birds

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saskia

February 6, 2025

A beautiful lake on the border of Vlodrop. Nice for bird watching

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Appie1960

June 19, 2025

beautiful piece of nature during this walk. This forest lake is very much worth it

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Shay

August 23, 2025

Beautiful lake with viewing points

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Details

Informations

Elevation 60 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 15 November

13°C

11°C

70 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Wassenberg, Heinsberg, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Effelder Forest Lake

1. View of Waldsee Effeld – Gitstappermolen loop from Effeld

2. View of Waldsee Effeld – Effelder Forest Lake loop from Effeld

3. Rur Riverside Trail in Roerdal – Gitstapper Watermill loop from Herkenbosch

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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