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Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Heinsberg

Wassenberg

Effelder Waldsee

Discover

Places to see

Lakes

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Heinsberg

Wassenberg

Effelder Waldsee

Recommended by 57 hikers out of 59

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 Waldsee

4.4

(86)

359

hikers

1. Effelder Waldsee – Gitstapper Watermill loop from Effeld

6.36km

01:37

10m

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

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Easy

4.7

(51)

248

hikers

2. Gitstapper Watermill – Rur Riverside Trail in Roerdal loop from Effeld

8.76km

02:13

20m

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

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Intermediate

4.8

(29)

148

hikers

3. Rur Riverside Trail in Roerdal – Effelder Waldsee loop from Effeld

14.1km

03:34

30m

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

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Intermediate

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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Details

Informations

Elevation 60 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 23 September

17°C

8°C

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Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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

Effelder Waldsee

1. Effelder Waldsee – Gitstapper Watermill loop from Effeld

2. Gitstapper Watermill – Rur Riverside Trail in Roerdal loop from Effeld

3. Rur Riverside Trail in Roerdal – Effelder Waldsee loop from Effeld

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