Cicu­lar Hik­ing Trails in the Maas-Schwalm-Nette Nature Park

With its rivers, lakes and streams, the Maas-Schwalm-Nette Nature Park in the Lower Rhine is a wa­tery won­der­land for hikers.

The Lower Rhine region offers exceptional opportunities for hiking: nine circular routes in the Maas-Schwalm-Nette Nature Reserve, covering a total of around 100 kilometres, have been checked and certified by the Deutsches Wanderinstitut e.V. (German Institute of Hiking). The routes range from 6 to 19 kilometres in length and lead through forests and heathland, marshland, streams, water meadows, rivers, lakes and historic buildings – all typical features of the Lower Rhine region.

Hikers following the Zwei Seen Runde (Two Lakes Circuit) will discover the Borner See, a lake that appeared in the 17th century as the result of peat cutting, and other sights including the Born mill, which was mentioned in writing as early as 1412. The millers kept the mill running until 1960. A twilight trip through the primeval forests of Birgel offers hikers an opportunity to encounter nocturnal animals such as tawny owls, little owls and badgers. During the daytime, hawks, sparrowhawks, kites, wild boars, foxes and hares come out to play.

The Maas-Schwalm-Nette Nature Reserve is a particularly good place for hikers to enjoy day trips or short breaks. No other nature park is more shaped by water. The Maas, Schwalm and Nette rivers, which give the park its name, along with the River Niers and numerous lakes, streams and fen woods, all shape the nature reserve’s beautiful landscape.