Exotic superstars in pink are the eye-catchers of the Zwillbrocker Venn, a nature reserve in western Münsterland near the German-Dutch border. In the middle of a moor and wetland landscape, flamingos can be seen raising their offspring here every year. The colony of around 40 to 50 animals returns to the fens every spring during the breeding season and uses the habitat as a nursery. In addition to the flamingos, the Zwillbrocker Venn is home to a variety of other bird species, including spoonbills, black-headed gulls and lapwings. With its wet meadows, moors and small forests, the area offers a varied habitat for numerous animal and plant species. The blooming moor heaths in summer and the bright autumn colors of the alder and birch forests are particularly impressive.
An approximately six-kilometre circular hiking trail leads around the large moorland lake and to the best observation points. Specially equipped birdwatching huts make it possible to observe the flamingos and other rare birds in peace. You can also cycle through the nature reserve: a 450-kilometre flamingo route leads right past the long-legged birds.
