Do you like getting up early? Then you should grab your rubber boots right away and head to the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park. Because in the early morning hours, when a light mist still hovers over the landscape in the “Wandervollen Wasserwelt” (Hiking Water World) in the German-Dutch border region, the atmosphere is especially beautiful—and sometimes even a little mysterious. But of course, the Lower Rhine also has plenty to offer for those who start their day a bit later and set out on a hike or bike ride.
You won’t find any high mountains in the region, but there’s plenty of water, over which hundreds of dragonflies flit on beautiful days. Rivers such as the Schwalm, Rur, Niers, and Nette, as well as small lakes and streams, wind through the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park, whose landscape is also characterized by primeval forests, gnarled willows, and beautiful heathlands. Many rare animals and plants find “refuge” here. So if you’re curious and keep your eyes open, you might spot a moor frog hopping across your path here and there, or discover a Alpine newt or a sand lizard somewhere in the marsh. But, here’s a little tip just between us: watch out for the mosquitoes… They really love being near the water.
Water Views
You can get up close to the waterfowl—without getting your feet wet—from one of the more than 20 “water viewpoints,” which offer particularly beautiful views of the wetlands and moorland landscapes. You’ll easily recognize them by the blue floor tiles at your feet. If you want to do more than just enjoy the view—and learn even more about the region’s unique features—don’t forget your smartphone. At viewpoints like the Elmpter Schwalmbruch or the Galgenvenn, you can access information via a QR code.
Water.Hike.World
Since the region, as mentioned, is particularly flat, it’s perfect for exploring on foot—and at the highest level. There are nine premium hiking trails alone that wind through the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park. But they’re not exactly a walk in the park. Depending on where you’re hiking—whether on the Nette Lakes Loop or in the Birgeler Urwald—the tour can sometimes take the whole day. Of course, there are also short walking trails where you’ll never lose sight of the water. Along the way, you’ll repeatedly pass historic mills that are typical of the Lower Rhine lowlands. After all, where there’s water, there’s usually wind, too. Three windmills and 14 watermills have been preserved and now offer charming places to stop for a break or spend the night.
Mobile Forest Lab
It goes without saying that during your tour through the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park, you’ll be mindful and stay on the trail out of consideration for the animals and plants. To ensure that even the youngest visitors learn how important nature is to us humans—and not the other way around—the “Mobile Forest Lab” has been created as part of education for sustainable development. The wheeled handcart, equipped with all sorts of “research tools” such as a magnifying glass and tweezers, can be borrowed from the Wachtendonk Nature Park Center.
