Discover the canals & lakes around Riesenbeck: the Dortmund-Ems Canal, Torfmoorsee, Herthasee & Aasee Ibbenbüren. Ideal for walks, bike rides & water sports.
Privathotel Riesenbeck – Canals and Lakes
The area around Riesenbeck in the Münsterland is shaped by water. Canals, rivers and lakes invite you to go walking, cycling, fishing or simply to relax. Particularly popular are the Dortmund-Ems Canal, the Nasses Dreieck, the Torfmoorsee, the Herthasee and the Aasee Ibbenbüren. Each of these places has its own special charm and can be reached quickly from Privathotel Riesenbeck.
Dortmund-Ems Canal & Nasses Dreieck
The Dortmund-Ems Canal is one of Germany’s most important waterways and runs right through Riesenbeck. At the Nasses Dreieck near Hörstel it meets the Mittelland Canal – a spectacular junction for inland shipping.
Here visitors can watch push convoys, cargo ships and leisure boats, stroll along the water or cycle along the embankments. Picnic spots, viewpoints and locks make the area a rewarding destination for engineering fans and families alike.
🚤 Theme: One of Germany’s major waterways
📍 Location: Through Riesenbeck, Nasses Dreieck near Hörstel
⛴️ Highlights: Junction of the Dortmund-Ems Canal & Mittelland Canal
👀 Experience: Watch ships passing through the locks & manoeuvring
🚲 Activities: Cycling on well-surfaced canal-side paths
🚶 Leisure: Walks & picnics by the water
🏞️ Nature: Open countryside with wide views
📸 Photo spots: Panorama at the Nasses Dreieck
📜 History: Opened in 1899, part of the region’s industrial heritage
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Easy to reach, safe paths
Torfmoorsee Hörstel – Natural Lake & Leisure Paradise in the Münsterland
The Torfmoorsee in Hörstel-Riesenbeck is an idyllic natural lake in the Münsterland. It was created from a former peat-cutting area and has become a popular place for leisure and relaxation. Visitors appreciate the combination of nature, water sports, fishing and cycle paths – set in the green countryside between the Teutoburg Forest and the Emsland.
The lake covers about 23 hectares, is used by locals and tourists alike and lies very close to the Nasses Dreieck and the town of Hörstel. With its good links to cycling and hiking trails, the Torfmoorsee is perfect for day trips and short breaks.
Here visitors can watch push convoys, cargo ships and leisure boats, stroll along the water or cycle along the embankments. Picnic spots, viewpoints and locks make the area a rewarding destination for engineering fans and families alike.
🏊 Swimming & Relaxing
📍 Location: Separate bathing area on the eastern shore of the Torfmoorsee
⛱️ Highlights: Sandy beach, large sunbathing lawn, gently sloping shore
👀 Experience: Safe swimming & sunbathing in the middle of nature
🚲 Activities: Cycle to the beach and combine it with a lap of the lake
🚶 Leisure: Picnic blankets & relaxed walks by the water
🏞️ Nature: Clear water, surrounded by meadows and trees
📸 Photo spots: Sunsets over the lake
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Ideal for children thanks to the shallow entry
🎣 Fishing
📍 Location: Designated fishing areas around the lake
⛴️ Highlights: Pike, zander, eel, whitefish
👀 Experience: Quiet fishing spots with views of nature
🚲 Activities: Arrive by bike, fish during the day or in the evening
🚶 Leisure: Unwind on the shore with your fishing chair
🏞️ Nature: Birds and water plants for company
📸 Photo spots: Your catch with a panoramic view of the lake
📜 Note: Only permitted with a valid fishing licence and fishing permit
🚶 Hiking & Cycling
📍 Location: Circular path right at the Torfmoorsee, connecting to the EmsRadweg cycle route
⛴️ Highlights: Short walks or longer bike tours through the Münsterland
👀 Experience: Changing perspectives of the lake and the countryside
🚲 Activities: Cycling, jogging or inline skating
🚶 Leisure: Walks with the dog or the family
🏞️ Nature: Reed beds, wide landscapes, waterbirds
📸 Photo spots: Panoramic views along the lakeside path
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Largely step-free, suitable for pushchairs
🦆 Experiencing Nature
📍 Location: Western and northern shores with quiet reed zones
⛴️ Highlights: Waterbirds, dragonflies, rare plants
👀 Experience: Observing nature away from the bathing areas
🚲 Activities: Bird- and plant-spotting tour by bike
🚶 Leisure: Walks with binoculars
🏞️ Nature: Wildlife habitat in the former peat area
📸 Photo spots: Dawn with mist over the lake
📜 History: Created by peat cutting, now a biotope
🍴 Food & Drink and Surroundings
📍 Location: Near Riesenbeck, restaurants just a few minutes away
⛴️ Highlights: Regional cuisine, beer gardens & cafés
👀 Experience: Dining with a view of the Münsterland
🚲 Activities: Stops on cycling or hiking tours
🚶 Leisure: Combine a walk with a stop for food and drink
🏞️ Nature: Where the lake meets the Teutoburg Forest
📸 Photo spots: Nature & culinary moments combined
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Child-friendly restaurants in the area
Herthasee Hörstel – Swimming Paradise & Leisure Lake in the Münsterland
The Herthasee in Hörstel is a popular swimming lake in the Münsterland with a sandy beach, campsite and a wide range of leisure activities. It was created from a former gravel pit and has developed into a holiday and local recreation area. Visitors appreciate the combination of beach, water sports, nature and places to eat.
The lake is conveniently located on the B475 between Hörstel and Ibbenbüren and is a magnet for families, campers and day-trippers, especially in summer.
Things to Do at the Herthasee
🏖️ Swimming & Beach
📍 Location: Southern shore with a large sandy beach and sunbathing lawn
⛱️ Highlights: Lifeguarded bathing area, beach volleyball courts, children’s playgrounds
👀 Experience: Swimming, sunbathing & fun in a holiday atmosphere
🚲 Activities: Reachable by bike via the EmsRadweg cycle route and local tours
🚶 Leisure: Swimming, relaxing or walks along the beach
🏞️ Nature: Clear water, surrounded by woods and green spaces
📸 Photo spots: Sunsets on the beach & views of the shore
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Shallow entry points, safe swimming zones
🏕️ Camping & Overnight Stays
📍 Location: Campsite directly adjoining the lake
⛱️ Highlights: Pitches for motorhomes, caravans and tents
👀 Experience: A holiday right by the water, close to nature
🚲 Activities: Bike trips into the surrounding area, canal tours
🚶 Leisure: Barbecue areas, evenings together by the lake
🏞️ Nature: Green pitches with a view of the lake
📸 Photo spots: Idyllic camping by the water’s edge
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Well-equipped sanitary facilities & play areas
🚤 Water Sports & Leisure
📍 Location: Water sports area on the lake
⛱️ Highlights: Windsurfing, pedalos, stand-up paddleboarding
👀 Experience: Sport and fun on the water
🚲 Activities: Can be combined with cycling or hiking tours
🚶 Leisure: Relaxed laps in a pedalo
🏞️ Nature: View of the Teutoburg Forest in the background
📸 Photo spots: Action shots on the water
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Activities for children & beginners
🍴 Food & Drink and Surroundings
📍 Location: Restaurants & kiosks right by the lake
⛱️ Highlights: Snack bar, beer garden, cafés
👀 Experience: Chips, ice cream or a cool drink by the water
🚲 Activities: The perfect stop on cycling or hiking tours
🚶 Leisure: A walk followed by a bite to eat
🏞️ Nature: Dining with a view of the water
📸 Photo spots: Terrace with sunset views
👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Children’s meals & a relaxed atmosphere
Practical Information
📍 Address: Herthasee, 48477 Hörstel (Ostenwalde district)
🚗 Parking: Available right by the lake
🚌 Public transport: Bus connections from Hörstel & Ibbenbüren
🏕️ Accommodation: Campsite & holiday accommodation by the lake
⏰ Best time to visit: May to September for swimmers, all year round for walks
FAQ – in a Nutshell
The most important questions and answers about the Nasses Dreieck
Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions
What is the Nasses Dreieck in Hörstel?
The Nasses Dreieck is a unique waterway junction in Hörstel where the Dortmund-Ems Canal and the Mittelland Canal meet.
Where is the Nasses Dreieck?
It is located in Hörstel, North Rhine-Westphalia, just a few minutes from Privathotel Riesenbeck.
Why is it called Nasses Dreieck?
The name (literally “wet triangle”) comes from the triangular shape of the waterway junction where the canals meet.
What is the significance of the Nasses Dreieck?
It is one of Germany’s most important inland waterway junctions and has played a role in freight transport for more than 100 years.
Can you go for a walk at the Nasses Dreieck?
Yes, around the Nasses Dreieck there are lovely walking and cycling paths right by the water.
Can you watch ships there?
Yes, visitors can watch cargo ships and leisure boats manoeuvring, passing through the locks and sailing by.
Is the Nasses Dreieck family-friendly?
Yes, it is ideal for a family outing with children, as there is plenty to see and there are safe paths by the water.
Is there parking at the Nasses Dreieck?
Yes, parking is available close by. Cyclists will also find direct connections.
Can you have a picnic at the Nasses Dreieck?
Yes, there are rest and picnic areas that are ideal for a break by the water.
How do I get from Privathotel Riesenbeck to the Nasses Dreieck?
By car or by bike you will be there in just a few minutes. Here is the direct route link:
👉 Start route