The lake district makes Haddorf a destination for days by the water and walks through nature. At the Haddorfer Seen recreational area, activities include swimming, fishing, sailing, surfing and other water sports. The landscape’s origins are also remarkable: gravel extraction created the lake district.
Swimming, Water Sports and the Lake District
The activities on the water go beyond just one pastime. You can consider swimming and fishing, as well as sailing, surfing and other water sports. This lets you plan your stay around your own interests, without every activity having to be the same kind of experience. In the wider destination of Wettringen, one lake in the Haddorfer Seen recreational area is designated as a swimming lake. Swimming conditions may vary by season.
Heathland and Trails by the Water
A heathland lies between the swimming lake and the larger Haddorfer See. Hiking trails run around the lakes, while the adjacent Stovernsche Forest offers further opportunities for nature-focused walks. Different landscape features sit side by side: trails by the water, heathland between the lakes and other nature experiences in the forest. When planning your day, you can choose one of these focuses rather than treating the activities as a single tour.
Getting Around the Recreational Area
The grounds include a large free car park and an entrance avenue. Boardwalks and prepared paths are designed to make it easier to find your way around the swimming lake. This information helps you get a sense of the site: alongside the water-based activities, there is a planned visitor route around the swimming area. During your stay, you can therefore choose between spending time by the lake and following trails through the landscape.
Simple Overnight Stays in Cycling Cabins
There are six simple cycling cabins in the recreational area. Each cabin accommodates four people. If the cycling cabins suit your travel plans, check availability before you arrive.
Haddorf in the Wider Destination of Wettringen
In the wider destination of Wettringen, the Haddorfer Seen recreational area lies in the north of the municipality. One lake there is designated as a swimming lake, and the lakes are used by anglers, sailors, surfers and swimmers. Other nature-related places in Wettringen should be considered separately: the Brechte Nature Reserve (ST-123) covers 45.43 hectares. This keeps a clear distinction between the activities at the Haddorfer Seen recreational area and other places in the wider destination.
Wettringen also has cultural attractions. The Ahlers local history house is around 500 years old and the oldest building in the municipality. The Wettringen local history house contains numerous exhibits of traditional crafts, including a spinning wheel, a loom and panels on blue-dyeing. As a separate piece of route information, the northern loop of the 100 Castles Route starts and ends in Wettringen.
Getting There in the Wider Destination
Wettringen no longer has its own railway station. Travel by train via Rheine station or Burgsteinfurt station, then continue to Wettringen on the R80. Check the relevant connections for your journey. This information applies to Wettringen; it does not describe a direct connection to the Haddorfer Seen recreational area.
View the wider travel guide: Wettringen.
