Around 145 kilometres of signposted hiking trails, lakes and wetlands define Nettetal’s natural side. There are also attractions with a range of different focuses: from the protected area around the Krickenbecker Lakes and nature watching at De Wittsee to textile history at the DIE SCHEUNE Museum. When choosing how to spend your stay, you can weigh up outdoor activities, nature and culture.

Hiking between lakes and wetlands

Nettetal’s network includes around 145 kilometres of signposted hiking trails, some of which cross the border. These include premium trails, nature trails, circular routes and accessible paths. The landscape combines lakes and wetlands with forests, higher ground, moorland and heathland, as well as broad, green floodplains. If you want to compare specific routes, the Krickenbecker Lakes have green and blue circular trails of 7.3 and 10.2 kilometres. Both are suitable for hiking or cycling. At the large De Wittsee, an orange-marked, 3.8-kilometre circular trail runs along the lake. It offers views of the lake, swamp forest and extensive meadows.

Krickenbecker Lakes and De Wittsee

The Krickenbecker Lakes are designated as a Natura 2000 FFH and bird protection area. The information centre beside the lakes explains the nature of the protected areas through exhibitions. The shop stocks hiking and cycling maps, nature books, drinks, snacks, ice cream and regional products; the selection may change.

At De Wittsee, nature watching and water sports offer different ways to enjoy the area. The large lake basin offers opportunities for swimming, sailing and canoeing; check local rules before your visit. A diverse range of birdlife can be seen along the natural shores, including from seating areas on the old railway embankment. The smaller southern lake is protected and serves as a breeding ground for waterbirds in spring. A cycle path at De Wittsee also follows a section of the former Kempen–Kaldenkirchen railway line.

Nature spots and guided activities

The NABU Nature Conservation Farm has an outdoor area of approximately two hectares, with chickens, wildflower meadows, ponds and fruit trees; individual features may change. It offers nature tours and themed programmes for adults, families, kindergartens, school classes and people with disabilities. The individual activities vary. The Schwalm-Nette Nature Park and the Niederrhein Association also regularly offer guided themed hikes.

The Biological Station’s excursion programme includes tours of the Lower Rhine region departing from the information centre. As the specific dates change, it is worth checking the current programme. The Sequoiafarm, an arboretum covering more than 35,000 square metres in Kaldenkirchen-Nettetal, offers a different nature-focused experience. Its significance includes the first cultivation of sequoias in Europe and more than 400 rare woody plant species.

Textile history at DIE SCHEUNE

At the DIE SCHEUNE Textile Museum, changing exhibitions explore the development of the textile trade and textile industry in the Lower Rhine region. Demonstrations feature hand spinning, spinning on a treadle wheel and hand weaving. They also include a working Jacquard loom. The museum complements the area’s nature attractions with a distinct cultural theme, focusing on the history of textile production and its techniques.

Discover more destinations: Grefrath, Schwalmtal, Kempen, Viersen, Niederkrüchten, Brüggen, Tönisvorst, Willich.

Back to the main travel overview: Viersen.