Do you like getting up early? Then get your wellies out right away and set off for the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park. Because in the early hours of the morning, when there is still a light mist over the landscape in the "Wandering Water World" in the German-Dutch border region, the atmosphere is particularly beautiful. And sometimes even a little mysterious. But of course there is also plenty to experience on the Lower Rhine for those who start the day a little later and set off on a hike or cycle tour.
You will look in vain for high mountains in the region, but there is plenty of water, over which hundreds of dragonflies buzz on nice days. Rivers such as the Schwalm, Rur, Niers and Nette as well as small lakes and streams run through the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park, whose landscape is also characterized by typical forests, gnarled pastures and beautiful heathland. Many rare animals and plants find shelter here. If you are curious and keep your eyes open, you might spot a moor frog hopping across the path here and there or discover a newt or sand lizard somewhere in the swamp. But, as a little tip between us, watch out for mosquitoes ... They also feel particularly at home by the water.
Water views
You can get very close to the water birds - even without getting your feet wet - from one of the more than 20 "water views", which offer a particularly beautiful view of the wetlands and moorland. You can easily recognize them by the blue ground plates at your feet. If you not only want to enjoy the view, but also learn more about the special features of the region, don't forget your smartphone. Because at viewpoints such as the Elmpter Schwalmbruch or the Galgenvenn, information can be accessed via a QR code.
Water.hiking.world
As the region is particularly flat, you can explore it perfectly on foot. And at the highest level. Nine premium hiking trails alone wind their way through the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park. However, they are not without their challenges. Depending on where you are, whether on the Nette Lakes circuit or in the Birgel primeval forest, the tour can sometimes take the whole day. Of course, there are also short walking trails where you won't lose sight of the water. Along the way, you will pass historic mills that are typical of the lowlands of the Lower Rhine. Because where there is water, there is usually wind. Three windmills and 14 watermills have been preserved and today offer lovely places to stop for refreshments and overnight accommodation.
Mobile forest laboratory
It goes without saying that you should be careful on your tour through the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park and not stray from the path, with consideration for the animals and plants. To ensure that even the youngest visitors learn how important nature is for us humans - and not the other way around - there is the "Mobile Forest Laboratory" in the spirit of education for sustainable development. The handcart on wheels, equipped with all kinds of "research utensils" such as magnifying glasses and tweezers, can be borrowed from the Wachtendonk Nature Park Center.
