Top 20 Lakes around Selm
Best lakes around Selm, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, are characterized by diverse natural and recreational offerings. The area features both artificial lakes, like the Ternscher See, and reservoirs, such as the Hullerner See, which contribute to its appeal as a destination for outdoor activities. These bodies of water provide opportunities for swimming, hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation within a natural landscape. Selm's proximity to these lakes makes it a central point for exploring the region's aquatic environments.
Best lakes around Selm
- The most popular lakes is Dattelner Lake, a river that serves as a junction where multiple canals converge. This location offers views of nearby locks and the surrounding landscape.
- Another must-see spot is Ternscher Lake, a lake with a beach area and excellent water quality. It is a popular bathing lake, suitable for swimming and various recreational activities.
- Visitors also love Lippeaue Nature Reserve (Stockum to Werne), a natural monument known for its wildlife. This reserve provides opportunities for observing birds and experiencing scenic sections along the Roman Lippe route.
- Selm is known for artificial lakes, natural reserves, and canal systems. These offer a variety of aquatic environments to see and explore, from swimming lakes to tranquil nature observation areas.
- The lakes around Selm are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 3700 upvotes and more than 1700 photos shared across 8 highlights.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Vischering Castle
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Horstmarer Lake Beach
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Ternscher Lake
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Lippeaue Nature Reserve (Stockum to Werne)
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Dattelner Lake
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Other adventures around Selm
Tips from the Community
Beautiful paths right along the canal with a view of the canal crossing.
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Here the Wesel-Datteln and Dortmund-Ems Canals join
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A beautiful and easy-to-ride path along the canal. There's always something to see here.
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Always worth a visit The sunset there is fantastic
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on bumpy paths along the canal. The wind always comes from the front
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Two canals meet here. A quiet trip along the canal with a lock that may have to be crossed with a small detour if you are travelling in the wrong direction.
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We haven't cycled on the other canals yet, but what we saw on the Dortmund-Ems Canal was a beautiful landscape, and we were able to cycle on mostly good cycle paths along the canal. Between Senden and Münster you can even cycle on the right-hand side of the canal on an asphalt cycle path. The towns of Datteln, Selm, Olfen, Senden, Lüdinghausen and Münster are easily accessible from the canal. The entire stage from Dortmund-Deusen, the start of the canal, to Münster was 220km there and back. In Lüdinghausen and Münster we stayed in 2 very good cyclist hotels. Lüdinghausen, "Hotel No. 11" and Münster "Zum guten Hirten" (approx. 500m from the canal. Bus connection in front of the hotel to the city center. I can only recommend this tour.
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Dattelner Meer Four canals meet in Datteln: Dortmund-Ems Canal, Rhine-Herne Canal, Wesel-Datteln Canal and Datteln-Hamm Canal. The length of these waterways in the Datteln urban area is a total of 17 kilometers. That is why Datteln confidently calls itself the "largest canal junction in the world." See: https://www.roemerlipperoute.de/entdecken/vorstellung-etappenorte/datteln/dattelner-meer/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I do at the lakes around Selm?
The lakes around Selm offer a variety of activities. At Ternscher Lake, you can enjoy swimming, stand-up paddling, and even Germany's largest floating climbing park, the Aqua-Climb. The lake also has beach volleyball and football fields. For a more tranquil experience, Hullerner See is ideal for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Selm area?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Ternscher Lake is particularly family-friendly, offering a designated non-swimmer area, playgrounds, and the Aqua-Climb for children aged eight and up. Horstmarer Lake Beach also provides a wide range of leisure activities for the whole family within its park setting.
Where can I go swimming near Selm?
The primary spot for swimming is Ternscher Lake, which boasts a beach area and lido with excellent water quality, meeting EU standards. It's a popular bathing lake with a diving platform. Horstmarer Lake Beach also offers a bathing lake for refreshing dips.
Are there good places for hiking or cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Hullerner See features various circular routes for hikers and cyclists, ranging from 7 to 15 kilometers. You can find numerous hiking routes around the lakes, including a moderate 12.9 km loop around Ternscher Lake. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Selm or cycling routes around Selm.
What kind of nature and wildlife can I observe at the lakes?
The lakes offer rich opportunities for nature observation. The Hullerner See is a haven for birdlife, where you can spot cormorants, great crested grebes, geese, and even ospreys. The Lippeaue Nature Reserve is also known for its diverse wildlife, especially birds, providing excellent animal observation opportunities.
Are there any unique attractions at the lakes near Selm?
Yes, Ternscher Lake is home to the Aqua-Climb, described as Germany's largest floating climbing park on the water, featuring 28 challenges and a 26-meter zip line. Additionally, the Dattelner Lake area is unique as it's a junction where multiple canals converge, offering interesting views of locks and waterways.
Can I find accommodation or camping near the lakes?
Yes, particularly around Ternscher Lake, there is a campsite and holiday homes available. These options range from caravan pitches to safari tents and Swedish-style cabins, some offering lake views. Some holiday homes are also barrier-free and dog-friendly.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the lakes for refreshments?
Yes, you can find amenities for refreshments. Ternscher Lake has a beach café that provides snacks, ice cream, and drinks with a view of the lake. The Horstmarer Lake Beach also features a café.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Selm?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at Ternscher Lake. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling around Hullerner See and other areas, with spring being excellent for birdwatching.
Is there parking available at the lakes around Selm?
Yes, parking facilities are generally available at the popular lake destinations. For instance, Horstmarer Lake Beach is listed as having parking. It is advisable to check specific lake information for detailed parking options.
Are the lake paths around Selm suitable for dog walking?
Many natural areas and lake paths are suitable for dog walking, especially around the Hullerner See which offers tranquil circular routes. Some holiday homes near Ternscher Lake are also dog-friendly, indicating a welcoming environment for pets. Always keep dogs on a leash and respect local regulations, especially in nature reserves.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths around the lakes?
While specific accessibility details vary, the Datteln-Hamm Canal, which is part of the broader lake and waterway system, features wheelchair-accessible sections. Some holiday homes at Ternscher Lake are also barrier-free, suggesting efforts towards accessibility in the area.
Most popular routes around Selm
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