Top 20 Lakes around Jade
Lakes around Jade offer diverse natural and cultural experiences in a region characterized by its coastal proximity and historical landscapes. The area features a mix of man-made and natural bodies of water, including harbor areas, castle park ponds, and unique moorland lakes. Visitors can explore locations that combine natural beauty with local history and art. The region provides opportunities for walks and observing local wildlife.
Best lakes around Jade
- The most popular lakes is Varel Harbor, a port and…
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Varel Harbor
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Ellernteich Fountain, Rastede Castle Park
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Ellern Pond
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The Ark – Preservation of Creation (Thorsten Schütt)
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Mühlenteich Varel
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Northern side shortly after the exit of the Hankhauser Bäke
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The Ellernteich is a real curiosity - because this pond was created twice. The Grand Duke of Oldenburg, Peter Friedrich Ludwig, had a park built here in Rastede next to his summer residence. His son and successor, Paul Friedrich August, expanded the park in the style of an English landscape park. In the course of this, the local lowland, which was covered with alders, known in Low German as Ellern, was converted into a fish pond in 1842. How complex the undertaking was can be seen from the fact that the pond was only completed 9 years later, in 1848. When it was completed, a new line of sight was created from the castle across the Ellern and Mühlenteich ponds to the water mill.
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The idyllic mill pond is an old forest lake and is located in the forest near Obenstrohe, a district of Varel. It is surrounded by hiking trails and a fairytale forest landscape. The circular path around the pond is equipped with benches that invite you to linger. This is a particularly good place to observe water birds, including swans. A fishing trail with boards offers additional information about the nature of the area and fishing. There are also parking spaces near the pond. (Source: https://www.blutana.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/Muehlenteich-Varel-2437.html)
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Over time, Varel harbor has undergone many changes, but its romance has remained. Today, the harbor is a colorful mixture of moorings for private pleasure boats, the home port of individual fishing boats, a location for commercial enterprises and a tourist attraction. Many guests come to Varel harbor to enjoy fish in the fresh sea breeze in the various restaurants. Watch the fishermen smoking eels, have a small fish snack or enjoy a Frisian beer in the smallest pub in Germany. In the harbor area, traces of the old Christiansburg can still be found, which was built in the 17th century by the Danish King Christian V. A map shows the old fortification walls and moats. In 1733, a sluice was built, the section in front of the dike was designed as a mooring point for ships. The development of shipping was initially hesitant. It was only with the start of industrial
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A beautiful place with a lot to discover. Everyone will find something interesting around the harbor basin.
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Stroll in the beautiful city park along the Ellernteich circular hiking trail. This is 4.1 km long
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A station on the sculpture trail on the dike: here The Ark by Thorsten Schütt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore around Jade?
The Jade region offers a diverse mix of water bodies, including bustling harbor areas like Varel Harbor, tranquil historical park ponds such as Ellernteich Fountain, Rastede Castle Park, and unique moorland lakes. You'll find both natural beauty and man-made features that blend with local history and art.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities around Jade?
Yes, several spots are great for families. Varel Harbor is family-friendly with dining options and views of boats. The Ellernteich Fountain, Rastede Castle Park offers pleasant walks around the pond, and the nearby Ellern Pond has areas where children can play. The sculpture The Ark – Preservation of Creation (Thorsten Schütt) is also considered family-friendly as part of a dike trail.
What historical or cultural sites are located near the lakes in Jade?
The region combines natural beauty with historical elements. The Ellernteich Fountain, Rastede Castle Park is a lake within a historical park, originally expanded as an English landscape park. You can also find man-made monuments like The Ark – Preservation of Creation (Thorsten Schütt), which is part of a sculpture trail along the dike near the Jade Bay.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Jade?
The area around Jade's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'View of the Jade Bight – View of Varel Harbor loop' or 'Varel Harbour – Varel Harbor loop'. For hiking, there are easy trails such as the 'Sehestedt Salt Marsh Trail' or 'Floating Moor of Sehestedt' which offer views of small lakes and birdlife. Running trails are also available, including a 'View of the Jade Bay loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Jade, Running Trails around Jade, and Hiking around Jade guides.
Are there good spots for birdwatching near the lakes?
Yes, the Birdwatching hut and boardwalk in the Floating Moor of Sehestedt is an excellent location. A boardwalk leads through the moor to a viewing platform where you can observe birdlife over a small lake. This unique floating moor is a rare sight at the North Sea.
Where can I find good views of the Jade Bay?
For scenic views of the Jade Bay, visit Varel Harbor, which offers direct vistas. Additionally, the sculpture The Ark – Preservation of Creation (Thorsten Schütt) is situated along a dike near the Jade Bay, providing another viewpoint.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Jade?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from dining and watching boats at Varel Harbor to peaceful walks in historical settings like Rastede Castle Park. The unique natural features, such as the Floating Moor of Sehestedt, and the blend of art and nature along the dike trails are also highly valued.
Are there opportunities for walks or hikes around the lakes?
Absolutely. You can enjoy walks around the Ellernteich Fountain in Rastede Castle Park. The Floating Moor of Sehestedt features a boardwalk leading to a birdwatching hut, offering a unique walking experience. There are also various hiking routes available, such as the 'Sehestedt Salt Marsh Trail' and 'Floating Moor of Sehestedt loop', which are generally easy.
Can I find places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, Varel Harbor is known for its dining options, particularly for fresh fish. It features many restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with views of the harbor and the Jade Bay.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Jade's lakes?
Beyond the lakes themselves, you'll encounter diverse natural features. These include forests within historical parks, unique moorland environments like the Floating Moor of Sehestedt, and coastal landscapes along the Jade Bay. These areas provide opportunities to observe local flora and fauna, especially birdlife.
Are there any unique natural monuments to visit?
Yes, the Floating Moor of Sehestedt is a notable natural monument. It's a rare moorland that floats with the tide, offering a unique ecosystem and a boardwalk for exploration. The Ellernteich Fountain, Rastede Castle Park is also considered a natural monument within its historical setting.
Most popular attractions around Jade
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