Lakes around Ankum, a resort town in Lower Saxony, Germany, offer diverse natural and recreational experiences. The area is characterized by its wooded landscapes, including the Ankumer Höhe, and features a mix of natural and man-made water bodies. These lakes serve as flood retention basins, nature reserves, and popular spots for outdoor activities. The region provides opportunities for walking, cycling, and water sports, making it a destination for various interests.
Last updated: June 15, 2026
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The Alfsee was artificially created to regulate the water level of the Hase River and to facilitate agriculture in the Hase floodplains. This recreational lake is dammed by this dam. From here, you have a fantastic view of the large reservoir. Walking across the dam is definitely worth it.
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Alfsee, located southeast of Alfhausen, a few hundred meters east of the B 68, can be reached from this federal highway and from the Neuenkirchen-Vörden junction of the A 1, which runs just to the east. Rieste train station, served hourly from Bremen (via Delmenhorst) and Osnabrück, is only about 1,800 meters from Alfsee.
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The 330 m long overflow sill, the inlet of the Alfsee, was built in 1974 with a 10 hectare settling basin. This is where sand and alluvial particles that would worsen the water quality of the lake are supposed to settle. The outlet structure was also built in 1974.
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The Hase flows through small gates into the Alfsee.
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The water of the Hase flows through the Alfsee.
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It's best to drive on top of the dike instead of on the small pavement below.
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Here you can switch over to the reserve area. Although it is close to the road, it is a bit quieter here.
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The Alfsee with the basin to the north is always worth a round. The surrounding restaurants invite you to linger after a hike around the lake.
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The Alfsee is a highly popular man-made reservoir offering extensive leisure activities like water skiing and a Germanic Adventure World. Another favorite is Heidesee in Holdorf, known for its white sand beach and clear water, creating a 'South Sea feeling' perfect for swimming and relaxation. The Darnsee near Bramsche is also well-loved for its natural outdoor swimming and family-friendly amenities.
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. The Alfsee offers a go-kart track, an indoor play area, and a water park. Heidesee in Holdorf features a large, well-equipped playground with a shipwreck and wave slide. The Darnsee also provides a large slide and a dedicated play area for younger children, including a mud track and climbing frame.
The lakes around Ankum offer diverse natural features. The Alfsee is set in a beautiful park landscape within the wooded Ankumer Höhe. Heidesee boasts clear, blue water and is surrounded by heath and forest. The Ankumer See is part of a nature reserve, and the Darnsee is also partly a nature reserve, providing a habitat for numerous bird species. Lordsee features eight islands that serve as breeding and resting grounds for various waterfowl.
Beyond water-based activities, the region offers various outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'View of Sussumer Steinplateau – Eggermühlen Castle loop from Ankum', or explore gravel biking trails like the 'Hase Lake – Mittelland Canal loop from Rieste'. For hikers, there are easy trails like the 'Meyer megalithic tomb – Grumfeld West Megalithic Tomb loop from Steinkiste Giersfeld'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Road Cycling Routes around Ankum, Gravel biking around Ankum, and Easy hikes around Ankum.
Yes, many lakes offer excellent paths for walking and cycling. The Hase Lake has a nice paved path around it, suitable for both. The Ankumer See features a pedestrian path encircling it, perfect for leisurely strolls. The Alfsee also has an easy-to-ride bike path around it, with the north shore being particularly pleasant for longer walks.
Heidesee in Holdorf is a natural bathing lake known for its clear, blue water and white sand beach, making it perfect for swimming. The Darnsee near Bramsche is also a natural outdoor swimming pool with various activities both in and out of the water. The Alfsee features a beach area with a sandy shore and a water park for swimming.
Yes, the Lordsee, located in Ankum, is primarily known as an excellent fishing lake. It's a popular spot for anglers, especially for carp and pike, but also offers bream, catfish, eel, perch, and rainbow trout.
The lakes are enjoyable throughout the year, but the warmer months are ideal for swimming and water sports. For active recreation like cycling and hiking, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures. Even in summer, places like the North shore of the Alfsee can be quiet outside peak hours, and the wooded areas around lakes like Heidesee provide ample shade.
Absolutely. The Alfsee Overflow Weir offers great views over the Alfsee and the sound of the water. The Ankumer See features an island centrally located in the lake and a popular lake terrace, especially in summer. Many paths around the lakes, such as the one at Hase Lake, also offer scenic views.
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural or recreational, the Alfsee area features the Germanic Adventure World, which offers tricky challenges and stories, providing a blend of adventure and historical themes. The wider region around Ankum also has picturesque towns and castles that can be explored by cycling.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of activities available, from active water sports at the Alfsee to the relaxing 'South Sea feeling' at Heidesee. The well-maintained paths for walking and cycling, the family-friendly amenities, and the natural beauty of the landscapes are frequently highlighted. Many also enjoy the tranquility, especially outside of peak season, and the opportunity to observe local wildlife.


Still not found your perfect lake around Ankum? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.