Easy hikes and walks around Venekotensee

The model aircraft launch site near Elmpt is a place where people can fly radio-controlled aircraft. This location is situated near the Elmpter Schwalmbruch nature reserve in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Due to its location close to the border, the site is also visited by people from the Netherlands. The launch site consists of an open area where model aircraft can safely take off and land. Because there are few buildings and obstacles in the vicinity, the area is suitable for this hobby. Model aircraft are controlled by remote control and can come in various shapes and sizes, from small aircraft to larger models that resemble real airplanes. The model aircraft launch site is often used by hobbyists who build or modify their aircraft themselves. For them, it is not only a sport but also a technical hobby where knowledge of aerodynamics and engineering is important. At the launch site, they can test and improve their models. Because the location is close to a nature reserve, the environment is taken into account. Rules apply to protect nature and to ensure that other people are not disturbed by the flying. In this way, attention is paid to safety and limiting noise.

This is almost a regular feature here in the Lower Rhine region: running between the waterways. Here we are between Lake Venekoten (left) and the Schwalm River (right).

The Venekotenbach is a tranquil stream that winds its way through a green, intimate landscape. The water meanders past forests, meadows, and small marshlands, making it an important habitat for birds, insects, and amphibians. During a walk along the stream, you'll experience the tranquility and watch the clear water meander through the natural surroundings. Especially in spring and summer, this is a beautiful spot to spot dragonflies and enjoy the lush green surroundings.

The Schwalmbruch trail takes you through one of the most beautiful and diverse areas of the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park. The area is known for its wet heathlands, peaty grasslands, small streams, and rare plants and animals. Especially in spring and summer, you'll encounter flowering heath orchids and countless dragonflies. The landscape is constantly changing: from tranquil forests to open peatlands and along waterways where, with a bit of luck, you might spot kingfishers or even beaver tracks. The well-marked trails offer both short circular walks and longer hikes.

Very nice path for a hike

On the opposite side of the path from the observation tower, you'll find (at the time of writing) two information boards. They, like part of the path that leads you there and the surrounding nature, are surrounded by juniper bushes. One of the boards (with a brown background, see photos) shows a schematic profile of the Elmpter Schwalmbruch, which is part of the Maas-Schwalm-Nette nature reserve. This diagram shows the different layers, including peat, juniper heaths, bog myrtle, birch swamp forest, alder swamp forest, and the animals and plants on the slopes, valleys, and even on and under the ground (peat, sand, the Swalm river, etc.). Very informative. The second board provides a colorful overview of the area's fauna and flora: from the sheep that graze there to the sundew, a common species in heathland and fenland, and the completely harmless grass snake. If you turn around, you'll also see an information board on the renovated lookout tower. It tells you more about the water management in the area (including groundwater) and about lignite mining. In short: something for everyone to learn more about this region and what you see. Both juniper berries and bog myrtle were used, especially in the past, in many alcoholic beverages. With juniper berries, that's primarily jenever, of course, but also gin and aquavit, for example (for aroma). And with bog myrtle, it's beer, especially in the Middle Ages when bog myrtle was an important component of gruit, a mixture of herbs that gave beer its aroma. There's also bog myrtle jenever in Denmark. Juniper berries are, of course, also found in sauerkraut. All those plants on those signs are, and were, more than simply beautiful and useful for nature conservation and various animals, such as the bird species that love juniper berries.

This is a nice wide walking path in Swalmbruch

many beautiful paths in the Elmpter Forest