Best lakes around Bislicher Insel are integral to this unique floodplain landscape on the Lower Rhine, situated between Xanten and Wesel. The area features a diverse array of water bodies, including oxbow lakes, gravel pit lakes, and seasonal wet meadows. These water features collectively form a significant natural habitat, particularly recognized as a birdwatching paradise. The dynamic interplay between the Rhine and its surrounding landscape creates an ever-evolving environment.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Like the Starship Enterprise: endless expanses. As far as the eye can see: area
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Beautiful route through the protected area. If you want to and have brought a pair of binoculars, you can spot some very rare birds here, such as sea eagles. If you just want to take the beautiful route quickly, as is typical on a racing bike, you have to expect a lot of onlookers on nice days, especially at the weekend, who, in their joy of observing, may cross the road without paying attention, sometimes with heavy camera equipment.
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If you venture a little further into the private road, you have a good view of the old arm of the Rhine in the Bislicher Insel floodplain landscape. "The Bislicher Insel [...] is one of the few remaining floodplain landscapes in Germany. Geographically speaking, however, it is not an island. The total area is 12 km², of which 10.53 km² is designated as a nature reserve. [...] The Bislicher Insel is particularly important for birds that depend on wetlands. In addition, a large number of rare butterfly and snail species can be observed there." Source and further information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bislicher_Insel
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Looking out over the water, with a bit of luck you can see sea eagles in the sky, but other bird species are always somewhere in the branches.
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Beautiful nature to enjoy.
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It is worth making a detour here
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The Bislicher Insel is always a highlight, thousands of birds of all kinds, information from NABU. Always fantastic to drive here.
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Beautiful section through the NSG Bislicher Insel. Large meadows (flood protection area) are filled with more or less water (depending on the season and the water level of the Rhine) and thousands of different bird species.
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The Bislicher Insel is characterized by a diverse array of water bodies, including the silent Altrhein (Old Rhine Arm), oxbow lakes, and larger gravel pit lakes formed by historical mining. You'll also find seasonal wet meadows that are periodically filled with water, creating a dynamic floodplain landscape.
The Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve is one of Germany's last intact floodplain landscapes and a crucial refuge for migratory birds. It offers unparalleled opportunities for nature observation, especially during winter when thousands of wild geese use the area as a roosting spot. You can also spot water buffalo and beavers here.
Absolutely. Bislicher Insel is renowned as a birdwatching paradise. The Bislicher Insel Birdwatching Area offers observation huts with information boards on local bird species. You can observe a wide variety of birds, including herons, cormorants, oystercatchers, and even sea eagles. In winter, up to 25,000 Arctic wild geese gather here.
Yes, you can often spot herds of water buffalo on Bislicher Insel. They play an important role in the ecological management of the wet meadows, contributing to the unique biodiversity of the area. The highlight Water buffalo on Bislicher Insel is a good spot to look for them.
While beautiful year-round, the winter months are particularly spectacular for birdwatching, as up to 170,000 migratory birds, including white-fronted and bean geese, arrive to winter in the floodplain landscapes. Spring and autumn also offer excellent opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna as the landscape changes.
Many areas within Bislicher Insel are considered family-friendly, such as the Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve and the Bislicher Insel Birdwatching Area. The NaturForum Bislicher Insel visitor center also offers exhibitions and guided excursions suitable for families to learn about the floodplain ecosystem.
The area around Bislicher Insel is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore the landscape by foot or bicycle on wide paths. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including those for gravel biking and road cycling. There are also dedicated running trails available.
Yes, you can find various walking and hiking paths throughout the Bislicher Insel. While specific lake-side trails aren't individually listed, the entire area, including the Bislicher Insel Floodplain, offers routes for exploring the old arm of the Rhine and the diverse landscape. Many routes are suitable for easy walks, and you can find more detailed options in the running guides which often include walking paths.
No, activities like swimming are generally prohibited to protect the delicate and sensitive ecosystem of the Bislicher Insel. The area is a nature reserve, and strict rules are in place to preserve its unique flora and fauna.
The NaturForum Bislicher Insel is a visitor center that serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the area. It features an exhibition called "AuenGeschichten" (Floodplain Stories), provides visitor information, and organizes guided excursions and lectures on nature conservation and wetland development. It also has an observation platform.
Beyond the abundant birdlife, you can encounter herds of water buffalo that help manage the wet meadows. Beavers are also present, and the area is home to a large number of rare butterfly and snail species, particularly in the Bislicher Insel Floodplain.
Visitors consistently praise the Bislicher Insel for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities and the serene beauty of its intact floodplain landscape. The chance to observe rare birds from observation huts, witness the dynamic interplay of the Rhine, and spot wildlife like water buffalo are frequently highlighted as favorite experiences.


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