Attractions and Places To See around Hariksee - Top 9

The Wortelpassage, often referred to in German as Wurzelpassage, is a unique landscape feature in the wooded area around Born and Brüggen in North Rhine-Westphalia. The name refers to a narrow forest path where tree roots grow visibly above the ground, forming a natural passageway. This passage is located in the area around the Schwalm and is part of the vast Maas-Schwalm-Nette nature reserve, where forest, marshland, and stream valleys alternate. The formation of the Wortelpassage is related to the soil conditions in the Schwalm region. The subsoil here consists of sandy and peaty layers with a high water table. Trees such as oaks, beeches, and alders are therefore unable to anchor their roots deeply in the ground. Instead, the roots grow more horizontally and become visible at the surface. Due to erosion, rainwater, and intensive use of the path, these root structures have become increasingly visible. This created a natural passage that owes its name to the network of roots that lines it. The Wortelpassage is not a man-made work of art, but a spontaneously formed natural phenomenon. Yet it has an almost fairytale-like quality. Overhanging branches, winding roots, and the filtered light between the trees create a special atmosphere. Especially after rainfall, when the soil is dark and moist and moss clings to the roots, the path takes on an almost mystical appearance. This makes the spot popular with hikers and photographers seeking natural details. Ecologically, the exposed roots serve an important function. They stabilize the soil and prevent rainwater from washing away the sand. In addition, the cavities between the roots provide shelter for insects, small mammals, and amphibians. Combined with the surrounding forest and nearby stream valleys, the Wortelpassage forms a small but valuable part of the larger ecosystem around the Schwalm. The passage is usually part of hiking trails that run along the Schwalm, the Borner See, and other nature reserves. Because the path is narrow and uneven, it emphasizes the natural experience of the landscape. Visitors directly experience the connection between soil, tree, and water. It is a place where the influence of time and nature becomes visible in roots that have slowly formed their own path.

You can also take a break here

Here you will find a cozy terrace by the water

Now the Mühlrather Hof is open again after a long renovation and invites you to stop by.

Popular rest stop at the Muehlrather Mill on Lake Harik.

Here you can sit on the waterfront in summer

The Hariksee is a magnet for guests because of its location and its good restaurants.

Below Brempt, on the former Geldern side, is the Mühlrather Hof, which belonged to the Elmpter estate. On the Jülich side is the Mühlrather Mühle, which was first mentioned in a document in 1447. She belonged to the Clee house in Burgwaldniel. In 1590 the mill was rebuilt by Werner von Ketzgen and his wife Magdalena and registered under the name "Mulrader Meulen". Later, both properties, which were only separated by the Schwalm, were in one hand. The mill was operated as a grinding and oil mill. For the village of Dilkrath and a part of Amern St. Georg there was a compulsory meal. The mill is the only one on the Schwalm that has two water wheels, one is made of wood, the second was made of iron in 1905. In 1937 the milling operation was discontinued. Until 1960 the mill was still operated as a sawmill. Since that time, the Mühlrather Mühle has been used as a tourist restaurant and restaurant at the Hariksee. Since 1995, the iron wheel has been used as an electric generator to generate electricity. The wooden wheel was renewed in 2002 true to the original. Source: https://dewiki.de/Lexikon/M%C3%BChlrather_M%C3%BChle