© Münsterland e.V./Long-Nong Huang
Westrup Heath
Although the Westrup Heath was only able to develop through intensive use, i.e. it is not a pristine natural area, the heathland is today one of the small treasures of the Münsterland. While at the beginning of the 19th century large areas of the region were still covered with heath, the Westrup Heath is today a remnant of this time. The approximately 90-hectare heath is located in the immediate vicinity of the Haltern reservoir. It can be reached by bicycle within a few minutes from Haltern am See.
The Westrup Heath, which was placed under nature conservation in 1937, is visually divided into 2 areas. Towards the reservoir, the landscape is wide and open. The landscape is dominated by broom heath, the rarer bell heath and sandy grassland. The slightly hilly terrain provides new views over the heath areas again and again. Further east, bizarre juniper bushes enchant, giving the heath an almost fairytale appearance. In this picturesque landscape, numerous rare animal species find a last refuge.
Let yourself be inspired
Hiking in the Westrup Heath
Numerous hiking trails lead through the Westrup Heath on sandy ground and invite you to take a walk. Four signposted themed trails, each 3 to 4 kilometres long, lead to the special features of the Westrup Heath. Several information stations along the paths as well as large information signs at the entrances provide interesting insights into the fauna and flora of the area, and the more than 30 benches invite visitors to take a break.
At the Seehof entrance, directly on the shore of the reservoir, are the starting and end points of a tactile path for visually impaired people. The approximately 2.9-kilometre-long route has a guidance system equipped on one side. Wheelchair-accessible paths with a total length of approximately 3 kilometres also start at the same location and at the north car park.
Protect what is important to us
The Westrup Heath is an important retreat for fauna and flora and is particularly sensitive to disturbance. Please stay on the marked paths. These will lead you to the most beautiful places on the heath. Please keep your dog on a lead. Even if it doesn't look like it at first glance, the Westrup Heath is home to numerous animals. The disturbance caused by free-roaming dogs costs a lot of energy and drives the animals away from this last refuge in the long run. The Westrup Heath will thank you with many wonderful moments.
You can discover the beauty of the Westrup Heath in a particularly nature-friendly way during an expert guided tour.
Map | Westrup Heath
Service & Offers
- Admission free / free of charge
- Outdoor
- barrier-free
- Dogs allowed
- Guided tours
- Spring
- Autumn
- Summer
- Winter
5 Tips for Westuper Heide
- The heath is particularly beautiful at sunrise.
- Rustic cosiness and the best atmosphere are offered by the nearby Jupp adventure beer garden.
- You'll feel almost like you're in Canada at the Lakeside Inn with burgers and cocktails
- Cobin your visit with a bike tour around the reservoir. The paths lead you not only through beautiful landscapes, but also into the charming town centre of Haltern am See.
- If you fancy a really big bike tour, check out the Hohe Mark RadRoute.
Places of interest around the Westrup Heath
Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Anja Tiwisina
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