A nature reserve very close to the city centre: in Münster this is possible - with the Rieselfeldern, which are only six kilometres north of the city centre. Reservoir ponds and wet grassland alternate with willows and avenues of fruit trees; very different birds have found a home here where they can breed and live in protection. This is a wonderful place to take a walk, enjoy the peace and quiet or watch birds.
Originally, the sewage fields were used to dispose of Münster's wastewater: from the beginning to the middle of the 20th century, this was piped onto the fields and treated there with the help of trickling technology. Over the decades, the enormous increase in the city's population ensured that the sewage fields could no longer fulfil their original function and were continuously covered with water. After various uses, a recreational area covering a good 230 hectares was created, which is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. A nature trail, several observation huts, an observation tower and the Biological Station, which has plenty of information material available, offer visitors recreation, nature experiences and interesting facts in equal measure.
On the reed nature trailThe "reed nature trail" leads you on a short, winding circular path through small tunnels of reeds to another beautiful vantage point at the small reservoir. Information boards surprise you with lots of interesting information about the reeds and their inhabitants.
Tall reeds surround many water bodies in the Rieselfelder. They offer the animals protection and tranquillity. Nevertheless, you can experience the nature of the Rieselfelder up close. Numerous observation points with lots of interesting information offer an impressive insight. The panorama from the large observation tower is spectacular. Many a visitor has lost track of time here. Storks and Heck cattle are frequent companions on your way. You can get a lot of information about the Rieselfelder at the Biological Station.
The irrigation fields are a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and are home to flora and fauna that are particularly worthy of protection. Please stay on the paths and do not enter the wet meadows, the banks or the sightlines to the observation huts. This also applies to unfenced areas. Please do not leave any litter behind and always keep your dog on a lead. Please bear in mind that birds rest in the Rieselfelder even in autumn and winter, and should not be disturbed. The Rieselfelder will reward you with many wonderful moments.
Duck family at the sewage fieldsOur colleague Kerstin Clev has often been to the Rieselfelder. After all, the nature experience is only six kilometres from her home. She reports on her most recent visit to the nature reserve in the MünsterlandBlog. Here she also reveals some insider tips for a trip to the Rieselfelder. Have a read!
Travelling by bus and train to the Rieselfelder in MünsterLet’s work together to preserve what’s good! Use buses and trains for your journey and help protect the climate and the environment. In the Münsterland region, this is often much easier than you might think.
The largest car park is situated at the Rieselfeldhof on the southern edge of the Rieselfelder. There are also smaller car parks at the Biological Station and at the Hessenweg canal bridge.
Dogs are allowed in the Rieselfelder, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
There are ten observation huts in the Rieselfelder. From these, you can watch the birds easily without disturbing them. The panoramic view from the 12-metre-high observation tower is particularly recommended.
In the Rieselfelder there is an accessible circular walk that leads to the accessible observation huts. The walk starts at the Rieselfeldhof.
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