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

A wonderful place for a walk
© Münsterland e.V./Vincent Croce
Far away from everyday life - the Westrup Heath
© Münsterland e.V./Long-Nong Huang
The Westrup Heath in Winter
© Münsterland e.V./Vincent Croce
Fog settles over the heath near Haltern am See
© Münsterland e.V./Vincent Croce
Sunset on the Westrup Heath
© Münsterland e.V./Long-Nong Huang
The Westrup Heath makes for dreamlike pictures
© Münsterland e.V./@andersart.ig

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.

To activate this YouTube video, you must agree to the marketing cookies.

Protect what is important to us

The Westrup Heath

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

Skip filter and continue to list
Filter
Properties
Types

Plan your trip

Your questions about Westruper Heide

There are several car parks on the Westruper Heide. A free car park for hikers is located on Flaesheimer Damm. Further car parks are located on Hullerner Straße.

The Westruper Heide is one of the few areas in Münsterland where cycling is not permitted. However, it is definitely worth parking your bike and exploring the heathland on a hike.

Although it is very quiet in the Westruper Heide, there are several restaurants in the neighbourhood. These include the "Seehof" with its popular restaurant terrace, the "Jupp" adventure beer garden and the "Lakeside Inn".

Dogs may be taken into the Westruper Heide on a lead.

Learn more...

Close Contact & Info
Search & Book
Close