Zwillbrocker Venn in Vreden | Nature in Münsterland
The Zwillbrocker Venn Nature Reserve in Münsterland
© Münsterland e.V./Vincent Croce
Exotic guests and old acquaintances
Zwillbrocker Venn

Zwillbrocker Venn

Unique and truly exotic! The Zwillbrocker Venn nature reserve is located directly on the Dutch border in the western Münsterland. The stars of the area are clearly the flamingos, which are at home here in the northernmost colony in the world. But if you take a closer look, you will discover much more in this unique natural area.

Water is the defining element in the Zwillbrocker Venn

The Zwillbrocker Venn is characterised by wet meadows, moorland and heathland as well as shallow lakes. While peat was cut in the area in the past, the depression gradually filled with water after the end of its use, giving rise to a bird sanctuary of special European significance. The Venn is like an oasis in an otherwise agriculturally used region. A place to take a deep breath.

A bird sanctuary of European importance

Every year, the flamingos in the Zwillbrocker Venn attract numerous visitors. The approximately 40 to 50 animals can be observed between April and July, mostly on the shallow shores of the islands. The flamingos not only spend the summer months in the fen, but also breed here. Bring your binoculars, then you can observe the birds even better.

The flamingos, on the other hand, have their winter quarters in the somewhat milder regions of South Holland. In addition to the flamingos, the Zwillbrocker Venn is also home to about 10,000 black-headed gulls in summer. The inhabitants of Germany's largest inland colony draw attention to themselves loudly from afar.

Even without the flamingos, the nature reserve near Vreden would be worth a visit. The Zwillbrocker Venn is home to around 60 species of birds and countless other animals and rare plants. These include many heather plants that present themselves colourfully, especially in late summer.

The first port of call is the Biological Station in Zwillbrock.

On a walk around the lake, the flora and fauna of the Zwillbrocker Fens are explained at various points. A good introduction to the Zwillbrocker Venn is the Biological Station in Zwillbrock with its informative exhibition on the natural and cultural landscape of the region. On a guided tour of the Zwillbrocker Venn you can learn a lot more about the moor, its inhabitants and its history.

The Biological Station also maintains a flock of moorland sheep with 800 ewes, whose diet regularly includes the young birch trees in the Venn. In this way, the moorland sheep keep the landscape open and perform an invaluable service for this unique natural area.

The imposing baroque church of Zwillbrock and attractive gastronomy are also in the neighbourhood, which together make a nice destination for a day trip.

Münsterland in detail

Flamingos in the Zwillbrocker Venn

One question immediately springs to mind: How did flamingos come to Münsterland? It is clear that Münsterland is not the original home of the exotic and elegant birds. The assumption is obvious that they are specimens from animal parks and private keeping. In addition to the Chilean flamingos and the European flamingos, a Cuban flamingo originating from the Caribbean has also been at home in the Venn for a few years.

Map | Zwillbrocker Venn

Service & Offers

  • Guided tours
  • Outdoor
  • Indoor
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Admission free / free of charge

Opening hours Biological Station

Öffnungszeiten vom 01.11. to 31.03.
  • Monday
    08:00 Uhr bis 16:30 Uhr
  • Tuesday
    08:00 Uhr bis 16:30 Uhr
  • Wednesday
    08:00 Uhr bis 16:30 Uhr
  • Thursday
    08:00 Uhr bis 16:30 Uhr
  • Friday
    08:00 Uhr bis 14:30 Uhr
  • Saturday
    closed
  • Sunday
    closed
  • Gültig von November bis zu den Osterferien.

Opening hours Biological Station

Öffnungszeiten vom 01.04. to 31.10.
  • Monday
    08:00 Uhr bis 16:30 Uhr
  • Tuesday
    08:00 Uhr bis 16:30 Uhr
  • Wednesday
    08:00 Uhr bis 16:30 Uhr
  • Thursday
    08:00 Uhr bis 16:30 Uhr
  • Friday
    08:00 Uhr bis 16:30 Uhr
  • Saturday
    12:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
  • Sunday
    12:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr
  • Gültig von Ostern bis Oktober.
  • Feiertags von 12 bis 17 Uhr geöffnet.

Admission

  • Adults:
    3,00 €
  • Children:
    1,50 €
  • families:
    7,00 €

Places of interest around the Zwillbrocker Venn

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