Heathland excursion in Münster

August marks the start of the heather flowering season: if you know where to look, you can marvel at a sea of purple blossoms right here in Münster. Join us on an excursion to the heathland by Lake Hiltrup in the south of Münster and get to know this special habitat better. Under the expert guidance of the NABU-Naturschutzstation Münsterland e.V., you’ll learn all sorts of background information about how heathland formed and about its highly specialised inhabitants. Characterised by sunshine and dry conditions, heathland offers a rather inhospitable habitat. Using ingenious strategies, various animals and plants defy these adverse conditions to survive there nonetheless. Humans have played a greater role in the development of heathland than might appear at first glance. Is this a positive or negative influence? Find out for yourself!

Let yourself be inspired

Heathland has become rare these days.
© Lea Santora
The open character of the heath is preserved through various management measures.
© Lea Santora
The heather sand bee, a species of wild bee, is adapted to heathland.
© Berit Philipp
The Small Copper can be found not only on heathland but also in other open landscapes.
© Berit Philipp
The dune sand beetle is particularly active in high temperatures.
© NABU/Matthias Schäf
If you look closely, you’ll spot a wide variety of animals on the heathland.
© Lea Santora

The excursion is organised by the NABU Münsterland Nature Conservation Centre as part of the EU- and state-funded project ‘Biodiversity Experience Sites in the Münsterland Park Landscape’ and, thanks to this funding, is free of charge for you. 

The 2.5 km tour takes you along the lake and through the heathland. Whilst heathland used to be widespread across the landscape and covered entire tracts of land, it is now a rarity. The area around Hiltruper See is a small remnant of this habitat that was spared from afforestation. Once often regarded as dreary wasteland, the ecological value of these areas has gradually been recognised. 

The following questions will therefore be discussed during the excursion: What makes this habitat so unique? What significance does it hold for our ever-dwindling biodiversity? Which animals and plants does it provide a home for, despite the inhospitable conditions? What role do humans play in its creation, but also in its destruction? 

Human influence on nature – not only on the heath – holds both risks and potential. And it is important to recognise and make the most of the latter in order to preserve an environment that is worth living in and rich in species. How can this be achieved? As well as experiencing the heathland and its inhabitants, the guided tour will offer a few ideas to inspire you. If this has sparked your interest, then sign up!

All information at a glance

Date: 28 August 2026

Time: 3.30 pm to 5.45 pm

Starting point: Münster, near Hiltruper See

Distance: 2.5 km

Registration: by 26 August via email to erlebnisorte@nabu-station.de

Further information in the NABU events calendar.

Learn more

Close Contact & Info