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The Great Heiliges Meer

The Great Heiliges Meer is the largest natural still water in North Rhine-Westphalia. Photo: LWL/Steinweg None

60 Years of the Education and Research Center "Heiliges Meer"

The LWL-Museum of Natural History maintains an education and research center on the edge of the "Heiliges Meer" nature reserve. There is an exhibition there and plenty of nature to see. This year the center celebrates its 60th anniversary.

The large nature reserve invites you to take walks on circular trails. On the walks you have the opportunity to observe natural ecosystems such as lakes, ponds and forests, as well as elements of historical cultural landscape, such as heaths and wet grassland.

Along the way you can see the special features of the area: the numerous, small and large so-called sinkhole lakes. Near the station there is a shelter that can be used for a rest.

A unique area

The Heiliges Meer nature reserve is a unique area with special habitats and rich biodiversity. The LWL-Museum of Natural History has operated its education and research center there since 1927. Due to the lively research activity and the numerous courses on biodiversity, the area is one of the best-studied nature reserves in Germany.

Address

LWL Museum for Natural History
Education and Research Center Heiliges Meer
Bergstrasse 1 | 49509 Recke (Westphalia)

Die Kartendarstellung steht derzeit leider nicht zur Verfügung.

Opening hours

Attention!
Due to the current infection situation and the Corona Protection Ordinance of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Field Office “Heiliges Meer” can remain open.

Heiliges Meer (Holy sea)
The nature reserve is open all year round.
Exhibition: late March to late November

Accessibility

There are no paved paths in the nature reserve.
There are no steps, but some of the paths are difficult to walk due to the weather.