Naturpark Steinhuder Meer

The Steinhuder Meer Nature Park, spanning around 420 square kilometres, is one of northern Germany’s most remarkable natural landscapes. At its heart lies the vast expanse of the Steinhuder Meer, the largest inland lake in north-western Germany. Complementing its open waters are the rich wetland meadows of the Meerbruch on the western shore and the mysterious moorlands of the Totes Moor to the east. Together, these habitats form an extraordinary mosaic of ecosystems that are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. About 18 percent of the park’s area is designated as a nature reserve and another 53 percent as a protected landscape, preserving this unique environment for generations to come. Visitors can discover the park's natural diversity along well-marked hiking and cycling trails, adventure paths, and observation platforms that offer unforgettable panoramas—all designed to ensure that sensitive areas remain undisturbed. Recognised throughout Germany, the Steinhuder Meer Nature Park has received multiple awards for its exemplary visitor management and sustainable conservation efforts. It is an inviting place for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking tranquillity amid gently rippling waters, whispering reeds, and wide horizons.