Heede between moor, Ems and cycle paths
Accommodation in Heede
Heede is best explored through its moorland, the Ems and various cycle paths. In the Achterberge, meadows, woodland and different types of waterways come together; at the Heeder Moor, a path runs around almost the entire area. Several routes pass through or directly by Heede. You can therefore focus your holiday more on walks and exploring, or on cycling tours.
Wasserlandschaft bei Bollingerfähr am Dortmund-Ems-Kanal nahe Heede.
Photo: Martina Nolte via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Discover moorland and water on foot
The Achterberge nature reserve is an old branch of the Ems. Along its banks, the landscape ranges from meadows to woodland, with varied stretches of water as well. Shallow-water zones with water-lily fields alternate with deeper spots and tree-covered islands. This variety provides a distinctive natural setting for walks and longer explorations in the Heeder Achterberge.
At the Heeder Moor, a well-maintained path runs around almost the entire area. This provides clear guidance for anyone who prefers to spend their time on a designated trail. The Achterberge offers a different experience, inviting visitors to take walks and explore at greater length. When planning your stay, you can use these different landscapes and walking routes as a guide to planning your days.
Cycle routes with different itineraries
There are also several options for cycling tours. The EmsRadweg runs directly past Heede and leads from the Ems springs to the North Sea. In Heede, the Dortmund-Ems Canal Route, signposted as the Dortmund-Ems Canal Cycle Route, runs directly along the Ems. The Emsland Route, in turn, passes through the centre of the village. When choosing a tour, you can therefore choose between a long route to the North Sea, a route right alongside the Ems and a route through the village centre.
In the Emsland region, the Emsland Route is a 395-kilometre circular route through five landscapes: the Northern Ems Valley, Hümmling, Bourtanger Moor, Hasetal and Southern Emsland. It connects 19 places; all places in the Emsland region along the route can serve as starting and finishing points. The route is very well signposted, mostly flat, paved and traffic-free. It is particularly suitable for beginners and families with children.
Nature and culture in the Emsland
In the north-east of Emsland district, Hümmling Nature Park covers around 580 square kilometres. Cycling and hiking trails with information stations pass historic sites, megalithic tombs and Clemenswerth Palace. The nature park’s trails include the Theikenmeer Loop, which meets the quality criteria of the German Hiking Association.
The Crane Trail runs for about 2.5 kilometres into the Theikenmeer nature reserve; the same route is used for the return journey, making the total walking distance about 5 kilometres. A viewing platform offers panoramic views of Lake Theikenmeer and the moorland of the Wehmer Dose. There is also an observation hut on the lakeshore. The approximate distance and the return journey along the same trail help you plan how much time to allow for this walk.
A recurring summer event
“Heeder See in Flammen” (“Heede Lake in Flames”) has been held every year on the first Saturday in August since 1994. If you would like to plan your stay around this date, check the latest event information for the year in question.
When choosing a holiday apartment in Heede, your interests can help you decide: would you rather plan walks and moorland trails, or make use of different cycling routes? The varied routes and landscapes of the Achterberge provide practical guidance when planning your holiday.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Walchum, Vrees, Emsbüren, Holthausen, Lingen (Ems), Stavern, Lingen, Rhede.
Back to the regional travel overview: Emsland.
