Ankum: Forest Trails, Stone Tombs and Lakeside Recreation
Accommodation in Ankum
A forest nature trail, stone tombs dating back thousands of years and a lakeside recreation area give Ankum its varied character. Those planning a stay can choose between nature, cultural and historical discoveries, and activities on the water. When choosing a holiday apartment, the main consideration is which of these aspects you want to focus on during your excursions: Kunkheide, Westerholte or Lake Ankum.
Forest and Water in Ankum
The nature trail in Kunkheide is about three kilometres long. Eleven information boards cover the functions of forests, the water cycle in the forest, forest habitats and sustainable forest management. Several benches along the trail provide places to stop and rest. The topics offer two perspectives: forest functions and the water cycle draw attention to ecological connections, while sustainable management focuses on how forests are used. This way, the walk combines knowledge about nature with questions about how forests can be used responsibly.
A footpath runs around the recreation area at Lake Ankum. The lakeside recreation area also includes an outdoor Kneipp facility. There is also a large adventure playground on Lake Ankum; for families with children, it is another reason to consider the recreation area when planning a holiday. A wedding island has been created outdoors on the lake.
Stone Tombs and History Around Westerholte
In Ankum’s district of Westerholte, a prehistoric circular hiking trail passes six stone tombs, various burial mounds and a particularly impressive stone cist grave. The stone tombs are more than 4,000 years old. The trail offers a chance to discover the prehistoric burial sites on a circular walk, rather than viewing them only as individual names. Those interested in megalithic culture can make this excursion a focus in its own right, alongside nature experiences in Kunkheide.
The Giersfeld Stone Tomb Trail lies south of Ankum near Westerholte and is part of the Megalithic Route (SMK). Ankum’s history extends beyond the tombs: the former farmhouse was built in 1789 and converted into a local history museum in 1986/87. The circular rampart on Vogelberg was an Old Saxon refuge and meeting place. A baptismal church was built inside the rampart after the year 800.
Planning Your Trip
The Tourist Information Office of the Bersenbrück joint municipality, Ankum branch, offers ideas for cycling tours through the Artland park landscape, tips on cultural attractions and recommendations for walks. This can help you take your interests in cycling, culture and walking into account as you plan the rest of your trip. You can choose Ankum according to the focus you want: a theme involving forests and sustainable management, prehistoric tombs and local history, or the recreation area by the lake. Other destinations to consider include Dissen am Teutoburg Forest, Bad Essen, Bippen, Merzen, Gehrde, Bad Laer, Glandorf and Fürstenau.
For the overview of the wider region: Osnabrück.
