Camping at Alfsee: beach arena, water skiing & bird watching – between nature & action

Alfsee Camping – Whether it’s a day trip with the family or a vacation at the campsite for two, there are a few things you need to know about Alfhausen/Rieste, as the places on the lake are called, before your trip.
Here you can bask in the sun, go water skiing or watch rare bird species with binoculars; a true camping experience.
Alfhausen is a thousand-year-old church village that is the subject of several legends.
This alone makes a trip to the magical town on Lake Alfsee worthwhile.
The small village of around 40 square kilometers is hidden 30 kilometers behind Osnabrück in Lower Saxony.
Lake Alfsee is clearly one of the main attractions in the area.
Not only is it one of the most beautiful lakes in the district of Osnabrück, but its wide range of water sports is also well-known.
Whether with a roof tent, trailer or a classic trekking tent, the town enchants with its charm.
That’s why it’s time to pack your rucksack and hit the road.

Alfsee: A place for the family

The beautiful resort of “Rieste” borders directly on the Alfsee.
This is also where most of the attractions are located.
From Alfhausen it is about a two to three kilometer walk.
It is worth taking a short walk and stopping at the Haseniederung Biological Station.
Families, water sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation travel to Alfsee from everywhere to enjoy the glorious sunshine with a view of the lake in good weather.
A vacation in the region is particularly suitable for those who like it small, undisturbed and cozy.
Here you can relax and unwind and at the same time there is plenty of action on offer.
The region is particularly popular with city tourists from NRW.
Here they can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be there in an hour and a half from the Ruhr area.

Map: Directions & location

The small reservoir in southern Lower Saxony fascinates young and old alike.
It is around 7 kilometers long and, with a depth of 2 meters, is the ideal size for non-swimmers.

Attractions by the lake: action & relaxation

The family-friendly resort offers both action and relaxation.
Sports on offer include water skiing, go-karting, golf and climbing.
If you want to discover more, Bremen or Münster are just an hour’s drive away.
The adjacent nature reserve in the municipalities of Aufhalsen and Rieste is ideal for relaxing in nature.
Not possible here!
The offers around the lake are endless, in addition to the normal camping vacation, between barbecues around the campfire, board games and hiking tours, you still have a lot of green nature and cool water on the lake.
At Alfsee you can go for a swim or you can go water skiing at the separate beach arena, wakeboarding or enjoy the entertainment in the adventure land Germanenland.
Clown Ati is the lake’s trademark.
That’s not enough for you?
There’s plenty on offer in the region.
Here you can have the fun of your life in the climbing forest, swing golf, quad biking or trolley rides.
These are the most popular attractions at Alfsee:

• Swimming
• Water skiing & wakeboarding
• Germanic country
• Climbing forest
• Swing golf
• Quad biking
• Ride a trolley

What to do around the Alfsee?
For nature lovers

The camper is set up, the awning is stretched and the barbecue is ready.
After arrival and the first small meal, it’s time to explore the area.
Now it’s time to get down to business.
Depending on how much time you have, there are all kinds of attractions.
A weekend trip for water rats at the lake, in the natural and outdoor pool or a whole week in which you get to know the impressive history of the Varus Battle Museum.
Whether alone, with a dog or with the family, there is something for everyone here.
The small lake is only 7 kilometers long, but it is surrounded by numerous restaurants, bars and chip, kebab and crêpe stands.
Ideal for a camping trip without full camping kitchen equipment. Quickly buy a French fry and let the adventure begin.
Don’t miss this highlight; the water ski area!
You can glide over the water or try your hand at wakeboarding in a separate area.
That’s not enough?
How about go-karting or even skydiving?
Alfhausen may be small, but a vacation here is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Checklist: Overview of activities at Lake Alfsee

Alfsee and the surrounding area have plenty of attractions for everyone.
Adrenaline junkies can let off steam with go-karting or skydiving, while explorers can get to know the world in the many museums and churches.
Pure relaxation can be found in the sauna, while sunbathing or in the sweetly decorated golf club.
A place where everyone in the family gets their money’s worth.
8 interesting destinations for your visit to Alfsee:

1. Attractions by the lake
   • StrandArena
   • Water skiing
   • Vacation and adventure park
2. Dammer Bergsee nature reserve incl.
   Forest playground
3. Vörden natural pool
4. Dersabad outdoor pool
5. Alfen Saunaland
6. Cloth Museum
7. Varus Battle Museum and Park
8. Artland Golf Club

For adrenaline fans:

1. Go-karting at Alfsee
2. Parachuting Damme

StrandArena: Bathing lake with sand

The StrandArena is ideal for anyone looking for relaxation and swimming fun in Germany.
Lovely soft sand underfoot, delicious cocktails at the bar and a shallow entry into the water, so that even the parents of the little ones can enjoy their vacation carefree.
This beautiful area also offers almost every activity for the whole family.
The water ski & wakeboard facility is located next door.
The StrandArena is therefore the epitome of fun water sports, relaxation and vacation feeling at the same time.

• Soft sandy beach
• Shallow entry into the water
• Many water sports activities
• Especially water skiing & wakeboarding

Waterskiing & wakeboarding: ramps for tricks

Next to the StrandArena is one of the most beautiful water ski facilities in Germany.
With three lifts and lots of obstacles, this facility is a must for all water sports fans who love cool tricks.
But that’s not the only thing you can do here.
Jumping over the water on a wakeboard while performing impressive stunts is part of the standard program here.
And there is something very special for young sports enthusiasts.
The water ski summer camp takes place every week of the summer vacations and offers inexperienced water ski fans the perfect introduction to an extraordinary hobby.

• Three lifts: up to 1km long
• Obstacles for tricks, also for wakeboarding
• Water skiing summer camp for teenagers
• Learn to water ski & wakeboard

This is what it can look like when you spend your time on the water:

Leisure park and adventure park: ideal for children

The leisure and adventure park at Alfsee is part of the adjacent campsite.
After your adrenaline trip on the wakeboard, you can relax in peace in the Alfen-Saunaland, the Germanic wellness world at Alfsee, at the bathing lake with sandy beach or on a walk in the nature reserve.
The little bundles of energy will probably want to continue experiencing and exploring.
The great show with Clown Ati in Germanenland, a visit to the maze, Kinderautoland, the go-kart track or the fun center are just the ticket.
Boredom doesn’t stand a chance at Alfsee, because you’ll find everything you need on site:

• Alfen-Saunaland
• Clown Ati Show
• Maze
• Children’s Autoland
• Kart track
• Fun Center

Here you can see the adventure park on the map.
The water ski center is in the immediate vicinity.

Bird watching and playground

A visit is particularly worthwhile during bird migration periods.
Numerous water birds use the lakes as a moulting, resting or wintering area.
Discover various limicoles such as greenshanks, wood sandpipers and dunlins as they pass by.
Special features await you depending on the season.
In spring, black terns hunt over the water and lapwings begin to breed.
Oystercatchers and snipes also like to visit the Alfsee.
In winter, however, whooper swans and minke swans use the reserve basin as a roosting place.

• Spring
  • Black terns
  • Breeding lapwings
• Winter
  • Sleeping place for whooper swans

Off to the birdwatching post!
You can find it here:

Excursion destinations nearby: Kart track & golfing

Just a few minutes away, you’ll find just the thing for adrenaline junkies.
If you’re looking for a change from the typical camping routine, try go-karting.

Kart track at Alfsee

Feel like Lewis Hamilton for once?
The go-kart track at Alfsee will be your top experience.
Here you can choose between different models with faster performance.
You want to drive with 2 or 3 drivers?
No problem, the double and triple karts accelerate quite well with 13 hp.
Even the little ones can go for a quick spin here.
You can drive alone from as little as 1.20 meters.
You can challenge your partner, siblings or friends to a thrilling duel on a track of 601 meters.
Directions to the go-kart track:

• Address: Westerfeldstraße 73, 49597 Rieste

Kalkriese: Varus Battle Museum and Park

The Varus Battle Museum is not a conventional museum and certainly not a place to be bored.
There are many indications that this could have been one of the sites of the infamous Varus Battle between Arminius and Varus in the year 9 AD.
The archaeological museum with its adjoining open-air section allows you to immerse yourself in the past through many different guided tours and exhibitions.
Family tour: This tour is aimed at mixed-age groups such as families and clubs and presents the topics in an interesting and exciting way for both children and adults.
You should plan around 90 minutes for a tour. Tip! Children up to 6 years have free admission.

• Museum of the infamous battle
  • 9 AD between Arminius and Vaurus
• Children under 6 free

Artland Golfclub:taster course with tee

In addition to adrenaline and discovery, a vacation also includes relaxation.
Just lying by the lake and enjoying the sun gets boring in the long run, which is why the golf club is ideal.
You don’t need any previous experience.
You will receive your individual taster course.
Followed by a delicious British tea, just as it should be at tea time.
How to get to the golf club:

• Address: Zum Golfplatz 23, 49577 Ankum, Lower Saxony (7.6 kilometers from Alfsee)

Camping site at Alfsee: Adventure vacation

Would you like to experience a vacation completely surrounded by nature again?
Then you should definitely take a camping trip to the Alfsee!
The Alfsee is a 2.2 km² reservoir in the north of the Osnabrück district, making it a relatively small spot on the map.
There are therefore few campsites around the lake.
But that’s not a bad thing, the Ferien- & Erlebnispark campsite offers everything you need.
Relaxing in the sauna world, fun and games in the maze and plenty of free pitches, even in high season.
You can find the address and telephone number here:

Alfsee Holiday & Adventure Park

• 5-star superior camping park
• Address: Am Campingpark 10, 49597 Rieste
• Phone: +49-5464-92120

Alfsee in the evening: enjoy the sunset.

Whether at the beach bar or at the rooftop tent and camper, that’s how beautiful it is in the evening at Alfsee.
The ideal place for a dreamy surprise date.
Take out a picnic blanket and watch the stars – an unforgettable moment with the right person.

Weather: temperatures and trend

The average temperature in the summer months is over 20°C, but due to its geographical location, Lake Alfsee is also exposed to a lot of precipitation.
In the hottest month, July, you can also expect the most precipitation.
Up to 90 mm!

• Hottest month: July
• Summer months: +20°C

Weather today: Practically on the map

You can view the current weather conditions on this map.

Umebung: sandy landscape, few hills

Typical Lower Saxony!
Flat landscape and sandy soils.
Perfect for walking barefoot for a few hours.

Your first time camping?

Are you thinking about your first camping trip and perhaps want to go to Alfsee?
That’s a good idea!
Because camping has many advantages.
Lake Alfsee is ideal because it is only half as busy with tourists as the Baltic Sea, for example.
Here you can expect a fascinating mix of idyllic nature for walking and sunbathing, water skiing or wakeboarding in your own secluded beach arena as well as wellness in the sauna area or exciting sights.
So there’s something for everyone here.
With a roof tent on your car or a tent trailer in the back, you are completely flexible on the road, can drive to and explore several of the picturesque corners and are completely free to plan your day as you wish. Find out here what you need to know about a vacation here, which sights you should definitely visit and what the advantages of camping are! Are you new to camping? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.

Camping relaxes, makes good sounds and energizes

Advantages of camping – Camping guarantees you the feeling of complete closeness to nature and freedom.
You can sit outside in front of your roof tent until late in the evening and chat with your loved ones about past times or your upcoming vacation plans.
Your itinerary can be planned individually and the next day can be organized spontaneously.
You can get up comfortably with the first rays of sunshine, prepare breakfast in your camping kitchen and start the day in a camping chair or a camping lounger on the campsite.

Cheaper than hotels and flexible

Another advantage of camping is that it is definitely cheaper than staying in a hotel or vacation apartment.
If you want to buy a rooftop tent, you only have to pay for food, activities, fuel and possibly a few campsites along the way.
These are the advantages of a camping vacation:

• Cost-effective travel option
• Intense time in nature with your loved ones
• Sitting together outside until the evening hours
• Flexible travel arrangements
• Spontaneous and free organization of the day
• Comfort and luxury in the roof tent
• Space for the whole family
• Sleeping place is ready anytime and anywhere

FAQ: Questions about the Alfsee

For the perfect vacation, you should inform yourself well in advance.
Can I camp there?
What activities does my vacation region offer and is the temperature suitable for them?

Can you camp at Alfsee?

There are various options for camping at Alfsee.
You can find some campsites in our list under “Camping recommendation”.

How far is it to the Alfsee?

Rund um den Alfsee is a 4.7-mile circular trail near Alfhausen, Lower Saxony, Germany.
It leads along a lake, past beautiful viewpoints and there is often wildlife to be seen.
Due to the gradient and distance, the route is suitable for all ability levels.

Where is the Alfsee located?

Rieste am Alfsee is located in south-western Lower Saxony, approx. 30 km north of Osnabrück and 90 km south of Bremen.

Who owns the Alfsee?

Around 95 percent of its surface area belongs to the western municipality of Alfhausen, after which the reservoir is named.
The rest, a bay to the east of the lake, belongs to the municipality of Rieste to the east

How old is Alfhausen?

The fortified church village of Alfhausen “in the legendary Giersfeld, at the foot of the Heiligenberg” (104.3 m) was first mentioned as Alfhuson in a document of Emperor Otto II dated October 29, 977.

What can you do at Alfsee?

The many attractions include a water ski slope and beach arena directly on the resort’s own bathing lake with sandy beach.
Or the Germanic adventure world, the Bullermeck indoor fun center, the Alfseering go-kart track, the Alfsee adventure land with its circular maze and the Kinderautoland.
You can find everything else in the tips above.

More camping: Tips for Germany

Deep blue lakes, blooming nature and the sweet smell of freedom, as well as sleepless nights in the crowded cities of Munich, Berlin or Hamburg.
So you can escape the monotony and stress of everyday life and enjoy freedom.
Whether in the great outdoors, in the largest metropolises or on the most beautiful dream beaches, with a camper, tent trailer or roof tent, your vacation becomes an experience.
This and much more is possible in the diverse regions of Germany.
Here you will find an overview of all the federal states and the best tips for great vacation destinations.

• Camping Germany