Is Moormerland a good destination for a beach holiday?
Moormerland is not a typical beach holiday destination as it is located inland in East Frisia, not on the North Sea coast. However, it offers a relaxing lakeside experience with several man-made swimming lakes, locally known as 'Badeseen', that feature sandy beaches and grassy areas for sunbathing. It's ideal for visitors looking for a quieter, family-friendly alternative to the bustling coastal resorts.
Can you actually swim at the beaches in Moormerland?
Yes, you can swim at the designated bathing lakes in Moormerland, such as the 'Blaue Lagune' in Veenhusen and the Hermann-Martens-Badesee in Neermoor. These lakes have official bathing areas with sandy beaches. The water quality is regularly monitored during the bathing season to ensure it is safe for swimming.
How do the lake beaches in Moormerland compare to the North Sea coast?
The lake beaches in Moormerland offer a different experience from the North Sea coast. Moormerland's lakes have calm, fresh water without tides, making them very safe for families with small children. The North Sea beaches have salt water, tides, and vast mudflats (Wadden Sea). While the coast offers a maritime atmosphere, Moormerland's lakes provide a sheltered, park-like setting for a relaxed day of swimming and sunbathing.
Are the beaches in Moormerland suitable for families with small children?
Yes, the swimming lakes in Moormerland are very family-friendly. The 'Blaue Lagune' in Veenhusen and the lake in Neermoor have gentle, sandy slopes into the water and designated non-swimmer areas. The calm, tide-free water provides a safe environment for children to play. Often there are adjacent playgrounds and large lawns for picnicking and games.
Are there campsites or holiday homes right on the lake in the Moormerland area?
While Moormerland itself has many holiday homes, they are typically located within the villages and along the canals rather than directly on the swimming lakes. For accommodation with direct lake access, the nearby Timmeler Meer is an excellent option, featuring a large campsite with pitches and rental cabins right by the water.
Are dogs allowed at the beaches in Moormerland?
At the main public swimming lakes in Moormerland, such as the 'Blaue Lagune' in Veenhusen and the Hermann-Martens-Badesee in Neermoor, dogs are generally not permitted in the main swimming and sunbathing areas during the season. However, the nearby Timmeler Meer has a specially designated and fenced dog beach where dogs can swim and play.
Do you have to pay an entrance fee for the swimming lakes?
No, access to the public swimming lakes in Moormerland, like the 'Blaue Lagune' (Veenhusen) and the Hermann-Martens-Badesee (Neermoor), is generally free of charge. This makes them an accessible and popular choice for locals and visitors.
What is the main beach in Moormerland and where is it?
The most well-known swimming spot is the 'Badesee Veenhusen', often called the 'Blaue Lagune' (Blue Lagoon) by locals. It is an artificial lake with a sandy beach located at Ankerweg in the Veenhusen district of Moormerland. Another popular spot is the Hermann-Martens-Badesee at Sauteler Weg in Neermoor.
Are there toilets and food available at the 'Blaue Lagune'?
Basic facilities are typically available, especially during the summer season. This can include toilets and sometimes a small kiosk selling snacks, ice cream, and drinks. For more substantial meals, you would need to visit nearby restaurants in the villages.
When is the best time to go swimming in Moormerland?
The best time for swimming is during the summer months, from June to August, when air and water temperatures are warmest. The official bathing season, when water quality is regularly tested, typically runs from mid-May to mid-September.
Are there other swimming lakes near Moormerland?
Yes, besides the lakes in Veenhusen and Neermoor, a very popular nearby alternative is the Timmeler Meer in the neighboring municipality of Großefehn. It is a larger lake with a sandy beach, boat rentals, a campsite, and more extensive recreational facilities.
What is the water quality like and are there any issues like swimmer's itch?
The water quality of the official bathing lakes is rated as excellent by EU standards. However, like in many natural lakes with waterfowl, cercariae (which can cause a harmless skin rash known as swimmer's itch or Badedermatitis) can occasionally occur, especially in warm water in shallow, weedy areas. Authorities post warnings if there is a known issue. To reduce risk, avoid shallow, weedy areas and towel off briskly after swimming.
