Discover Holthausen: Water, Forest and Outdoor Activities

In Holthausen-Biene, water activities at the reservoir go hand in hand with cycling and longer walks in the Biener Busch. The reservoir offers opportunities for sailing, surfing, hiking and cycling. The Biener Busch is a large floodplain forest in the Ems Valley, ideal for cycling trips and extended walks.

Water and sports in Holthausen-Biene

The reservoir offers opportunities for sailing and surfing, as well as hiking and cycling. There is also a surfing and sailing facility there. Other sports facilities are spread across several locations: the sports centre is on Am Biener Busch, a tennis facility with six courts is on Dünenweg, and a skate park is on Schoolweg. This brings together a range of sporting activities, from water sports and tennis to skateboarding. If you are planning to visit one of the facilities, check the current access arrangements in advance.

Forest landscape and adult education

The Biener Busch offers a different experience from the reservoir. As a large floodplain forest in the Ems Valley, it is ideal for cycling and longer walks. Hiking and cycling are also possible at the reservoir; however, the Biener Busch is specifically described as an area for extended walks and cycling trips. When planning, you can choose between water activities and longer outings in the forest landscape.

The Ludwig-Windthorst-Haus is also part of Holthausen-Biene’s institutional profile and serves as a centre for adult education. If you are planning a visit or have a specific programme in mind, check the access arrangements and programme in advance.

Art and local history in the wider destination of Lingen (Ems)

The wider destination of Lingen (Ems) has its own cultural highlights. Kunsthalle Lingen preserves, cares for and presents part of Harry Kramer’s estate. The artist was born in Lingen in 1925 and took part in documenta III in Kassel in 1964. In its permanent exhibition, the Emslandmuseum presents the history of the city of Lingen and the southern Emsland region from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. It also displays the treasure of the Lingener Kivelinge, including royal chains dating back five centuries.

In the former coach house of Palais Danckelmann, the Emslandmuseum presents Emsland architecture and domestic culture. The half-timbered house, built in 1728, includes a typical bedroom with an original Butze—a bed cupboard—as well as a Baroque room, an 18th-century bourgeois living room and a Biedermeier-era living room. These different rooms offer insights into various styles of living and interior design.

Lingen (Ems) also has experiences for children: in the Emslandmuseum’s city game, children decipher secret messages that reveal their next destination in the city centre. The activity is for children aged eight and over. The Lingen City Experience 2026 programme also includes a Kids’ Safari, where children can explore the city centre on their own.

Discover more destinations: Lingen, Sögel, Dersum, Walchum, Lathen, Rhede, Kluse, Geeste

Back to the wider travel overview: Emsland.