Description
Lake Barmener (Barmener See) was created as a result of large-scale gravel extraction in the valley of the river Rur. The gravel pit was then redesigned. The western shore is used for recreation, here is a sandy beach and boating recreation. The eastern bank is designated for nature. With a small island and resting areas for birds. The lake is a designated SAC (Special Area of Conservation / FFH-Gebiet). With its large water surface and its bird island, the Barmener See attracts mainly water birds. Especially in the winter months, all kinds of ducks visit the area. Then there are groups of Glavata Patka, Krunata Patka, Patka Kreketaljka and Kržulja. Rarities such as Veliki ronac and Bijeli ronac are also sometimes present. Ćubasti Gnjurac, Liska and Crvenokljuni Labud are present throughout the year. Veliki Vranac often hunt in groups. A dozen Siva Čaplja breed on the island. Sometimes they are visited by Velika Bijela Čaplja. Various Beavers also live around the Barmener See. The lake also has a bird hide on the eastern shore.
Details
Access
The Barmener See is located near Jülich-Barmen. You can park at the sports fields on the road to the lake. Click on the P in the map for directions. You can walk around the Barmener See (3.5 km). This path runs along the bird hide.
Terrain and Habitat
Lake , WetlandConditions
WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Rare vagrants (one-time sightings until 2026): Štekavac, Čaplja Govedarica, Mali Galeb, Bukavac, Oštrigar, Mala Bijela Čaplja, Crvenonoga guska, Crna patka, Crvenogrli Plijenor, Patka crninka, Crna Čigra, Indijska guska, and Sjeverna juričica.
Regular but scarce visitors (almost annual): Gak, Kratkokrili Voljić, Patka Lastarka.
Frequent highlights (multiple sightings per year): Patka Gogoljica, Svilorepa (present year-round), Kokošica, Šljuka Kokošica, Mala Prutka, Crnokrila Prutka, Bukoč, and Patka Žličarka.
Notable breeding birds in the area: Sokol Lastavičar, Vuga, Kukavica, Crvenoglavi djetlić, Crvena lunja, Crna lunja, Slavuj, Mali djetao, Gavran, Kobac, and Jastreb.


