Datteln is a Venetian German city. This waterway crossroad is the biggest canal junction in all of Europe. It sits on an intersection of four large canals, the Datteln-Hamm Canal, the Wesel-Datteln Canal, the Dortmund-Ems Canal, and the Rhein-Herne Canal.
So there’s lots of canal-related recreation to be found here, as you might expect. You can go canoeing or take a riverboat cruise. There’s a promenade along the Dortmund-Ems canal that is a prime spot for cycling or jogging. Or take a stroll across one of the many bridges for a great photo opportunity of these man-made waterways.
Although you won’t find gondoliers here just yet, there is still a lot to experience in this Venetian-esque city. What could be more appropriate than a Kanalfestival? A wide variety of music can be heard, everything from Irish folk to American pop or Latin salsa.
Datteln loves to have a good time, and you’ll find several festivals being held throughout the year. On Ascension Day, the local firefighters throw a fun bash for the children. In August, be sure to check out the riding and jumping tournament.
To take in a history lesson, you should head to the Hermann Grochtmann museum. This museum offers a large collection of artifacts from Datteln’s early history. You can also learn about the city’s industrial past and old mining days.
For more natural amusement, be sure to head to the recreational park in Natroper fields. Kids will go crazy for the children’s playground with its Indiana Jones-esque suspended rope and jungle gym. And the whole family will enjoy the animal life on display here: pigs, goats, ponies, chickens, ducks and geese.
If you can’t get enough of the outdoors, then be sure to check out all of the camping opportunities that Datteln has to offer. With over eleven campsites, nature lovers will feel right at home.
