Riverside discovery: "Blue fortune" unveiled along the Lower Rhine
In the heart of western Germany, the Lower Rhine region offers a wealth of hidden gems by the water, waiting to be discovered by those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and local charm. Antje Kluth, author of the book "Blue Lucky Spots on the Lower Rhine", has compiled a treasure trove of secret tips and unique excursion spots that are off the beaten path.
The book highlights secluded riverbanks and quiet waterfronts, perfect for picnicking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the peaceful river views without the crowds. Hidden lakes and ponds tucked away in forests or meadows provide a serene escape for quiet fishing, swimming, or nature walks.
For those seeking a more intimate water experience, Antje Kluth recommends secret boat trip routes on smaller rivers and canals around the Lower Rhine. These often overlooked waterways offer an enchanting exploration of the region's water landscape.
Charming riverside villages with waterfront cafes and local haunts provide an authentic Lower Rhine atmosphere, making them ideal spots for sampling regional cuisine. Water-themed cultural and historical sites, such as offbeat museums, water mills, or historic docks nestled by waterways, add a cultural dimension to your excursion alongside stunning natural settings.
Nature reserves with water habitats, like protected areas along the Lower Rhine where river floodplains, marshes, or reed beds serve as habitats for rare birds and amphibians, are a haven for nature lovers and photographers.
Antje Kluth's book is known for its inspiring descriptions and practical insider advice, helping readers discover peaceful, almost secret "blue" spots that aren't widely known but deliver a special connection to water and landscape. The book, which includes 80 tips for water-based excursions, also explores themes of peace, action, and company, reflecting Kluth's belief in the power of luck.
Kluth, who grew up near the Lower Rhine, has a deep connection to water, having a swimming pool next to her former bedroom. She researched potential lucky spots on the Lower Rhine using Google Maps and drew inspiration from her experiences, such as a patschel fountain, street, and bread in Born, Germany, and a beautiful pine forest leading to the moor experience path in Hamminkeln.
One of Kluth's absolute favorite happiness spots is the moor experience path in Hamminkeln, where she encountered a village school teacher living in a fisherman's hut and heard a tale about an otter lady climbing up to his hut. Other memorable experiences include meeting a gold washer from Kalkar and visiting showmen in Nettetal who redesigned a mini-golf course in American style.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful picnic spot, a serene swimming hole, or a cultural adventure, the Lower Rhine region has a "blue lucky spot" waiting for you. Consult Antje Kluth's book for detailed maps, coordinates, and narratives for each spot, and embark on your own watery discovery.
- Immerse yourself in the tranquil outdoor-living and home-and-garden ambience at the picturesque riverside villages, complete with waterfront cafes and local haunts, offering a unique opportunity to sample regional cuisine while basking in the Lower Rhine's serene beauty.
- For an intimate and breathtaking exploration of the Lower Rhine's water landscape, consider Antje Kluth's recommended secret boat trip routes on smaller rivers and canals, located off the beaten path, where you can revel in the beauty of hidden lakes and ponds, perfect for some quiet fishing, swimming, or nature walks.
