Steinhude Lake, which stretches for 32 kilometres, could almost be mistaken for a sea. Leisure activities in the Steinhude Lake Nature Reserve focus on the artificial island (35,000 square metres), with its beautiful sandy beach, white sails, large sunbathing areas and colourful sunshades. Swimming in the mud-rich water is like having a whole-body health treatment. Our tip: the "white dune" on the north bank is especially popular. Families enjoy visiting Münchehagen Dinosaur Park, which has over 100 dinosaur reconstructions.

Zwischenahn Lake (526 hectares) in the Ammerland region offers swimming, sailing, windsurfing and angling. It is also in a delightful setting with an extensive network of cycle paths. The air here is so clear and fresh that every breath feels therapeutic. Fancy some healthy holiday fun? Bad Zwischenahn is a state-approved mud spa resort with magnificent swathes of rhododendrons in the heart of the Ammerland parkland.