Merfelder Bruch, Heubachniederung

The Merfelder Bruch extends over 3.2 square kilometers, featuring diverse flora and original vegetation that forms a natural habitat for wild horses.

The first documented mention of the Dülmen wild horses in Merfelder Bruch dates back to 1316, when hunting, fishing, and wild horse rights were secured.

The annual Wild Horse Catch event occurs on the last Saturday in May, where young men manually capture yearling stallions following century-old traditions.

The protected area opens from March to November, with parking facilities located 12 kilometers west of Dülmen on the road to Borken.

The site maintains Europe's only wild horse stud farm, housing approximately 300 horses that roam freely throughout the 350-hectare reserve.

Location: Dülmen

Inception: 1990

GPS coordinates: 51.83447,7.16683

Latest update: March 7, 2025 11:30