Sustainable tourism: the Borken region is becoming a new adventure magnet!

Sustainable tourism: the Borken region is becoming a new adventure magnet!

July 18, 2025 is all about nature and tourism. The experience developer Tom Zeller, who is known for his creative projects such as the adventure wooden ball at Lake Steinberger, visited the Frielendorfer Silbersee and the lake landscape around Borken. The initiator of this inspiring excursion was MEP Engin Eroglu (MEP), who sees the opportunity to sustainably strengthen tourism in the region. Zeller was accompanied by prominent representatives of the region such as Marcél Pritsch, mayor of Borken, and Jens Nöll, mayor of Frielendorf. Gabi Grau-Becker from the Schwalm-Eder District Economic Development Agency was also there.

During his visit, Zeller expressed his enthusiasm for the region's natural diversity. He emphasized that he doesn't want to focus on theme parks, but wants to create places that allow for peace and a connection to nature. The goal is to promote experiential architecture that combines wooden architecture, experiential education and a respectful approach to nature. This means that the Frielendorfer Silbersee could become a model region for environmentally friendly tourism in the future.

Sustainable projects in focus

Significant support for such projects comes from the state government and the EU. Currently, 25 projects for the sustainable development of tourism in North Rhine-Westphalia are being funded with around 24 million euros. This is done as part of the project “erlebnis.NRW – shaping the future of culture, nature and sustainable tourism”. Implementation is carried out by various ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy as well as the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport. This initiative is part of a larger investment volume of around 4.2 billion euros from the ERDF/JTF program, of which almost 2 billion euros are EU funds.

Among other things, innovative projects such as the development of a regional management system for tourist infrastructure in the Bergisches Land Nature Park and digital experiences in historic cities were supported. The comprehensive support shows the importance that tourism has for regional development. The aim is not only to improve the quality of life of local residents, but also to create jobs.

On to the next round!

The authorities are already preparing for a second round of submissions, which is scheduled to take place in autumn 2023. This opens up the opportunity for further projects to apply for funding. Many new ideas for nature-based experiences that are intended to attract families are already being discussed. The creativity and commitment of the actors involved is particularly emphasized by Minister Mona Neubaur, while her colleague Oliver Krischer emphasizes the importance of local nature.

As part of this structural change, the Frielendorfer Silbersee could act as a lighthouse project that shows an example of what gentle tourism can look like. The planned measures and discussions on feasibility point to progress and optimism for the region and its residents.