Nature pot Borkenberge

Natural pool, playground, safari tent: there is plenty to experience at the Borkenberge nature park. The theme of mining runs through the entire design of the site. "Precisely because we are a recreational site for the Ruhr region," says owner Thomas Fischer. 100 tourist pitches, 160 annual camping pitches and three safari tents (including up to six beds, bathroom, kitchen and air conditioning) await guests. "Incidentally, the first safari tent is the original Big Brother tent," says Thomas Fischer with a grin.

Natural pool for 300 guests

The campsite covers a total of nine hectares and is completely barrier-free. The natural swimming pool with swimmers', non-swimmers' and toddlers' areas, which is currently under construction, offers space for 300 people - but only for guests of the campsite. The bathhouse is state of the art, as is the restaurant. A terrace offers space for 120 guests.

At the rear of the site is an approximately eleven-hectare meadow. Fischer wants to make this available for events, for example by CampRepublik or Paul Camper.

From Ruhrpott classics such as currywurst and chips with mayonnaise to healthy salads and crispy schnitzel - camping holidaymakers and day trippers can indulge themselves at the POTTkantine.

Campsite operator Thomas Fischer took over the catering business at his naturpott Borkenberge campsite in November and set up the "POTTkantine" within four months. In addition to installing state-of-the-art kitchen equipment, the sun terrace was also enlarged, a new team was hired - and, of course, a new menu was developed. It is hearty and modern - and there is something for everyone. Most dishes are available in both vegetarian/vegan and meat options. "We understand that awareness of the origin of food has reached the middle of the population. That's why, in addition to our dishes with high-quality animal products, there is usually also a meat-free option," says Managing Director Thomas Fischer.

He and his team have been working flat out to build up the restaurant, which was previously run by tenants under the name "Futtern wie bei Vattern". "It seems that Naturpott's reputation now precedes it, which contributes to the fact that vacancies are often filled faster than we would hope, despite the omnipresent shortage of skilled workers," says Fischer. The team of nine has been working together since February to successfully launch the POTTkantine. The POTTkantine offers everything from a breakfast buffet to a lunch and snack menu and an extensive regional evening menu that reflects the Ruhrpott style of the Naturpotts. Guests from outside are also welcome to try schnitzel, waffles or hearty salad bowls and enjoy a drink on the sun terrace.

Extensions to the menu and changes to opening hours can be found on the website and the POTTkantine's Instagram and Facebook profile.

The POTTkantine: Leversum 85, behind the Naturpott Borkenberge reception building, is open daily except Tuesdays from 12 noon to 10 pm.