The best mountain hikes around Lake of Kemnade

The routes around Lake Kemnade offer a diverse landscape, characterized by lush green nature and views over the Ruhr valley. You'll encounter varied paths, including sections around the lake and through nearby nature reserves. While not high-alpine, these routes provide notable elevation gains and moderate ascents, making them suitable for challenging hikes.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For instance, you could explore the Miners’ Prayer House, Witten – Hardenstein Castle Ruins loop from Hardenstein, which offers views of the historic Hardenstein Castle Ruins. Another option is the Elbschebach Nature Reserve – Moses Göpel Shaft loop from Hardenstein, traversing diverse natural scenery.

The area is rich in points of interest. You can enjoy views of Lake Kemnade itself, particularly from the north shore. Historic sites like Blankenstein Castle and Haus Kemnade are often part of the scenic experience. The Elbschebach Nature Reserve is also a significant natural feature you might encounter.

The mountaineering routes around Lake Kemnade are generally classified as moderate. They involve notable elevation gains and varied terrain, requiring good fitness and sturdy shoes. While not technical climbing, they offer a substantial challenge for hikers, with some routes featuring ascents of up to 280 meters.

While all routes in this guide are rated moderate, meaning they require a certain level of fitness, families with older children who are accustomed to longer hikes might enjoy some of the shorter loops. For example, the Miners’ Prayer House, Witten – Hardenstein Castle Ruins loop is about 7.3 km and takes around 2 hours, which could be manageable for active families.

Many trails around Lake Kemnade are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings with your canine companion. However, it's always advisable to keep your dog on a leash, especially in nature reserves like the Elbschebach Nature Reserve, to protect local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all users.

The routes around Lake Kemnade are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.3 stars. Mountaineers often praise the lush green nature, the scenic views over the Ruhr valley, and the historical landmarks encountered along the way.

Yes, the area around Lake Kemnade is well-equipped with amenities. Along the shores and near popular starting points, you'll find various restaurants, cafes, beer gardens, and even ice cream vans, perfect for a refreshment after your hike.

The region around Lake Kemnade is beautiful throughout the year, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for mountaineering, with mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it's wise to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter hikes are possible, but trails might be muddy or icy, requiring appropriate gear.

This guide features 4 distinct mountaineering routes around Lake Kemnade, all of which are classified as moderate in difficulty.

Absolutely. The View of Kemnader See – Heveney Harbor loop from Brenscheder Straße is specifically designed to lead through areas with excellent views of Lake Kemnade, offering picturesque vistas during your hike.

Parking is generally available near popular starting points for the routes around Lake Kemnade. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages on komoot, or by checking local signage near trailheads such as those around Hardenstein or Brenscheder Straße.