Top 20 Lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia's lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can find excellent opportunities for water sports like sailing, stand-up paddling, kayaking, and even wakeboarding at lakes such as Rursee, Möhnesee, Biggesee, Baldeneysee, and Bleibtreusee. Many lakes also feature extensive networks of cycling and hiking trails around their shores, perfect for exploring the natural beauty. For example, the Rursee offers scenic circular biking routes, and the Baldeneysee has a popular 14.7 km path for inline skating, walking, and cycling. You can also find various hiking and road cycling routes throughout the region. For more detailed route information, check out guides like Hiking in North Rhine-Westphalia or Road Cycling Routes in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Yes, many lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia are very family-friendly. The Rursee, for instance, has three designated bathing spots, including a public beach, and the Einruhr natural adventure pool is popular with families. The Möhnesee offers numerous bathing spots and recreational areas like Seepark Möhnesee. Lake Kemnade is also a popular destination with paved paths suitable for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages. The Seaside Beach Baldeney at Baldeneysee provides a large sandy beach, beach volleyball courts, and a climbing garden, making it ideal for a family day out.

For swimming, the Rursee offers clear blue waters with three designated bathing spots. The Möhnesee has a 40-kilometer-long shoreline with several bathing areas, including Uferlos-Strandbad Möhnesee-Wamel. Swimming in the Baldeneysee has been permitted again since 2017, and it features the Seaside Beach Baldeney. The Bleibtreusee also has a sandy beach and is popular for water sports. The Hennesee provides three bathing spots and a beach volleyball court. Please note that some reservoirs, like the Halterner Reservoir, primarily serve as drinking water facilities, and swimming may be prohibited.

The lakes in NRW are surrounded by diverse natural features. The Rursee, located in the Eifel National Park, is known for its fjord-like appearance. The Möhnesee offers panoramic views from the Möhnesee Tower over the Arnsberg Forest. The Biggesee features the uninhabited Gilberginsel, a nature reserve for birds. You can also find impressive rock formations like the Externsteine, a natural and cultural monument near a lake in the Teutoburg Forest. Many lakes, including Lake Baldeney and Niederfeld Lake, offer scenic viewpoints along their shores.

Yes, several lakes are close to significant historical and cultural sites. Near the Baldeneysee, you can visit Villa Hügel, the former residence of the Krupp family. The Möhnesee features an imposing 650-meter-long dam wall, built between 1908 and 1913, with guided tours available. The Sengbach Reservoir is one of Germany's oldest drinking water reservoirs, built in 1903. The Urft Dam, part of the Rursee system, was Europe's largest reservoir when built at the beginning of the 20th century.

The best time to visit the lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer (April to September) are ideal for water sports, swimming, cycling, and hiking, with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn (October to November) offers beautiful foliage for scenic walks and photography. While some activities might be limited, winter can also be picturesque for quiet walks around the frozen or partially frozen lakes, especially for those seeking tranquility.

Many lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia welcome dogs, especially on hiking and walking trails around the shores. However, specific rules regarding dogs in swimming areas or on beaches can vary by location. It's always advisable to check local regulations for each lake, particularly concerning designated bathing spots. Generally, dogs on leashes are permitted on most public paths and trails around the lakes.

Yes, most popular lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia have amenities nearby. Lakes like Möhnesee, Baldeneysee, and Rursee are well-developed with lakeside cafes, restaurants, and various accommodation options ranging from hotels to guesthouses and holiday apartments. The area around Phoenix See in Dortmund also features urban developments with dining options. For specific recommendations, it's best to check the local tourist information for each lake.

Phoenix See in Dortmund is an excellent example of urban recreation, built on the site of a former steelworks. It offers a 3.2 km pedestrian and bicycle path and is a serene urban oasis for walking and cycling. The Baldeneysee in Essen is another vibrant hub for active leisure, with numerous clubs and schools for water sports, and a popular path around the lake, all within close proximity to the city.

Visitors frequently praise the diverse recreational opportunities and the natural beauty of the lakes. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths for cycling and walking, the variety of water sports available, and the peaceful atmosphere. The transformation of industrial sites into recreational areas, like Phoenix See, is also highly regarded. The komoot community has shown significant appreciation, with over 9700 upvotes and more than 10000 photos shared across numerous highlights, indicating a strong positive sentiment for the region's lakes.

Several lakes are perfect for circular routes. The Rursee offers scenic circular biking routes of 27 km, extendable to 42 km. Around the Möhnesee, you can find a 40-kilometer-long shoreline with trails suitable for cycling and hiking. The Biggesee also has an extensive network of cycling and hiking trails around its shores. Lake Kemnade features an approximately 8-kilometer circular path for pedestrians, inline skaters, and cyclists. The Sengbach Reservoir has a circular route of about 10 kilometers.