Best lakes around Breckerfeld are found in North Rhine-Westphalia, offering diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. This scenic region features various bodies of water, from bustling recreational hubs to tranquil drinking water reservoirs. Each lake provides unique reasons for a visit, catering to different interests. The area is characterized by its forested landscapes and historical elements, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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Hengsteysee is a popular reservoir in the Ruhr area, created in 1929 and located between Hagen, Herdecke and Dortmund. It was created by damming the Ruhr to improve water quality and serves as an important recreational area. The lake is surrounded by a 6.5km footpath and cycle path, allowing for walks and cycle rides along the shore. The route offers many opportunities to linger, with benches, playgrounds and small restaurants along the way. Hengsteysee is also attractive for water sports enthusiasts, with rowing, sailing and canoeing available. During the summer season, the excursion boat "Freiherr vom Stein" operates on the lake, connecting various moorings, including the Lenne estuary and Hohensyburg. The lake borders the Ardey Mountains to the north, providing a picturesque backdrop, while birdwatchers can spot many aquatic birds such as the Great Crested Grebe. Of historical interest are the remains of Niedernhofen Castle, which are hidden in the lake, and the so-called Mouse Tower, which used to be part of a pedestrian bridge. The proximity to Hohensyburg with its castle ruins and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial makes Hengsteysee an ideal starting point for exploring the region.
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Very beautiful hiking and cycling trails. Great nature. The Hengsteysee is a reservoir completed in 1929 and operated by the Ruhr Association on the course of the Ruhr between the cities of Hagen, Dortmund and Herdecke in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is one of the six Ruhr reservoirs and is named after the neighboring Hagen district of Hengstey. The lake begins in the course of the Ruhr approximately at the level of the Syburger Ruhr bridge, a good kilometer below the mouth of the Lenne, and its end is formed by the dam of the Hengstey run-of-river power plant with a dam height of 4.6 m. North of the Hengsteysee rises as part of the Ardey Mountains, among other things the Klusenberg. The 4 km long lake has a storage capacity of around 3.3 million m³.
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The Hengsteysee is located near Hagen below the mouth of the Lenne into the Ruhr. At the time of its commissioning, increased sludge precipitation and thus an intensive cleaning effect were achieved by mixing the acidic and iron-containing Lenne water with the alkaline Ruhr water. Today, it is primarily the Ruhr Association's state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants that ensure water quality, but the reservoirs still cannot be dispensed with as a fine purification stage for discharged rainwater and as a sediment trap for river gravel from the Lenne. In addition, the Hengsteysee has been used as a sub-basin for the Herdecke pumped storage power plant (Koepchenwerk) built by RWE since it went into operation. Due to pumped storage operation, the water level in Hengsteysee can fluctuate by up to 70 centimeters. In 1988/89, around 400,000 cubic meters of sediment that had been deposited from Lake Hengstey was removed using dredging. see also Ruhr Association
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Hengsteysee and Harkortsee belong together like brother and sister. Both are former water bodies used by heavy industry that have been converted into well-used recreational waters with good water quality and a diverse range of flora and fauna. There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments around Hengsteysee and Harkortsee. Note: In many places, designated cycle paths (sign 237) and designated pedestrian paths (sign 239) are available. For those walking or running, whether with children and dogs or alone, please use the paths specially designated for you and do not walk on the cycle lanes. Just as it is our duty to use the cycle lanes, it is our duty to use the footpaths.
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The Glörtalsperre is a highly favored recreational area where swimming is allowed. It features a designated swimming beach with sanitary facilities, changing rooms, and a lifeguard station during summer weekends and holidays. Other reservoirs in the region, such as Haspertalsperre and Heilenbecker Talsperre, are primarily for drinking water and do not permit swimming.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. The Glörtalsperre is ideal with its swimming beach, playground, and outdoor sports equipment. Its 3.5 km circular hiking trail is also accessible for strollers. The Hengsteysee also features playgrounds and resting spots along its path.
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. The Glörtalsperre offers a 3.5 km circular trail, while the Haspertalsperre has a 5 km circular path. For longer walks, the Neyetal Dam features an 11 km circular path through the forest. Many of these paths are suitable for leisurely walks and offer scenic views. You can find more hiking options in the area on the Hiking around Breckerfeld guide.
Yes, dogs are permitted in specific swimming areas outside the main beach at the Glörtalsperre. Many of the circular hiking paths around the reservoirs, such as those at Haspertalsperre and Heilenbecker Talsperre, are generally dog-friendly for walks, provided dogs are kept on a leash.
The Hengsteysee and Harkortsee are excellent for cycling, with a 6.5 km footpath and cycle path encircling Hengsteysee, and the Ruhrtalweg connecting both lakes for extended scenic routes. The Haspertalsperre also offers a scenic 5 km circular path suitable for cycling. For more cycling routes, check the Cycling around Breckerfeld guide.
The region boasts several historical elements. Near the Hengsteysee, you can find the historic Hohensyburg castle ruins and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial. The Haspertalsperre area preserves remnants of the former Kleinbahn Haspe-Voerde-Breckerfeld, including the Plessen Viaduct. The Heilenbecker Talsperre is notable as the oldest dam in Southwestphalia, built between 1894 and 1896.
Yes, the Glörtalsperre features a 3.5 km circular hiking trail that is specifically accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, offering shaded paths and beautiful views.
The lakes and surrounding forests are home to diverse flora and fauna. The Hengsteysee is a good spot for birdwatching. The Neyetal Dam is known as a popular hunting ground for water bats and noctule bats, especially at dusk.
There are several options for refreshments. The Hengsteysee has small restaurants and resting spots along its path. At the Glörtalsperre, you can find dining options like 'Haus Glörtal' with a beer garden. The Harkortsee also offers convenient refreshment stops.
Many of the dams and reservoirs in the Breckerfeld area, such as the Haspertalsperre, Heilenbecker Talsperre, and Schevelinger Talsperre, primarily serve as sources of drinking water. While some, like the Hengsteysee and Harkortsee, also function as important recreational hubs, their role in water management is crucial for the region.
The Heilenbecker Talsperre, built between 1894 and 1896, holds the distinction of being the oldest dam in Southwestphalia. It primarily functions as a drinking water supply and offers a tranquil 2.4 km walking path around its perimeter, providing a chance to appreciate one of the region's historic water management structures.
Yes, the Wuppertalsperre offers great views with lots of forest and water. While it's a large body of water, the Bergische Panorama cycle path goes past it, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery. It serves as a recreational area and invites various water sports activities.


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