Top 20 Lakes around Ratingen

Duisburg's regatta course enjoys a worldwide reputation among canoeists and rowers. Since its inauguration in 1935, international competitions have been held here, most recently the Canoe Racing World Championships in 2023. The course also serves as a training base for the German national team, preparing for the Olympic Games, for example. Other nations also use the local infrastructure.

The weir, which dams the largest of the six Ruhr lakes, belongs to the Ruhrverband. Even in times when sewage treatment plants take over the largest part of the water purification, the lake still fulfills its function in fine purification. The weir includes a lock and, since 2020, a fish lift to enable the animals to migrate, e.g. to find spawning grounds. The Ruhrverband has set up an information point on the weir on this subject, which is open on weekends during the summer months.

The Rotthäuser Bachtal has been under nature protection since 1984 and is designated as an FFH area. (FFH areas are areas that have been selected for the "Natura 2000" protected area system.) What is special about the valley are its wet biotopes, the stream that gave it its name, its springs, the numerous fish ponds and extensive reed beds. There are also valuable alder, ash and softwood alluvial forests as well as grove beech forests. This is how a diverse and varied landscape can be seen in a small area. Rare animal species such as reed warblers, reed buntings and kingfishers as well as dragonflies such as the "blue-green mermaid" can be seen in the Rotthäuser Bachtal. The plant world is also rich in species, including plants that are threatened according to the "Red List", such as the giant horsetail or the watercress.

The Rotthäuser Bachtal has been a nature reserve since 1984 and is also designated as an FFH area. (FFH areas are areas that have been selected for the "Natura 2000" protected area system.) The special thing about the valley are its wetlands, the stream that gave it its name, its springs, the numerous fish ponds and extensive reed beds. In addition, there are valuable alder, ash and softwood floodplain forests as well as woodrush beech forests. This creates a diverse and varied landscape in a small area. The Rotthäuser Bachtal is home to rare animal species such as reed warblers, reed buntings and kingfishers as well as dragonflies such as the "blue-green darter". The flora is also rich in species, including plants that are threatened according to the "Red List", such as giant horsetail and watercress.

The regatta course is very impressive. From time to time you can watch rowers and paddlers training. Otherwise there are also wonderful paths around the route that invite you to go hiking, biking or walking.

ESPECIALLY IN SUMMER EVENINGS you can experience spectacular MOODS AND SUNSETS with wonderful RELEXIONS and LIGHT PLAYS on the WATER from here. Then the screeching WILD GEESE often fly over the lake in a V-shaped formation. And on top of the hill, the top floor of VILLA HÜGEL shines illuminated by the sun like a GEM....

Nice way along the Baldeneysee. Also very popular with cyclists and skaters on weekends and in the afternoons.

The first part of the hike from Unterbacher See to the northern turning point is both scenic and challenging. Unfortunately, the way back from the north to the lake can't keep up: too many asphalt paths, too close to urban development. It may be wiser to hike back the way there...