Harkortsee is a region in Germany's Ruhr area, situated between the cities of Herdecke, Wetter, and Hagen. This area is characterized by the Harkortsee reservoir itself, gentle hills like the Kaisberg, and well-developed infrastructure for various outdoor pursuits. The landscape offers a blend of waterside paths and more rugged, natural terrain, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, mountain biking, and more.
The Harkortsee region provides a range of outdoor activities,…
167
Routes
4.6
(3929)
Average rating
19995
People visited

4.4
(37)
121
riders
45.5km
03:04
430m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
17
riders
95.8km
07:18
1,040m
1,120m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.3
(3)
15
riders
38.3km
02:44
690m
690m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
23
riders
44.7km
02:42
550m
550m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(483)
1,264
hikers
11.7km
03:06
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(64)
321
hikers
9.34km
02:35
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(86)
352
hikers
5.39km
01:23
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(104)
392
hikers
23.3km
06:42
570m
570m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(395)
1,230
riders
23.3km
01:32
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(393)
1,176
riders
32.7km
02:10
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(93)
436
riders
21.6km
01:24
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(70)
352
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(89)
701
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.7
(15)
171
riders
15.6km
01:38
490m
490m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.7
(52)
210
riders
34.6km
01:55
150m
150m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(25)
124
riders
23.0km
02:07
500m
500m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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4.8
(52)
825
riders
89.3km
03:45
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.4
(53)
665
riders
34.4km
01:29
210m
210m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.7
(13)
96
riders
61.9km
03:01
860m
860m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.3
(6)
105
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.6
(26)
435
runners
13.3km
01:27
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(26)
381
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(25)
160
runners
5.80km
00:37
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(4)
149
runners
13.5km
01:25
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
4
hikers
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
1
hikers
11.3km
03:13
260m
260m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
3
hikers
14.0km
03:56
280m
280m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
1
hikers
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Harkortsee offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Touring cycling, Jogging, Mountain biking, Road cycling, and Gravel biking. The region features 9 routes across these sports, with more than 635,000 visitors having explored the area.
Yes, Harkortsee features well-developed footpaths for hiking. Trails range from idyllic paths along the northern shore to more challenging routes through the gentle hills of the Kaisberg. For detailed options, refer to the guide Hiking around Harkortsee.
Harkortsee is a prime destination for touring cyclists, primarily due to the RuhrtalRadweg which follows the lake's shore. Mountain biking opportunities also exist, with some trails featuring root sections and blocked terrain. Explore options in the guide Cycling around Harkortsee.
Harkortsee offers routes suitable for families. These trails provide accessible options for various age groups to enjoy the natural surroundings. Specific family-friendly routes can be found in the guide Family-friendly hikes around Harkortsee.
Harkortsee has trails that are suitable for visitors with dogs. Specific routes and any local regulations regarding pets can be reviewed. A dedicated guide for these trails is available: Dog-friendly hikes around Harkortsee.
Key landmarks include Harkortsee itself, one of six Ruhr reservoirs, and the impressive Ruhr Viaduct, a 313-meter-long sandstone construction spanning the lake. The Kaisberg Hills south of the lake offer a more natural landscape with scenic views.
Hiking trails in Harkortsee range in difficulty. Paths along the lake are generally easy, while routes through the Kaisberg hills can offer more challenging terrain. For easier options, consult the guide Easy hikes around Harkortsee.
Harkortsee is accessible via public transport, with bus stations in the surrounding municipalities. Routes starting directly from these stations are available for convenience. Information on such routes can be found in the guide Hikes from bus stations around Harkortsee.
Routes in Harkortsee have an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 145,000 users who have explored the area.
Yes, Harkortsee offers mountain biking opportunities. Some trails around the lake and in the Kaisberg hills can present challenges, including root sections and small drops. For specific routes, refer to the guide MTB Trails around Harkortsee.
As Harkortsee borders multiple municipalities, tourism information can be found on the websites of the bordering cities. The official website for Herdecke tourism information is herdecke.de.
The Harkortsee region includes facilities such as cafes, particularly in the surrounding towns of Herdecke, Wetter, and Hagen. These amenities are often located conveniently near popular routes and attractions.
A popular circular route around Harkortsee, particularly through the Kaisberg hills, is approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) long. This route offers varied terrain and scenic views.

