The best walks and hikes around Hasper Talsperre

There are over 1,000 hiking trails in the Hasper Talsperre area, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and fitness levels. These include 609 easy routes, 372 moderate routes, and 48 difficult routes.

The Hasper Talsperre region is characterized by its charming wooded and hilly terrain, with the 19-hectare reservoir as its centerpiece. You'll find diverse tree stages, from ancient growth to reforested sections, and expansive views of the surrounding hills. The Hasper Reservoir itself is a prominent feature, and the Naturschutzgebiet Hasper Bach (Hasper Bach Nature Reserve) with its meandering streams borders the reservoir's forebay.

Yes, a particularly popular and family-friendly option is the approximately 5-kilometer circular trail around the reservoir. This path is often described as suitable for prams, featuring comfortable routes and easily accessible paths. Benches along the route offer scenic views. For a specific easy route, consider the View of Hasper Reservoir – View of the Ennepe Dam loop from Oberbauer, which is 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long.

Hikers can explore several notable landmarks. The impressive dam wall, constructed between 1901 and 1904, features a distinctive Art Nouveau balustrade and two characteristic towers. You can also pass under the historic Plessen Viaduct, a four-arched railway bridge now used by walkers and cyclists. The Hasper Reservoir itself is a major attraction.

The trails around Hasper Talsperre are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 14,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the beautiful natural surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, and diverse range of well-maintained trails, making it an ideal spot for walking and enjoying nature.

Yes, for those seeking longer excursions, the Hasper Talsperre serves as a starting point for more extensive hikes on marked trails. The Talsperrenweg X3 of the SGV (Sauerländischer Gebirgsverein) connects several reservoirs in the vicinity. A more challenging option is the Hasper Dam – View of the Hasper Reservoir loop from Oberbauer, a difficult 11.4 miles (18.4 km) route.

Absolutely. A nearby disused narrow-gauge railway line has been converted into a cycling and hiking path, offering additional opportunities to combine a walk around the lake with a trail through the Ennepe Valley. The Forest Trail above the Ennepe Valley – Ennepe Riverside Trail loop from Bilstein is a moderate 5.2 miles (8.4 km) option that explores this area.

In the surrounding forests, visitors might discover two wildlife parks home to fallow deer, mouflon, and wild boars. Additionally, a salmon breeding center, operating in cooperation with the University of Düsseldorf, is located at the foot of the dam wall, contributing to the reintroduction of wild salmon.

Many trails offer expansive views of the surrounding hills and the reservoir's northern shore. Benches are strategically placed along the circular route around the reservoir to provide scenic spots to pause and enjoy the tranquility of the forested slopes and the lake. Routes like the Hasper Dam – View of the Hasper Reservoir loop from Bilstein provide continuous views of the reservoir.

Yes, the Hasper Dam – View of the Hasper Reservoir loop from Hasper Bachtal is a 6.0 miles (9.6 km) trail that leads through the Hasper Bachtal, offering a different perspective of the area's natural beauty.