Top 20 Lakes around Kreis Paderborn
Best lakes around Kreis Paderborn offer diverse recreational opportunities within North Rhine-Westphalia. This region is characterized by its natural landscapes, including several lakes that serve as local recreation areas. These bodies of water contribute to the area's appeal for outdoor activities and provide natural beauty. Kreis Paderborn features a mix of leisure lakes, reservoirs, and former quarry lakes.
Best lakes around Kreis Paderborn
- The most popular lakes is Padersee, a lake that serves as a flood retention basin and recreation area. It is situated between the city center and Neuhaus Castle, offering an adventure playground and well-maintained paths for strolls.
- Another must-see spot is Aabach Reservoir, a lake providing drinking water for over 250,000 residents. Visitors can enjoy nature and sweeping views over the water, with a circular path suitable for walks and cycling.
- Visitors also love Lippesee, a large leisure lake covering over 100 hectares. It is known for a variety of water sports, a six-kilometer circular trail for cycling and walking, and facilities like a skate park and beach volleyball courts.
- Kreis Paderborn is known for its leisure lakes, drinking water reservoirs, and re-cultivated quarry lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, each with distinct features and activities.
- The lakes around Kreis Paderborn are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 highlights and over 2900 upvotes. More than 260 photos showcase the diverse landscapes and activities available.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lippesee
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Steinhorster Becken Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
The Steinhorster Basin is considered to be the largest human-made biotope in North Rhine-Westphalia. Here native, but also many migrating waders and water birds find undisturbed areas for breeding, resting or feeding. The area is part of the European bird sanctuary "Rietberger Emsniederung with Steinhorster Basin".
A wide ring moat protects the core zone of the nature reserve from disturbances. From the top of the dike and two lookout towers, the natural and animal world can be observed with binoculars or telescopes.
Hike (A1, A2, A3) or cycle (De5) the area via one of the signposted circular routes. Finally, it is worth taking a detour to the Brinkmeier farm café.
The history of the Steinhorster basin
In the 1970s, a retention basin was created to protect the towns of Rietberg and Rheda-Wiedenbrück on the Upper Ems near Steinhorst from flooding. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia bought the central storage space of around 80 hectares and turned it into a water bird reserve.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Lippesee Circular Overflow Weir
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Padersee
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Steinhorster Becken Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lippesee
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Aabach Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of the Lippesee from the south shore
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Aabach Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Bentfelder Lake District
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Kreis Paderborn.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Kreis Paderborn
European Divide Trail — 7,600 km across the continent
LandesGartenSchau Route – Westphalian Dream Parks
Römer‑Lippe Route – Water and history – 6 days
Egge Trail – Hiking through the Lower Saxon hills in Germany
The Paderborn Land Route – 250 kilometers through the middle of Westphalia
Römer‑Lippe Route – Water & history, 6 days
The Ems Cycle Route – in 7 stages from the Senne to the North Sea
The Paderborn Land Route – 250 kilometers through the middle of Westphalia
Discover Germany's diversity on enchanting cycling routes
Nature, culture and fun – day Tours in the Paderborn region
Other adventures around Kreis Paderborn
Tips from the Community
... the Bentfeld Lake District is also always worth a visit; so many lakes have been created here through gravel and sand mining, and new ones are being created here and there, and some are being filled in again.
0
0
Bentfelder Baggerseen Rundweg Delbrück, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Explore this 7.1-kilometer circular trail near Delbrück, North Rhine-Westphalia. The route is generally classified as easy and can usually be completed in 1 hour 34 minutes. Although the trail is ideal for hiking and is often busy, you can enjoy a bit of peace here at the right time of day. The route is accessible all year round and worth a trip at any time of year. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
1
1
The hike around Padersee and Neuhaus Castle can be easily done together as a small tour 😊
5
1
The Steinhorster Basin near Delbrück is really a very beautiful and large idyllic nature reserve, especially for water birds and other aquatic animals. The A3 hiking trail that leads around it is also very beautiful. I've been there 2 years in a row and very impressed.
6
0
In Pisa the tower is photographed, on the Lippesee the dam wall
4
0
The dyke grazing at the Steinhorst basin is very practical, because the sheep 🐑 naturally help to keep the grass short there.
7
0
Image taken in November 2022
8
1
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Kreis Paderborn are best for water sports?
For a wide range of water sports, Lippesee is highly recommended. It offers sailing, surfing, water skiing, stand-up paddling, and pedal boating. The nearby Nesthauser See is particularly known for its water ski facility.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Kreis Paderborn?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Padersee features an adventure playground and well-maintained paths for strolls, along with a beer garden. Lippesee also has children's playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, and a sandy beach area.
Can I swim in the lakes around Kreis Paderborn?
Swimming is permitted in some lakes. Lippesee has 'Salitos Beach' for swimming and relaxation, though there might be an entrance fee for the bathing beach. Nesthauser See is also a bathing lake. However, swimming is not allowed in the Aabach Reservoir as it serves as a drinking water source.
What kind of walking and cycling paths are available around the lakes?
Many lakes offer excellent paths. Lippesee features a six-kilometer circular trail perfect for cycling, walking, and jogging. The Aabach Reservoir has a circular path suitable for walks and cycling, known for its good asphalt surface. You can find more routes on the Hiking around Kreis Paderborn and Cycling around Kreis Paderborn guide pages.
Are there accessible lakes for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, the Dedinger Heide Lake and the View of the Lippesee from the south shore are noted as wheelchair accessible, offering paths and viewpoints for everyone to enjoy the scenery.
What dining options are available near the lakes?
You'll find various options. Lippesee has attractive restaurants and a kiosk. Near Padersee, there's a beer garden and cafes like Padercafe, offering refreshments after a stroll.
Are dogs allowed at the lakes in Kreis Paderborn?
Many outdoor areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, including Lippesee. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash and respect local regulations, especially in designated swimming or protected areas.
What can I do at the Aabach Reservoir?
While water sports and swimming are not permitted at the Aabach Reservoir due to its function as a drinking water source, it's an excellent spot for enjoying nature, taking in sweeping views, and peaceful walks or cycling along its circular path.
Are there any mountain biking trails near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers mountain biking opportunities. For example, the 'Aabach Reservoir – Keddinghauser Lake loop' is a moderate MTB route. You can explore more options on the MTB Trails around Kreis Paderborn guide page.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Kreis Paderborn?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse recreational opportunities, from water sports and cycling paths at Lippesee to the serene natural beauty and scenic views at Aabach Reservoir. The family-friendly amenities and well-maintained paths for walks around lakes like Padersee are also highly appreciated.
Are there any winter activities around the lakes?
In suitable snow conditions, the circular trail around Lippesee can be used as a cross-country ski trail, offering a unique way to experience the area during winter.
How can I get to the lakes in Kreis Paderborn?
The lakes are generally well-integrated into the region. Lippesee is located about nine kilometers from Paderborn city center, and Padersee is situated between the city center and Neuhaus Castle, making them accessible by various means, including public transport and car.
Most popular routes around Kreis Paderborn
Most popular attractions around Kreis Paderborn
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Find the best lakes around Kreis Paderborn per region:
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Kreis Paderborn? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
