Top 20 Lakes around Herdecke

The most popular lake is Lake Kemnade, located between Bochum and Witten, offering a 10 km paved path for various activities. Other highly appreciated spots include the Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake for its scenic views and View of the Hengsteysee, providing excellent perspectives of the reservoir.

The lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy water sports like sailing, rowing, and canoeing on Harkortsee, Hengsteysee, and Kemnader See. For land-based activities, there are extensive well-developed footpaths and cycle paths, including sections of the RuhrtalRadweg. Kemnader See is particularly known for its inline skating path. For hiking, you can explore easy hikes around Herdecke, or for more challenging routes, consider mountain hikes. Cyclists can find numerous road cycling routes in the area.

Yes, many areas around the lakes are very family-friendly. Harkortsee offers amenities like a minigolf course and bouldering area, and its paths are suitable for families. Kemnader See is particularly well-equipped for families, featuring excellent playgrounds, various gastronomic options, and a beach bar. Phoenix Lake also has family-friendly facilities and a local recreation area.

The region boasts several significant landmarks. The impressive Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake, a 313-meter-long sandstone bridge, is a prominent historical structure and photo opportunity. Near Hengsteysee, you can see the historic Koepchenwerk pumped-storage plant, a technical marvel. The Hengstey Bridge also offers great views and is a notable point of interest.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer are ideal for water sports and outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, when the weather is warmer. The illuminated inline skate path at Kemnader See offers pure driving pleasure year-round. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter offers opportunities for peaceful walks, though some water activities may be limited.

Yes, there are accessible options. Harkortsee features well-developed footpaths and cycle paths that are generally suitable. Phoenix Lake is specifically noted as being wheelchair accessible, with a paved bike path structurally separate from the sidewalk, making it ideal for various users.

Yes, many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For instance, the Hengstey Bridge area and its surrounding paths are noted as dog-friendly, offering opportunities for walks with your pet.

You'll find various amenities and dining options. Harkortsee has parking, bus stops, and cafes like Café Extrablatt in Herdecke. Kemnader See is well-equipped with numerous gastronomic options, ice cream vendors, and even a beach bar. There are also cafes in Wetter along the Ruhr. Many highlights, such as Phoenix Lake, also offer facilities.

A lap around Lake Kemnade is approximately 10 km long, suitable for cycling, inline skating, and walking. The Harkortsee also has well-developed paths, with a section of the RuhrtalRadweg, making it ideal for long walks and bike tours between Herdecke and Wetter. The length of a full circuit around Hengsteysee varies depending on the specific route taken, but there are extensive hiking and cycling routes available.

Harkortsee offers a dynamic mix of peace and adventure. It features well-developed paths, opportunities for sailing, rowing, and canoeing, and passenger boat tours on the MS Friedrich Harkort. The impressive Ruhr Viaduct marks its beginning, providing a great photo opportunity. The lake also has a minigolf course and a bouldering area, making it a versatile destination for both relaxation and active recreation.

Beyond the lakes themselves, the region offers unique natural beauty. The Hagen shore of Harkortsee is more natural, with paths winding through the gentle hills of the Kaisberg, offering scenic views. From the View of the Hengsteysee, you can enjoy magnificent perspectives of the reservoir. The

The trails around the Herdecke lakes cater to various difficulty levels. You can find many easy hikes, such as the 'Hiking loop from Herdecke' or the 'Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake – Herdecke Promenade on the Ruhr River loop'. For those seeking more challenge, there are moderate mountain hikes available, like the 'Miners’ Prayer House, Witten – Hardenstein Castle Ruins loop'.

The lakes are generally well-connected. Harkortsee is accessible free of charge and offers parking and bus stops. For Hengsteysee, there are some parking spaces on both sides of the Hengstey Bridge. Kemnader See also has ample parking facilities. Public transport options are available to reach these popular recreational areas.