The best gravel rides around Unterbacher Lake

Beautiful path through nature.

Lake Menzel is a disused gravel pit in the south of Düsseldorf, created during gravel mining in the 1970s and 1980s. After industrial use ceased, the area was gradually returned to nature and developed into an important refuge for animals and plants. Today, Lake Menzel is part of a designated nature reserve and is one of the most ecologically valuable bodies of still water in the region. The lake covers an area of approximately 18 hectares and is up to 15 meters deep. Due to its secluded location, the surrounding forests, and extensive land use, a largely undisturbed habitat has developed here. Bird species such as great crested grebes, little grebes, grey herons, and various duck species find breeding and resting sites here. Amphibians, dragonflies, bats, and rare insects also benefit from the natural structures and largely untouched shoreline. Technically speaking, Lake Menzel is a residual body of water from gravel mining. After mining ceased, the pit was not completely filled but flooded. The groundwater level naturally filled the basin. Due to the lack of tourist or recreational development, the lake remained largely untouched – a rarity in urban areas. There are no paved shores, no bathing infrastructure, and no access roads to the water. The shore is largely covered with reeds, rushes, bushes, and trees – ideal conditions for breeding birds and shy wildlife. Access to the lake is deliberately restricted. A circular path leads around the area at a respectful distance, allowing for nature observation without disturbing the wildlife. In some places, there are observation points or benches from which, with a little patience and binoculars, rare bird species can be observed. Lake Menzel is an excellent example of successful reuse of former mining areas. It demonstrates how the deliberate withdrawal of human use can create a high-quality biotope that is not only ecologically valuable but also scenically attractive. The lake is a worthwhile destination for nature-loving walkers, hikers, and ornithologists – especially in the morning hours or during migration in spring and autumn.

The North Beach at Lake Elbsee is a popular local recreation area and an important part of the leisure experience around the lake. It offers a spacious sandy area reminiscent of a natural beach, allowing visitors to experience the feeling of vacation and relaxation right on their doorstep. The facility was deliberately designed to combine the character of a natural bathing and leisure area with the requirements of safety and environmental protection. The beach area was created during the development of Lake Elbsee as a leisure and recreation area. The goal was to create an attractive access to the water that appeals to both swimmers and families with children. The wide sandy area and gently sloping shore make the North Beach particularly suitable for children and non-swimmers. At the same time, the open water surface offers a variety of activities for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Technically speaking, the North Beach was designed to be stable and protected against erosion caused by water movement, while at the same time not hindering natural processes. These include carefully designed shore reinforcements made from environmentally friendly materials that preserve the habitat of aquatic plants and animals. The sand is regularly maintained and supplemented to ensure consistent beach quality. The infrastructure on the North Beach includes restrooms, changing rooms, and seating areas, which increase visitor comfort. Signage and safety measures such as lifeguards and designated bathing areas also ensure a safe stay near the water. The North Beach is easily accessible and integrated into the surrounding hiking and cycling trails, making it a popular destination for day trips. In addition to recreation, the North Beach also plays a role in environmental and nature conservation. The natural design of the shore areas and the protection of the surrounding wetlands preserve an important habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, and other animals. Visitors can thus ideally combine nature experiences with leisure activities. Overall, the North Beach on Lake Elbsee is a successful example of the combination of leisure activities, nature conservation, and technical planning. It offers a wide range of uses and contributes to the quality of life in the region.

Always beautiful!

Great route, on the edge of Lake Menzel

Simply Peace

Itter also called Itterbach, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itter_(Rhein)

The Itter is unfortunately still straightened here