Best lakes around Willingen, located in the Sauerland region, provide access to diverse natural landscapes for outdoor activities. The area is characterized by a blend of forests, meadows, and various water bodies. Willingen offers several picturesque lakes, each with distinct features and attractions. These lakes serve as focal points for recreation and nature exploration.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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Popular around Willingen
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The largest lake in the Hohe Westerwald can be wonderfully circumnavigated. Two campsites with beautiful bathing beaches are located on its shore. From an observation stand, you can observe the birdlife in the nature reserve next to the lake.
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Beautiful hiking trails and the opportunity to swim
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The Krombachtalsperre can be circumnavigated well.
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Lake with lawn and jetty. Bathing forbidden for Hubde according to the sign. Next to the campsite. The monastery ruins of Seligenstatt are not far from here.
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The Krombachtalsperre extends over two federal states: the dam is in Hesse, but the larger part of the water surface is in Rhineland-Palatinate. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krombachtalsperre
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A very beautiful lake with benches on the bathing lawn. Here you can relax and enjoy nature. Nice area for walking.
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For me it's more of a long-term goal. So it was a highlight to have come this far. There are two restaurants around the dam and the paths around it are paved and easy to drive on.
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For diverse recreational activities, consider Krombach Reservoir, which is great for driving around its beautiful dam. Another popular spot is Great Secker Pond, offering a quiet recreational area with opportunities for swimming and hiking. Diemelsee, one of the Sauerland lakes, is also highly recommended for water sports like swimming, sailing, and canoeing, and features lidos for relaxation.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Great Secker Pond is a quiet and beautiful recreational area with a campsite and swimming opportunities. Heisterberger Weiher is another local recreation area with a campsite, and its circular trail is ideal for family walks. Diemelsee also offers various lidos for swimming, making it a great family destination.
The lakes around Willingen offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, and cycling on numerous trails. For example, there are easy hiking routes like the 'View from Fuchskaute' loop, moderate running trails around 'Katzhausen and the Ketzerstein', and challenging cycling routes such as the 'Krombachtalsperre – Adolf Weiss monument' loop. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, running guide, and cycling guide for Willingen.
Diemelsee is known for its excellent water quality and offers various lidos for swimming. Great Secker Pond also provides opportunities for swimming. While not directly in Willingen, larger lakes in the broader Sauerland region like Möhnesee and Hennesee are also popular for extensive water sports and recreational swimming.
Yes, the Diemelsee dam, completed in 1924, is an approximately 42-meter-high historical monument that offers impressive views and is unique in the Sauerland for being traversable by car. Additionally, Great Secker Pond has a historical background, commissioned in 1672 to secure fish supply during Lent.
For a tranquil atmosphere, the Schmalah Reservoir, also known as Silver Lake, is a smaller drinking water dam ideal for a peaceful walk around its encircling hiking trail. The Bodensee in the Helle Valley is another small lake that serves as a pleasant stopping point for hikers, particularly near its bridge and gorge path.
Absolutely. The NABU Observation Hut at Krombachtalsperre Nature Reserve offers a wide view over the lake. Near the Ettelsberg Reservoir, the Hochheideturm (High Heath Tower) provides panoramic impressions of the area. The Diemelsee dam also offers impressive views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Yes, many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. The circular trail around Heisterberger Weiher is specifically mentioned as ideal for dog walking. The hiking trails encircling Diemelsee are also suitable for walks with dogs, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views together.
The lakes around Willingen are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports and swimming, while autumn offers scenic views with changing foliage, perfect for hiking. Even in winter, the landscape can be enjoyed, with opportunities for winter hiking trails in the broader Willingen area.
Yes, there are several easy walking paths. The circular trail around Heisterberger Weiher is ideal for hiking. The Schmalah Reservoir (Silver Lake) also has an encircling hiking trail suitable for a peaceful walk. The Ettelsberg Reservoir is surrounded by walking paths, and the Bodensee in the Helle Valley is a pleasant spot for a break during a hike.
For a quiet break, the Quarry Pond near Langenbach offers a nice resting place with benches, somewhat protected by trees and providing a beautiful view of the pond. Great Secker Pond is also described as a quiet and beautiful recreational area.


Still not found your perfect lake around Willingen? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.