The best traffic-free bike rides around Obernautalsperre

There are over 300 touring cycling routes in the Obernautalsperre area, with a significant number designed to be traffic-free. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult, ensuring options for all experience levels.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes around Obernautalsperre offer a range of difficulties. You'll find approximately 55 easy routes, 151 moderate routes, and 100 difficult routes. For example, the View of Obernautalsperre – Site of Nauholz Village loop is an easy 6.1 km ride, while the Obernau Dam – Hohenroth Forester's Lodge loop is a more challenging 37.7 km route.

Yes, the region is well-known for its circular routes, especially the approximately 10 km asphalted path that encircles the Obernautalsperre itself. This path is ideal for a continuous scenic ride. Many other routes, like the View of Beienbach – Bench by the Old Oaks loop, also offer circular options.

The routes offer captivating views of the Obernautalsperre reservoir and the surrounding forested hillsides of the Rothaargebirge mountains. You can enjoy panoramic vistas from highlights such as the View of the Obernau Reservoir and various rest areas. The reservoir itself is fed by smaller streams like Obernau and Nauholzbach, adding to the natural beauty.

Yes, many of the easy and moderate routes are suitable for families. The 10 km asphalted circular path around the Obernautalsperre is particularly popular and safe for families due to its car-free nature. Routes like the Eiscafé Bellini – Dandelion Field Near Beienbach loop are also great for a relaxed family outing.

Many of the paths around Obernautalsperre are suitable for cycling with dogs, especially the wider, well-maintained asphalt and forest paths. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and respect local regulations, particularly around nature reserves or busy areas.

Ample parking facilities are available at Netphen-Brauersdorf, conveniently located near the start of the main circular path around the Obernautalsperre. These facilities often include public restrooms for visitors' convenience.

Beyond the reservoir itself, you can explore several interesting spots. The Obernau Reservoir is a central highlight. You might also encounter the Alte Nauholzer Straße, which leads towards Forsthaus Hohenroth. Forsthaus Hohenroth features a wild game enclosure with red deer and Mesopotamian fallow deer, along with a nature exhibition and a cafe.

The region is beautiful year-round, but spring, summer, and early autumn offer the most pleasant cycling conditions. During these seasons, the weather is generally mild, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant. While the asphalt path can be busy on weekends with good weather, alternative forest paths offer a quieter experience.

While the immediate circular path around the reservoir is primarily natural, the broader region offers options. Forsthaus Hohenroth, for example, includes a cafe. For a wider selection, you'll find cafes and restaurants in nearby towns and villages, such as the charming beer garden and restaurant near the Lahnquelle, though this is further afield.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 4,200 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning scenic landscapes, the well-maintained car-free paths, and the peaceful atmosphere, especially around the reservoir and through the forested hills.