Top 20 Lakes around Hagen

Hengsteysee is a vibrant recreational area offering a blend of active pursuits and serene natural beauty. You can enjoy water sports like sailing, rowing, and canoeing, or take a scenic cruise on the passenger ship "Freiherr vom Stein". There's also a 6.5 km footpath and cycle path encircling the lake, perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or inline skating. For a great view, visit the View of the Hengsteysee viewpoint.

Yes, Harkortsee offers excellent options for hiking and cycling. An idyllic cycle and hiking path runs along the northern shore from Wetter to Herdecke, forming part of the famous Ruhr Valley Cycle Path. This path is well-marked and separate for cyclists and pedestrians. The Hagen side of Harkortsee also features paths winding through the hills of the Kaisberg, providing a more rugged natural landscape.

While Harkortsee has good water quality and is popular for various water sports, wild swimming is generally not permitted in the lakes around Hagen. Specifically, swimming is not allowed in the Hasper Talsperre due to its function as a drinking water reservoir.

The Hasper Talsperre is a tranquil destination known for its historical architecture and natural beauty. Built between 1901 and 1904, it features two distinctive towers at each end of the dam and a beautiful Art Nouveau balustrade. A pleasant circular path of about 5 kilometers surrounds the reservoir, ideal for gentle walks or runs through forested hillsides. It also serves as a vital drinking water source for the Haspe area.

Yes, the lakes are generally family-friendly. Hengsteysee, for example, has playgrounds along its paths and offers pedal boat rentals. The circular path around Hasper Talsperre is also suitable for families and can be shortened. Many highlights, such as the Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake and the Hasper Reservoir, are categorized as family-friendly.

The region boasts several historical points of interest. The Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake is an impressive structure offering a unique photo opportunity and a sense of historical significance. Near Hengsteysee, you can see the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Monument at Hohensyburg. The Hasper Talsperre itself is a historical monument with its early 20th-century dam architecture.

Yes, both Hengsteysee and Harkortsee offer well-maintained and accessible paths. Hengsteysee has a 6.5 km footpath and cycle path around its perimeter. Harkortsee features an idyllic cycle and hiking path along its northern shore, which is part of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path and is separate for cyclists and pedestrians, making it suitable for various users.

The forested northern bank of Hengsteysee, belonging to the Ardey mountains, provides a habitat for diverse animals and bird species. You might spot the Great Crested Grebe and other waterfowl. The area's natural setting makes it a good spot for nature observation.

For expansive views, the View of the Hengsteysee from the mining trail offers a scenic perspective of the lake. The Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake also provides a unique vantage point, especially for photography. Benches along the circular path at Hasper Talsperre offer beautiful outlooks over the reservoir and forested hillsides.

The area around Hagen's lakes offers numerous routes for various outdoor activities. For mountain hikes, consider routes like the "Hasper Dam – View of the Hasper Reservoir loop from Hasper Bachtal" which is an easy 5 km hike. Road cyclists might enjoy the "Hengsteysee – Ruhr Valley Cycle Route – Ruhr Viaduct Herdecke loop from Helfe" covering over 31 km. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore the "Harkortsee Railway Viaduct – Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake loop from Hagen-Westerbauer". You can find more details on these and other routes in the Mountain Hikes around Hagen, Road Cycling Routes around Hagen, and Gravel biking around Hagen guides.

Yes, the lakes are generally accessible by public transport. Hengsteysee, for instance, has bus stops conveniently located, making it easy to reach without a car. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for specific routes and timings to each lake.

Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. Hengsteysee is considered suitable for pets, and highlights like the Hengstey Bridge are explicitly marked as dog-friendly. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas or where signage indicates.

Yes, you'll find various amenities around the lakes. Hengsteysee has small eateries along its paths, and there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments around both Hengsteysee and Harkortsee. The Ruhr promenade in Herdecke, near Harkortsee, has been beautifully redesigned and invites visitors to linger at cafes.