Top 20 Lakes around Erkrath
Best lakes around Erkrath are found in its immediate surroundings, offering diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. While Erkrath itself is not directly home to large lakes, its location provides easy access to several notable bodies of water. These areas are characterized by extensive path networks, making them suitable for walks and bike tours. The region features a mix of natural areas, former quarry lakes, and scenic ponds.
Best lakes around Erkrath
- The most popular lakes is Rotthäuser Bachtal, a natural area featuring ponds. This area is known for its rare plant and animal species, including various birds and dragonflies. It offers a countryside feel despite its proximity to Düsseldorf.
- Another must-see spot is Benrath Palace, a historical castle with a lake. Visitors can expect a beautifully landscaped park with diverse gardens and surprising views of the castle. The park provides recreational opportunities for all ages.
- Visitors also love Gut Papendelle by the pond, a settlement by a pond. This location is appreciated for its quiet atmosphere, especially on weekdays, and offers opportunities for relaxed walks and photography, particularly during sunset.
- Erkrath is known for natural lakes, former quarry lakes, and scenic ponds. The area provides a variety of water bodies to explore, each offering different recreational experiences.
- The lakes around Erkrath are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3000 upvotes and over 1200 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Rotthäuser Bachtal
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View of the Rotthäuser Bachtal ponds
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The special thing about the valley are its wetlands, the stream that gave it its name, its springs, the numerous fish ponds and extensive reed beds. In addition, there are valuable alder, ash and softwood floodplain forests as well as woodrush beech forests. This creates a diverse and varied landscape in a small area.
The Rotthäuser Bachtal is home to rare animal species such as reed warblers, reed buntings and kingfishers as well as dragonflies such as the "blue-green darter". The flora is also rich in species, including plants that are threatened according to the "Red List", such as giant horsetail and watercress.
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Gut Papendelle by the pond
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Benrath Palace
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Reservoirs on the Rotthäuser Bach at Gut Papendelle
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"... The name Papendelle as a Low German form of "Pfaffental" refers to former spiritual and ecclesiastical property. Unfortunately, there are no sources that even hint at an ecclesiastical or monastic foundation of the farm. A connection to the Gerresheim monastery, founded before 870, would be obvious. It is also conceivable that Papendelle belonged to the property in the 12th century that King Conrad III confirmed in a document to the Vilich monastery near Bonn in 1144 (Lacomblet, Volume 1, No. 350). According to this, the Vilich monastery in Morp owned five lordly acres of Salland, two mills, a forest and a further 25 ½ peasant acres, which unfortunately are not specified by name. The question of the foundation therefore remains unanswered. ..."
kuladig.de/Objektansicht/KLD-283391
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The Rotthäuser Bachtal has been under nature protection since 1984 and is designated as an FFH area. (FFH areas are areas that have been selected for the "Natura 2000" protected area system.) What is special about the valley are its wet biotopes, the stream that gave it its name, its springs, the numerous fish ponds and extensive reed beds. There are also valuable alder, ash and softwood alluvial forests as well as grove beech forests. This is how a diverse and varied landscape can be seen in a small area. Rare animal species such as reed warblers, reed buntings and kingfishers as well as dragonflies such as the "blue-green mermaid" can be seen in the Rotthäuser Bachtal. The plant world is also rich in species, including plants that are threatened according to the "Red List", such as the giant horsetail or the watercress.
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The Rotthäuser Bachtal has been a nature reserve since 1984 and is also designated as an FFH area. (FFH areas are areas that have been selected for the "Natura 2000" protected area system.) The special thing about the valley are its wetlands, the stream that gave it its name, its springs, the numerous fish ponds and extensive reed beds. In addition, there are valuable alder, ash and softwood floodplain forests as well as woodrush beech forests. This creates a diverse and varied landscape in a small area. The Rotthäuser Bachtal is home to rare animal species such as reed warblers, reed buntings and kingfishers as well as dragonflies such as the "blue-green darter". The flora is also rich in species, including plants that are threatened according to the "Red List", such as giant horsetail and watercress.
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The first part of the hike from Unterbacher See to the northern turning point is both scenic and challenging. Unfortunately, the way back from the north to the lake can't keep up: too many asphalt paths, too close to urban development. It may be wiser to hike back the way there...
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Beautiful large ponds, then you enter a beautiful winding road. Walk over the bottom of the mountain, otherwise you will get wet feet. Because it was still very muddy.
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A real idyll. You can cross the reservoir at Gut Papendelle. However, the dam was quite damaged during the floods in July 2021.
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The Rotthäuser Bachtal is beautiful and a real highlight for hikers. Unfortunately, the storm in July 2021 left its mark. Some paths are undermined, you have to be careful where you step. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
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Dammed water of the Rothhäuser Bach, in which the water birds feel comfortable.
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Two ponds at Gut Pappendelle are reservoirs from the Rotthäuser Bach. The ducks and geese feel very comfortable here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore near Erkrath?
The area around Erkrath offers a diverse range of water bodies, including natural lakes, former quarry lakes, and scenic ponds. You can find natural areas like Rotthäuser Bachtal with its ponds, or former quarry lakes such as Elbsee and Unterbacher See, which are popular for recreation.
Are there family-friendly lakes or attractions near Erkrath?
Yes, several spots are great for families. Benrath Palace features a beautifully landscaped park with a lake, offering recreational opportunities for all ages. The Grüner See in Volkardey recreation park is also well-suited for family outings, with extensive paths for walks and bike tours, and even a designated area for dogs.
Where can I go for a swim near Erkrath?
For swimming, both Unterbacher See and Grüner See are popular choices. They are easily accessible from Erkrath and provide excellent opportunities for cooling off on warm days.
What historical sites with lakes can I visit?
You can visit Benrath Palace, a historical castle featuring a lake within its beautifully landscaped park. Another historical highlight is Winkels Mill, a historic mill situated by a mill pond, offering a picturesque setting.
Are there good places for relaxed walks or photography by a pond?
Absolutely. Gut Papendelle by the pond is appreciated for its quiet atmosphere, especially on weekdays, and offers excellent opportunities for relaxed walks and photography, particularly during sunset.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The Rotthäuser Bachtal natural area is known for its rare plant and animal species. You might spot various birds like the reed warbler and reed bunting, dragonflies such as the 'Blue-green Mosaic Damselfly,' and even kingfishers along the steep stream banks. The ponds at Reservoirs on the Rotthäuser Bach at Gut Papendelle are also home to many ducks and geese.
Are there easy walking trails around the lakes near Erkrath?
Yes, there are many easy walking trails. The Grüner See in Volkardey recreation park has an extensive network of paths suitable for walks. You can also find easy hiking routes around the region, such as those listed in the Easy hikes around Erkrath guide.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, you can find various outdoor activities. The region offers numerous opportunities for running, with routes detailed in the Running Trails around Erkrath guide. Cycling is also popular, with options for leisurely tours around lakes like Unterbacher See and Grüner See, as well as road cycling routes found in the Road Cycling Routes around Erkrath guide.
Are the lakes near Erkrath dog-friendly?
Yes, some areas are dog-friendly. The Grüner See in Volkardey recreation park includes a designated area for dogs. Additionally, the Reservoirs on the Rotthäuser Bach at Gut Papendelle are noted as dog-friendly.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Erkrath?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the countryside feel of areas like Rotthäuser Bachtal, the quiet atmosphere for relaxed walks at Gut Papendelle by the pond, and the beautifully landscaped park and historical significance of Benrath Palace. The ease of access to swimming and cycling options at lakes like Unterbacher See and Grüner See is also highly valued.
Can I find cafes or amenities near the lakes?
While specific cafes directly at every lake are not detailed, the area around Benrath Palace is near restaurants and the small town of Benrath. For other lakes, it's advisable to check local listings for amenities in nearby towns like Erkrath or Düsseldorf, which are easily accessible.
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