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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Ruhr Region
Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis

Witten

Top 20 Lakes around Witten

Best lakes around Witten, located in Germany's Ruhr area, offer diverse recreational opportunities and scenic landscapes. This region is characterized by its industrial heritage transformed into natural and leisure spaces, with several prominent lakes providing a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can find paved paths for cycling and walking, as well as areas for relaxation and water sports. The lakes contribute to the area's appeal as a destination for nature exploration and active recreation.

Best lakes around Witten

  • The most popular lakes is Lake Kemnade, a lake that serves as a popular leisure destination between Witten and Bochum. It features three paved paths for pedestrians, inline skaters, and cyclists, with a full lap around 8 kilometers long.
  • Another must-see spot is Phoenix Lake, a lake created from a former industrial area in Dortmund. This lake provides a space for relaxation and water sports, while also serving as a reminder of the Ruhr area's industrial past.
  • Visitors also love View of the Hengsteysee, a viewpoint offering expansive views of the Hengsteysee. This spot provides a great perspective on the reservoir and its surrounding natural landscape.
  • Witten is known for its reservoirs, former industrial lakes, and natural lakes. These bodies of water offer opportunities for cycling, walking, and water activities.
  • The lakes around Witten are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 6000 upvotes and over 190 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Lake Kemnade

Highlight • Lake

The Ruhr reservoir is located between Bochum and Witten, at the foot of the Ruhruni Bochum. It is a popular destination for residents of Bochum and the surrounding area. There are now three paved paths around the lake for those looking for relaxation. One for pedestrians, one for inline skaters and one for cyclists. Most of the time it works. A lap around the lake is about eight kilometers long.

But it is undoubtedly most beautiful here in the early morning hours, when you can really enjoy the peace and quiet and let your bike run. And a sunrise on the lake is always something particularly beautiful. The "culinary" tip on the lake: The same ice cream van has been parked by the parking lots for years, refreshing you with delicious ice cream in the summer.

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Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake

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The bridge is a great photo opportunity. You feel like you've gone back in time. If a steam locomotive were to roll over it, the time jump would be perfect. ;)

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Kemnader See Weir

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Very nice cycle path around the Kemnader Lake, asphalted and partly with three separate paths for pedestrians, skaters and cyclists. Good starting point for a ride along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path. From here to the Baldeney Lake in Essen it is about 70 kilometers back.

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Phoenix Lake

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There used to be a huge industrial area here, the Phoenix Ost steelworks. It was recultivated, a lake, a residential area and a local recreation area were created. Today you can relax here and at the same time you are reminded of the past of this place and the Ruhr area itself.

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View of the Hengsteysee

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Beautiful viewpoint on the mining trail, from here you have a great view of the Hengsteysee...

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Tips from the Community

Didada
June 18, 2023, Ruhr-Viadukt am Harkortsee

Impressive building and now almost 150 years old.

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The Ruhr Viaduct in Herdecke spans the valley with a length of 313 m and 12 semi-circular arches, each with a span of 20 m.

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The weir seen from the bridge has four openings closed with hydraulically operated flaps. Next to the weir are the fish ladder and the boat alley. In the case of large floods, the entire system is flooded. In 2011, a hydroelectric power station was built on the right side of the weir. The entire Ruhr flows through the power plant and enables electricity to be generated by around 3.6 million kWh annually.

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The weir has four openings that are closed with hydraulically driven flaps. Next to the weir are the fish ladder and the boat alley. In the case of large floods, the entire system is flooded. In 2011, a hydroelectric power station was built on the right side of the weir. The entire Ruhr flows through the power plant and enables electricity to be generated by around 3.6 million kWh annually.

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Rui
February 28, 2022, Phoenixsee

Always busy here

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Andi
March 27, 2021, View of Hengsteysee

and another beautiful view on the hike from the Hohensyburg to the Ruhr Bridge.

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Lunadragon
September 30, 2020, View of Hengsteysee

The view over the Ruhr valley is so easy🤩

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It's nice that everything is separated here, everyone has their own way, speaks for pedestrians, inline skaters and cyclists, of course, there are always people who don't stick to it, but otherwise you can drive there great, the paths are super easy to drive when you do a lap around the Kemnader turns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of activities can I do at the lakes around Witten?

The lakes around Witten offer a variety of recreational activities. You can enjoy cycling, walking, and inline skating on paved paths, particularly around Lake Kemnade. Water sports are also available at places like Phoenix Lake. Additionally, the region provides opportunities for hiking and enjoying scenic views.

Are there family-friendly lakes near Witten?

Yes, several lakes in the region are considered family-friendly. Lake Kemnade is a popular choice with its paved paths suitable for all ages. Phoenix Lake also offers a recreational area for families. The areas around the Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake and the View of the Hengsteysee are also noted as family-friendly.

Which lakes offer good cycling paths?

Lake Kemnade is an excellent choice for cycling, featuring a dedicated paved path that is approximately eight kilometers long for a full lap. Phoenix Lake also has a beautiful bike path structurally separate from the sidewalk, ideal for road bikes. The Hengstey Bridge area also offers cycling opportunities.

Can I find historical landmarks near the lakes in the Witten region?

Yes, the region's industrial past is evident near some lakes. The Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake is a significant historical bridge offering a sense of stepping back in time. Phoenix Lake itself is a transformation of a former steelworks, serving as a reminder of the Ruhr area's industrial heritage.

What are some scenic viewpoints around the lakes?

For stunning vistas, visit the View of the Hengsteysee, which offers expansive views of the reservoir and its natural landscape. The Hengstey Bridge also provides great views of Hengsteysee and its shorelines. Additionally, the Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake is a fantastic photo opportunity.

Are there hiking opportunities near the lakes around Witten?

Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes like the Bergbauwanderweg Muttental M2 or the Muttenbach Trail. For more challenging routes, consider trails around Borbachtal or Elbschebach Nature Reserve. Explore more options in the Hiking around Witten guide.

Is it possible to swim in the lakes near Witten?

While some lakes are primarily for recreation and water sports, specific regulations for swimming can vary. It's always best to check local signage or official sources for current swimming permissions and designated bathing areas, as wild swimming may not be permitted in all reservoirs.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Witten?

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, and water sports. During warmer months, you might even find an ice cream vendor at Lake Kemnade. Peaceful mornings and sunrises are particularly beautiful at any time of year.

Are the lakes around Witten accessible by public transport?

Many lakes in the Ruhr area, including those near Witten, are generally well-connected. For instance, Phoenix Lake in Dortmund is easily accessible from Witten. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for specific routes to each lake.

Are there options for parking near the lakes?

Yes, parking is generally available near the popular lakes. For example, there are parking spaces on both sides of the Hengstey Bridge, providing access to Hengsteysee. Lake Kemnade also has designated parking areas.

Which lakes are suitable for dog owners?

Many outdoor areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, allowing owners to enjoy walks with their pets. The Hengstey Bridge area, for instance, is noted as dog-friendly. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash where required and follow local regulations.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths around the lakes?

Phoenix Lake is known for its accessibility, featuring paths that are suitable for wheelchairs. Lake Kemnade also has paved paths, which can be suitable for wheelchair users, though it's always good to check specific conditions.

Where can I find cafes or places to eat near the lakes?

You can find various facilities and cafes near the lakes. For example, near Harkortsee, the Ruhr promenade in Herdecke has been redesigned and invites visitors to linger at places like Café Extrablatt. There are also cafes in Wetter. Phoenix Lake also has facilities and dining options in its surrounding residential and recreational area.

What makes Phoenix Lake unique among the lakes in the region?

Phoenix Lake is unique due to its remarkable transformation. It was created from the former Phoenix Ost steelworks, a vast industrial area. Today, it stands as an excellent example of structural change in the Ruhr area, offering a modern recreational space while preserving the memory of the region's industrial past.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about Lake Kemnade?

Visitors to Lake Kemnade especially appreciate its peaceful early morning hours, making it ideal for enjoying tranquility and beautiful sunrises. The dedicated paved paths for pedestrians, inline skaters, and cyclists are also highly valued, providing a great circuit for various activities. The presence of an ice cream vendor in warmer months adds to the enjoyment.

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