Top 20 Lakes around Düsseldorf
Lakes around Düsseldorf offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region, situated along the Rhine, features a mix of urban areas and accessible natural spaces, including numerous lakes. These bodies of water provide settings for various outdoor activities, from tranquil walks to water sports. Düsseldorf's proximity to these lakes makes them popular destinations for local residents and visitors seeking natural escapes.
Best lakes around Düsseldorf
- The most popular lakes is Rotthäuser Bachtal, an other natural area that functions as a nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna. It provides a natural setting close to downtown Düsseldorf.
- Another must-see spot is Benrath Palace, a historical castle surrounded by a landscaped park. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include a French garden and an English garden.
- Visitors also love Heltorf Castle, a historic castle with an adjacent park. The castle grounds offer opportunities for strolling through the park.
- Düsseldorf is known for natural lakes, quarry ponds, and ornamental ponds. These bodies of water offer a range of experiences, from active recreation to quiet nature observation.
- The lakes around Düsseldorf are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3000 upvotes and over 1200 photos shared across 79 highlights.
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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Benrath Palace
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North Beach, Unterbacher See
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Both beach baths are open in the summer from 10 to 20 o'clock. Admission costs 4 euros each for adults, 2.30 euros for adolescents and 1 euro for children.
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Heltorf Castle
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Lowland waterbody at the former summer dike (Urdenbacher Kämpe)
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You will be accompanied here by a never-ending symphony of bird songs: swans, rust geese, gray herons, orioles and kingfishers have found a home in the Urdenbacher Kämpe and can be seen or heard from the various viewing points along the route. You can quickly forget that just a few kilometers away the center of North Rhine-Westphalia's second largest city with the longest bar in the world is waiting for visitors!
The fact that you can hike in the middle of nature in the Kämpe is thanks to a flood: the Rhine used to flow towards the Netherlands at this point. However, after a flood in 1374, it shifted its bed a few kilometers to the west, leaving only a small trickle that has marked the border of the Urdenbacher Kämpe ever since.
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Ponds in the Rotthäuser Bachtal
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Optimists' Bay
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Rest area on the western shore of Lake Unterbach
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Spiegelweiher (Reflecting Pond) at Benrath Palace
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Tips from the Community
Always worth it, you can relax here
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A beautiful lake on the outskirts of Düsseldorf
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Frogs are not only fascinating animals, but also important members of their ecosystems. They feed mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, helping to regulate pests. At the same time, they themselves serve as a food source for many predators, and their life cycle as an egg, tadpole and adult frog contributes to nutrient cycling in wetlands. Unfortunately, many frogs are now threatened or on the verge of extinction, mainly due to habitat loss, pollution and diseases such as the dreaded chytrid fungus disease. Protecting and conserving frog habitats is therefore crucial to the survival of these fascinating animals and maintaining ecological balance.
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Frogs are fascinating amphibians found in a variety of habitats around the world. They are known for their jumping abilities and their distinctive croaking during mating season. These little creatures have an impressive variety of colors and patterns that help them camouflage themselves in their environment and ward off potential predators. Many species of frogs also have the ability to change their skin color to adapt to different temperatures and lighting conditions.
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One of the most beautiful places on Lake Unterbacher.
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The Unterbacher See is a refuge of peace and relaxation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and natural areas to visit around Düsseldorf?
Among the most popular spots are Rotthäuser Bachtal, a nature reserve known for its diverse flora and fauna, and the recreational hub of Unterbacher See. Elbsee is also highly regarded for its tranquil, nature-focused experience and birdwatching opportunities.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Düsseldorf with playgrounds or activities for children?
Yes, Unterbacher See is an excellent choice for families. Its Südstrand beach features a well-equipped playground. Additionally, the park surrounding Benrath Palace, which includes the ornamental Spiegelweiher, offers a playground and extensive grounds for family strolls.
What kind of water sports can I do at the lakes around Düsseldorf?
Unterbacher See offers a wide range of water sports, including swimming, beach volleyball, kite and surf lessons, and rentals for rowing, pedal, and sailing boats. Elbsee also has a water sports center on its eastern shore for diving, canoeing, surfing, and sailing clubs. For more specialized activities, Waterski Lake Langenfeld is a hub for waterskiing and wakeboarding.
Where can I find tranquil spots for nature observation or birdwatching near Düsseldorf?
Elbsee is particularly noted as a tranquil, nature-focused destination. It's a crucial habitat for over 70 bird species, serving as an important resting and wintering ground, making it ideal for birdwatching. The Rotthäuser Bachtal nature reserve also offers opportunities to observe rare plants and animal species like the Eisvogel (kingfisher) and various dragonflies.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Düsseldorf?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. Elbsee features a roughly 7 km circular hiking trail that winds through diverse landscapes. For more options, you can explore routes like the 'View of the Elbsee – Elbsee Nature Reserve loop' or the 'Seven Bridges Trail, Eller Forest – Unterbacher Lake Loop' which are part of the Hiking around Düsseldorf guide.
What historical or cultural sites are located near the lakes?
Benrath Palace is a significant historical castle surrounded by a beautiful landscaped park, including the aesthetic Spiegelweiher (Reflecting Pond). Another notable site is Heltorf Castle, which also features an adjacent park for strolling.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Düsseldorf?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, especially at Unterbacher See where beaches operate from 10 am to 8 pm. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and nature observation, particularly at Elbsee during bird migration seasons. Winter can provide serene landscapes for quiet walks.
Can I find easy walking routes around the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer easy walking paths. The 7 km circular trail around Elbsee is generally considered easy. You can find more easy routes, such as the 'Aaper Wald Pond – Aaper Heights Trail loop', in the Easy hikes around Düsseldorf guide.
Are there any lakes near Düsseldorf that are less crowded?
Elbsee is often considered a less crowded alternative to Unterbacher See, offering a more peaceful escape from urban life and a focus on nature. Its partially designated nature reserve status contributes to its tranquil atmosphere.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Düsseldorf?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from the vibrant recreational facilities and sandy beaches at Unterbacher See to the serene nature and birdwatching opportunities at Elbsee. The proximity to the city combined with the feeling of being in the countryside, as described for Rotthäuser Bachtal, is also highly valued.
Are there any lakes with designated bathing spots or beaches?
Unterbacher See is well-known for its two main beaches, Nordstrand and Südstrand, with the latter including a nude beach section. Kaarster See also provides two beaches for visitors. Further afield, Wolfssee, part of the Six-Lake-Plateau, features several bathing spots, including a natural public pool.
How accessible are the lakes by public transport from Düsseldorf?
Many lakes are easily accessible. Unterbacher See and Elbsee are located closest to Düsseldorf. Kaarster See is a short drive and accessible via the S28, while Waterski Lake Langenfeld can be reached by the S6, making them convenient for public transport users.
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