Top 20 Lakes around Balve
Best lakes around Balve offer diverse natural and man-made water bodies within the Sauerland region. This area is characterized by its rolling hills and forests, providing a setting for various outdoor activities. Visitors can explore large reservoirs, smaller ponds, and unique quarry lakes. The landscape around Balve provides opportunities for those seeking easy walking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Best lakes around Balve
- The most popular lakes is View of the Blue Lagoon in the Asbeck Quarry, a viewpoint that offers a striking perspective of an 80-meter deep quarry lake. Its intense blue water is a result of sediments from nearby limestone works.
- Another must-see spot is Sorpesee Dam, a man_made_monument that forms part of the large Sorpesee reservoir. This area is well-developed for tourism, offering various water sports and recreational facilities.
- Visitors also love Hexenteich (Witch Pond), Menden, a lake with historical significance and a tranquil setting. This pond features tree sculptures and a public barbecue area, making it a destination for relaxation.
- Balve is known for its large reservoirs, historical ponds, and unique quarry lakes. These offer a variety of experiences, from extensive waters for recreation to secluded spots for quiet contemplation.
- The lakes around Balve are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 2100 upvotes and more than 500 photos shared.
Last updated: August 11, 2026
Sorpesee Dam
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Sorpesee (Lake Sorpe)
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Hexenteich (Witch Pond), Menden
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Around the witch's pond are tree sculptures, which look at first distant look like Indian pylons. In fact, they are miraculous sculptures by the Serbian artist Mile Prerad.
Directly on the shore is a very large and fully covered barbecue hut (for up to 60 people), which can be rented on Tel: 02373 - 903202.
ruhr-guide.de/freizeit/seen-und-fluesse/hexenteich-menden/22,0,0.html
@ Marc: Maybe a little bit on the wording regarding "witches" pay attention.
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View of the Blue Lagoon in the Asbeck Quarry
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The torture up the mountain has paid off.
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Sorpesee
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The reservoir is very developed for tourism. You can also swim there.
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The Sorpesee, located in the Sauerland between the districts of Langscheid and Amecke in the city of Sundern, is a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and nature lovers. The Sorpe Dam, which dams the lake, was built between 1926 and 1935 and is an impressive construction with a height of 69 meters and a length of 700 meters. It not only serves to supply water and generate energy, but also as a leisure and recreation area. Lake Sorpe and its surroundings offer a variety of leisure activities such as diving, rowing, sailing, windsurfing, beach volleyball and fishing. Additionally, there is a golf course, hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and four campgrounds along the western shore. The lake is a popular excursion destination for residents of the nearby Ruhr area as well as for Dutch tourists. During the summer season, visitors can explore the lake on the passenger ship MS Sorpesee. Access to the east bank is restricted to ensure high water quality for drinking water supplies, and private motorboats are not permitted on the reservoir. The website sorpesee.com offers a comprehensive overview of accommodation, including camping options, Nordic holiday parks, tree houses, Swedish houses and Finntalos, all of which are in prime locations right on the lake. Visitors can relax in the Sundern indoor swimming pool, the Langscheid spa and the Sorpesee lido or get active on the AiRlebnisweg Amecke, a 3.4 km long circular hiking trail with 20 hands-on stations on the topics of water, breathing and air. The region also offers a variety of gastronomic experiences with a wide range of local specialties and international cuisine. Overall, Lake Sorpe is a versatile destination for anyone looking for relaxation in nature as well as sporting activities. With its rich history, impressive dam and numerous recreational opportunities both on the water and in the surrounding landscape, Lake Sorpe offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
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The Sorpesee has the third largest dam wall of all Sauerland reservoirs. From here you have a great view over the lake. There are many benches for long breaks. The cycle path leads over the wall around the reservoir and is in excellent condition. Sometimes it is shared by skaters and hikers. Partly the route leads through very beautiful forest sections.
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The water from the lake is used to wash the stones in the nearby Hönnetal limestone works. The washed-out sediments are washed back into the lake and settle there. The lake in the quarry owes its name to the intense color of the water: The Blue Lagoon. It is 80 meters deep and has a water temperature of 8 degrees.
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Easy parking, nice interesting path with a good view of the limestone quarry. The observation tower is also worthwhile. Here you can see more than 40 km in good visibility. A board on the strand helps for orientation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Balve are suitable for families?
Several lakes in the Balve area are family-friendly. The Sorpesee Dam and the wider Sorpesee area are well-developed for tourism, offering various recreational facilities and activities. The Hexenteich (Witch Pond), Menden, also provides a tranquil setting with tree sculptures and a public barbecue area, making it a relaxing spot for families. Additionally, the View of the Blue Lagoon in the Asbeck Quarry is noted as family-friendly, offering a striking visual experience.
Are there good options for hiking or walking around the lakes near Balve?
Yes, the region offers numerous opportunities for hiking and walking. The Sorpesee area is particularly popular, with the Sorpesee Promenade providing a pleasant path with seating and views. For more extensive routes, you can explore various running and cycling trails. For example, there are road cycling routes like the 'Sorpesee Dam – Sorpesee Lakeside Trail loop' and gravel biking options such as the 'Sorpesee Forebay – Höhweg Trail loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Running Trails around Balve and Road Cycling Routes around Balve guides.
What kind of water sports or activities can I do at the lakes?
The Sorpesee is a prime location for water sports. It is very well developed for tourism, offering activities such as diving, rowing, sailing, and surfing. You can also find facilities for camping and even rent tree houses as accommodation near the Sorpesee.
Are there any unique or historically significant lakes in the area?
Yes, the Hexenteich (Witch Pond), Menden, holds historical significance. Its name is linked to past witch-hunts, though today it's a peaceful destination. It features unique tree sculptures by artist Mile Prerad and a public barbecue area.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints of the lakes around Balve?
For breathtaking views, visit the View of the Blue Lagoon in the Asbeck Quarry. This viewpoint offers a striking perspective of an 80-meter deep quarry lake known for its intense blue water. The Sorpesee Dam and Sorpesee Promenade also provide wonderful views of the reservoir and its surrounding forest landscape.
Can I cycle around the lakes near Balve?
Absolutely. The Sorpesee is particularly well-suited for cycling, with an easy-to-cycle 'Randweg' (lakeside trail) along its shore. There are also several dedicated road cycling and gravel biking routes that incorporate the lakes, such as the 'Sorpesee Lakeside Trail – Sorpesee Dam loop'. More cycling options can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Balve and Gravel biking around Balve guides.
What is the 'Blue Lagoon' near Balve?
The 'Blue Lagoon' refers to the lake in the Asbeck Quarry, which can be viewed from the View of the Blue Lagoon in the Asbeck Quarry highlight. Its intense blue color comes from sediments washed back into the lake from nearby limestone works. It's an 80-meter deep quarry lake with a water temperature of about 8 degrees Celsius.
Are there facilities like cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, especially around the Sorpesee. The Sorpesee Promenade is known for having many seating areas and delicious restaurants. The area around the Sorpesee Dam also offers opportunities to eat or drink.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Balve?
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful natural landscape, particularly around the Sorpesee, which is embedded in a scenic forest. The well-developed tourist infrastructure, variety of activities, and tranquil spots like the Hexenteich are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the stunning views, such as those from the Blue Lagoon viewpoint, and the numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Can I find accessible trails for wheelchairs around the lakes?
While specific wheelchair-accessible trails are not detailed for every lake, the Sorpesee Promenade is generally well-maintained and offers a flat path suitable for leisurely strolls, which may accommodate wheelchairs in parts. It's advisable to check specific trail conditions for full accessibility before visiting.
Are there any lakes suitable for swimming near Balve?
The Sorpesee is a popular spot for water activities, including swimming, though specific swimming conditions should always be checked locally. While the Blue Lagoon in the Asbeck Quarry has striking blue water, its temperature is around 8 degrees Celsius, and it's primarily a viewpoint rather than a designated swimming spot.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Balve?
The lakes around Balve offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, cycling, and enjoying the lush greenery. Autumn provides stunning foliage, perfect for hiking. Even in winter, the area can be beautiful for walks, especially around the Sorpesee, though facilities and activities might be more limited.
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