Top 20 Lakes around Dormagen
Best lakes around Dormagen offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities. While Dormagen itself has few large natural lakes, its vicinity features several appealing water bodies. These areas provide options for swimming, walking, and cycling, making them popular destinations for outdoor activities. The region includes former gravel extraction lakes and nature reserve ponds, contributing to its varied landscape.
Best lakes around Dormagen
- The most popular lakes is Rotthäuser Bachtal, an other natural area that is a nature reserve known for its wet biotopes, springs, and extensive reed beds. It is home to rare plant and animal species, offering opportunities for nature observation and tranquil walks.
- Another must-see spot is Benrath Palace, a castle with a lake. This site features a castle with its wings set in a landscaped park, including French, English, and parterre gardens, suitable for hiking with views of the castle.
- Visitors also love Gut Papendelle by the pond, a settlement with a lake. This location offers a quiet, relaxed walking experience, particularly on weekdays, and is noted for its scenic views, especially during sunset.
- Dormagen is known for former gravel extraction lakes, recreational lakes, and nature reserve ponds. These include options for swimming, walking, and cycling, providing a variety of natural settings to explore.
- The lakes around Dormagen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3000 upvotes and over 1200 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 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 are some popular lakes for recreation near Dormagen?
Several lakes in the vicinity of Dormagen offer excellent recreational opportunities. The Unterbacher See is well-known for its two beach resorts, ideal for swimming and cycling. Other popular choices include Nievenheimer See and Straberger See, both great for relaxing by the water, swimming, walking, or cycling. For water sports enthusiasts, Wasserskisee Langenfeld offers water skiing in addition to swimming.
Are there nature reserves or areas focused on wildlife observation?
Yes, the Rotthäuser Bachtal is a significant nature reserve, designated as an FFH area within the Natura 2000 system. It's characterized by wet biotopes, springs, and extensive reed beds, making it a heavenly place for nature observation. You can spot rare plant and animal species, including various water birds around the dammed water of the Rothhäuser Bach at Gut Papendelle.
Can I swim in the lakes around Dormagen?
Absolutely. Lakes like Unterbacher See are particularly popular for swimming, featuring two beach resorts with expansive lawns and sandy beaches. Nievenheimer See, Straberger See, and Wasserskisee Langenfeld also offer opportunities for a refreshing dip.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the area?
Many lakes around Dormagen are family-friendly. Unterbacher See is a great option with its beach resorts and various sports and leisure activities, including a high ropes course. Benrath Palace, with its beautiful park and lake, is also suitable for families, offering pleasant walks and views. Wasserskisee Langenfeld provides a fun environment for active families.
What kind of walking or cycling routes can I find around the lakes?
The lakes offer diverse routes for walking and cycling. You can enjoy quiet, relaxed walks around Gut Papendelle by the pond, especially on weekdays. The Unterbacher See has a pleasant 5.6 km loop walk, ideal for a morning stroll. Nievenheimer See and Straberger See also feature accessible paths perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. For more extensive options, explore the hiking routes around Dormagen.
Are there historical sites with lakes nearby?
Yes, Benrath Palace is a notable historical site featuring a castle with its wings set in a beautifully landscaped park, including French, English, and parterre gardens, all with views of the castle and its lake. Gut Papendelle by the pond also has historical significance, with its name referring to former spiritual property, offering a serene setting by its ponds.
What outdoor activities are available near the lakes around Dormagen?
Beyond swimming and casual walks, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails around Dormagen, including easy loops like the Knechtsteden Monastery trail. For cyclists, there are gravel biking routes and MTB trails that pass through scenic areas and near some of the lakes.
Are the lakes around Dormagen dog-friendly?
Many areas around the lakes are suitable for walks with dogs. The Reservoirs on the Rotthäuser Bach at Gut Papendelle are noted as dog-friendly. For a quieter experience with your dog, consider visiting Gut Papendelle by the pond on weekdays, as it's less crowded.
What is the Silbersee and what can I do there?
The Silbersee, comprising Kleiner and Großer Silbersee, originated from gravel extraction activities. Located in a district near Dormagen, it offers opportunities for general recreation, including relaxing by the water, walking, and cycling, similar to Nievenheimer See and Straberger See.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Dormagen?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural and recreational opportunities. The tranquility of places like Gut Papendelle by the pond, especially during sunset, is highly valued. The scenic views, the chance to observe nature in areas like Rotthäuser Bachtal, and the excellent facilities for swimming and cycling at Unterbacher See are frequently highlighted.
Are there amenities like cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, particularly around the more developed lakes. Unterbacher See offers various restaurants and beach cafés where you can enjoy the view. While specific amenities vary by lake, many popular spots for recreation will have options nearby for refreshments.
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