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

Gevelsberg

Top 20 Lakes around Gevelsberg

Best lakes around Gevelsberg are found in the surrounding region, offering diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. While Gevelsberg itself does not feature large lakes, the vicinity provides several notable reservoirs and natural bodies of water. These areas are popular destinations for various outdoor activities and provide a tranquil escape into nature. Visitors can explore well-maintained paths, engage in water sports, or simply enjoy the scenic views.

Best lakes around Gevelsberg

  • The most popular lakes is Lake Kemnade, a lake located between Bochum and Witten. It features three paved paths for pedestrians, inline skaters, and cyclists, making an 8-kilometer loop accessible.
  • Another must-see spot is Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake, a bridge and viewpoint. This location offers photo opportunities and is part of the scenic route along Harkortsee.
  • Visitors also love Hengsteysee and Kaiser Wilhelm Monument (Hohensyburg), a lake and historical site. This reservoir offers hiking and cycling trails, with various places to stop for refreshments.
  • Gevelsberg is known for its reservoirs and recreational lakes. These include bodies of water used for water sports, walking, and enjoying nature.
  • The lakes around Gevelsberg are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 6000 upvotes and over 190 photos shared.

Last updated: June 23, 2026

Lake Kemnade

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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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In this section, the footpath, the inline skating path and the cycle path are separated. The cycle path is about six meters higher. It is noisy due to the adjacent A43 motorway, but the view from this point is excellent.

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Hengsteysee and Harkortsee belong together like brother and sister. Both are former water bodies used by heavy industry that have been converted into well-used recreational waters with good water quality and a diverse range of flora and fauna. There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments around Hengsteysee and Harkortsee.

Note:

In many places, designated cycle paths (sign 237) and designated pedestrian paths (sign 239) are available. For those walking or running, whether with children and dogs or alone, please use the paths specially designated for you and do not walk on the cycle lanes.

Just as it is our duty to use the cycle lanes, it is our duty to use the footpaths.

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Beyenburg Reservoir

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An old monastery surrounded by half-timbered houses, a quiet lake and sparse deciduous forests on the hills - who comes to Beyenburg in the east Wuppertal, the city is suddenly quite far away.
The small town with its winding roads lies between forests and fields in a loop of the Wupper. Its romantic silhouette with the monastery church is reflected in the calm waters of the reservoir. The imposing yet graceful Church of St. Mary Magdalene, the "Beyenburg Cathedral", is one of the finest examples of Late Gothic architecture in the region. It was built in the 14th century together with the monastery stone house on the Beyenberg. The atmospheric Klosterhof leaves hardly any idea how changeable the history was - with devastating fires, but also times when monastic life flourished. The lush baroque high altar and the organ (1693) still bear witness to its heyday.
Since the Middle Ages Beyenburg was an important roadside station: The place was right in the middle between Cologne and Dortmund, one day's journey away from both cities, right on an old military route and a trade route, which continued to Magdeburg and into the Baltic Sea area. The hospitality industry flourished. Pilgrims on the Way of St. James found safe accommodation in the Steinhaus monastery.
At the end of the 18th century, Beyenburg lost its importance: the path was neglected and bumpy, travelers now preferred to use more comfortable alternative routes, which had arisen on the Rhine and Ruhr.
Whoever crosses the Wupper via the small bridge on the Beyenburg ford and walks along the Beyenburg reservoir will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the village, monastery and church on the Beyenberg.

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Harkortweg (X 17)

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Harkortweg (X 17)

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October 22, 2024, Hengsteysee and Kaiser Wilhelm Monument (Hohensyburg)

Hengsteysee is a popular reservoir in the Ruhr area, created in 1929 and located between Hagen, Herdecke and Dortmund. It was created by damming the Ruhr to improve water quality and serves as an important recreational area. The lake is surrounded by a 6.5km footpath and cycle path, allowing for walks and cycle rides along the shore. The route offers many opportunities to linger, with benches, playgrounds and small restaurants along the way. Hengsteysee is also attractive for water sports enthusiasts, with rowing, sailing and canoeing available. During the summer season, the excursion boat "Freiherr vom Stein" operates on the lake, connecting various moorings, including the Lenne estuary and Hohensyburg. The lake borders the Ardey Mountains to the north, providing a picturesque backdrop, while birdwatchers can spot many aquatic birds such as the Great Crested Grebe. Of historical interest are the remains of Niedernhofen Castle, which are hidden in the lake, and the so-called Mouse Tower, which used to be part of a pedestrian bridge. The proximity to Hohensyburg with its castle ruins and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial makes Hengsteysee an ideal starting point for exploring the region.

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Always idyllic views of the Hengsteysee.

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Beautiful lake with a great view.

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There's always something going on there, especially when the weather is good and it's very crowded

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Very beautiful hiking and cycling trails. Great nature. The Hengsteysee is a reservoir completed in 1929 and operated by the Ruhr Association on the course of the Ruhr between the cities of Hagen, Dortmund and Herdecke in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is one of the six Ruhr reservoirs and is named after the neighboring Hagen district of Hengstey. The lake begins in the course of the Ruhr approximately at the level of the Syburger Ruhr bridge, a good kilometer below the mouth of the Lenne, and its end is formed by the dam of the Hengstey run-of-river power plant with a dam height of 4.6 m. North of the Hengsteysee rises as part of the Ardey Mountains, among other things the Klusenberg. The 4 km long lake has a storage capacity of around 3.3 million m³.

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Nice lake with some restaurants. The old town of Herdeck is well worth seeing.

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The Hengsteysee is located near Hagen below the mouth of the Lenne into the Ruhr. At the time of its commissioning, increased sludge precipitation and thus an intensive cleaning effect were achieved by mixing the acidic and iron-containing Lenne water with the alkaline Ruhr water. Today, it is primarily the Ruhr Association's state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants that ensure water quality, but the reservoirs still cannot be dispensed with as a fine purification stage for discharged rainwater and as a sediment trap for river gravel from the Lenne. In addition, the Hengsteysee has been used as a sub-basin for the Herdecke pumped storage power plant (Koepchenwerk) built by RWE since it went into operation. Due to pumped storage operation, the water level in Hengsteysee can fluctuate by up to 70 centimeters. In 1988/89, around 400,000 cubic meters of sediment that had been deposited from Lake Hengstey was removed using dredging. see also Ruhr Association

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Hengsteysee and Harkortsee belong together like brother and sister. Both are former water bodies used by heavy industry that have been converted into well-used recreational waters with good water quality and a diverse range of flora and fauna. There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments around Hengsteysee and Harkortsee. Note: In many places, designated cycle paths (sign 237) and designated pedestrian paths (sign 239) are available. For those walking or running, whether with children and dogs or alone, please use the paths specially designated for you and do not walk on the cycle lanes. Just as it is our duty to use the cycle lanes, it is our duty to use the footpaths.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular lakes to visit near Gevelsberg?

The most popular lakes in the region include Lake Kemnade, known for its extensive recreational facilities and water sports, and Harkortsee, which offers diverse activities and scenic routes. The Hengsteysee is also a popular choice, especially for hiking and cycling, with various refreshment stops.

Are there family-friendly lakes around Gevelsberg?

Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. Lake Kemnade is particularly family-friendly, offering separate paved paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and inline skaters, making it safe for children. The Heilenbecker Talsperre also features a flat, circular path ideal for relaxed family walks.

Can I swim in the lakes near Gevelsberg?

While Germany generally has high water quality in its lakes, it's always best to check local regulations for designated swimming areas and current water quality reports for specific lakes. The provided information does not explicitly list official bathing spots for Lake Kemnade, Harkortsee, Haspertalsperre, or Heilenbecker Talsperre, which are primarily known for other recreational activities.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?

The lakes offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy water sports like canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and rowing on Lake Kemnade and Harkortsee. For land-based activities, there are numerous hiking and cycling trails. For example, you can find various easy hikes around Gevelsberg, or explore gravel biking routes that pass by the lakes.

Are there accessible paths around the lakes for strollers or wheelchairs?

Lake Kemnade is known for its three paved paths, one specifically for pedestrians, which are generally suitable for strollers. The Heilenbecker Talsperre also offers a comfortable circular path with no steep inclines, making it ideal for relaxed walks and potentially accessible for some mobility aids.

Where can I find viewpoints or landmarks near the lakes?

The Ruhr Viaduct at Harkort Lake is a notable landmark and offers great photo opportunities. View of the north shore of Lake Kemnade is another excellent viewpoint. Additionally, the Hengsteysee and Kaiser Wilhelm Monument (Hohensyburg) combine a scenic lake with a historical site and viewpoints.

Are there cafes or restaurants near the lakes?

Yes, several lakes have options for refreshments. Lake Kemnade has a long-standing ice cream vendor near the parking lots. Around Harkortsee and Hengsteysee, there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments, with the Ruhr promenade in Herdecke offering cafes.

What is the best time to visit the lakes around Gevelsberg?

The early morning hours are particularly recommended for visiting Lake Kemnade to enjoy tranquility and beautiful sunrises. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for water sports and outdoor activities, while the serene atmosphere of Haspertalsperre and Heilenbecker Talsperre can be enjoyed year-round for peaceful walks.

Are the lakes and their trails dog-friendly?

Many of the trails around the lakes are suitable for walking with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash. For instance, the paths around Haspertalsperre and Heilenbecker Talsperre are popular for leisurely strolls, which can include dogs. Always ensure to follow local regulations regarding pets.

What makes Harkortsee a unique destination?

Harkortsee is a multifaceted recreational area, combining peace with adventure. It's a hub for water sports enthusiasts and features an idyllic cycling and hiking path along its northern shore, part of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path. The passenger ship MS Harkort also offers scenic tours between April and October, providing a unique way to experience the lake.

Can I find circular hiking routes around the lakes?

Yes, circular routes are a common feature around these lakes. Lake Kemnade offers an 8-kilometer loop. Haspertalsperre has a comfortable circular path of about 5 kilometers, and Heilenbecker Talsperre features a 4-kilometer round trip. These are great for walks or jogging.

Is there public transport or parking available at the lakes?

While specific public transport details for each lake are not provided, Lake Kemnade has parking lots available, and it's generally a well-developed recreational area. For Harkortsee, you can find information about parking and public transport options on external tourism sites like Bochum Tourismus or Ruhr Tourismus.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Gevelsberg? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

HattingenSprockhövelWetter (Ruhr)Wetter (Ruhr)WittenHerdeckeEnnepetalBreckerfeldSchwelmGlörtalsperreEnnepetalsperreKreiswald

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