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.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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Popular around Gevelsberg
Harkortweg (X 17)
Cycle the most beautiful railway tracks – Germany’s Ruhr area (west and south)
Cycling around Gevelsberg
Hiking around Gevelsberg
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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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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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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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