Top 20 Lakes around Gummersbach
Best lakes around Gummersbach are found in the scenic Bergisches Land, offering various recreational opportunities and natural beauty. This region is known for its "Talsperren" or reservoirs, which serve as significant landmarks and popular destinations. The area provides diverse landscapes for outdoor activities, from water sports to extensive hiking and cycling trails. These lakes are central to the local environment and offer both active and serene experiences for visitors.
Best lakes around Gummersbach
- The most popular lakes is Genkel Reservoir, a lake that is a picturesque drinking water reservoir. Despite water activity restrictions, it is a popular excursion destination for hiking and cycling, offering two circular trails of about 10 kilometers and 14 kilometers.
- Another must-see spot is Lingesetal dam, a lake primarily used for local recreation and as a water reservoir. It offers various water sports and has designated swimming areas, with a pleasant lakeside path of approximately 5 kilometers for walks.
- Visitors also love Lister Dam, a lake that is part of a system with the Bigge. This dam underwent significant renovation work between 2007 and 2009, and again from 2020 to 2022, to maintain its structure and functionality.
- Gummersbach is known for its reservoirs, including those used for drinking water, local recreation, and water sports. The variety of lakes provides opportunities for activities such as swimming, sailing, hiking, and cycling.
- The lakes around Gummersbach are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1600 upvotes and over 500 photos shared across 22 highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lister Dam
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In the years 2020 to 2022, the wall on the water side, which is stressed by the fluctuating water level, was renovated in three construction phases. In order to clear a four-meter-wide strip below the crown for work, the Lister Dam had to be lowered by 4.50 meters at a time. In this area, all joints could be chiseled out and loose stones could be anchored or replaced. After repointing and sandblasting, the character of the quarry stone masonry can be clearly seen again. A total of 30 kilometers of wall joints on both sides of the wall were treated in this way, which strengthened the Lister dam for decades to come.
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Eibach Castle Ruins
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Ehreshoven Castle
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Lingesetal dam
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Tips from the Community
Easy, comfortable tour with excellent cycle paths, really great.
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It's always worth taking a short break here. The view of this part of the Bigge (reservoir) is calming.
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From mid-2007 to early 2009, the dam was completely renovated. Among other things, cracks and joints in the masonry had to be repaired, the roadway and railings had to be renewed and the arches of the flood relief had to be repaired. For the duration of the work, the top of the wall, the parking lot at the dam and the toilet facilities were closed to visitors. The renovation work, particularly on the railings and arches, has permanently changed the appearance of the dam.[8] In the years 2020 to 2022, the wall on the water side, which is stressed by the fluctuating water level, was renovated in three construction phases. In order to clear a four-meter-wide strip below the crown for work, the Lister Dam had to be lowered by 4.50 meters at a time. In this area, all joints could be chiseled out and loose stones could be anchored or replaced. After repointing and sandblasting, the character of the quarry stone masonry can be clearly seen again. A total of 30 kilometers of wall joints on both sides of the wall were treated in this way, which strengthened the Lister dam for decades to come.
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The planning for the construction of the Listertalsperre goes back to the Ruhrtalsperreverein (RTV), founded in 1899, which had set itself the task of supplying water to the rapidly growing Ruhr area. Government master builder Ernst Link and construction director of the RTV had assessed the Listertal as particularly suitable when looking for other suitable locations for the construction of a dam. His report from 1905 was soon followed by the founding of the Lister Dam Cooperative, which tackled the construction of the dam with the financial support of the RTV. The ground-breaking ceremony took place on September 13, 1909, and almost three years later, on July 5, 1913, the ceremonial inauguration took place by director Kluge from Braunschweig, the head of the cooperative
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Beautiful spacious castle. The XL evening editions of Bares-für-Rares occasionally take place here.
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The beautiful Listertalsperre was built from 1909 to 1912. This is accessible by bike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Gummersbach are best for water sports?
The Aggertalsperre is excellent for various water sports, including sailing, swimming, boating, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), with rentals available. The Brucher Talsperre is also popular for sailing and has designated bathing areas. Additionally, the Lingese Reservoir offers water sports and swimming areas.
Are there family-friendly activities at the lakes near Gummersbach?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. The Aggertalsperre has designated swimming areas, camping, and barbecue spots. The Brucher Talsperre features a pleasant circular path suitable for leisurely walks and accessible bathing areas. The Lingese Reservoir also has swimming areas and a fish nature trail that can be educational for families.
Which lakes offer good hiking or walking trails?
All the major lakes provide walking opportunities. The Genkeltalsperre, while restricting water activities, is known for its two well-maintained circular trails of about 10 and 14 kilometers, ideal for hiking, jogging, and cycling. The Brucher Talsperre has a 3.5-kilometer circular path, and the Lingese Reservoir offers a pleasant 5-kilometer lakeside path. The Aggertalsperre also features the 'Energieweg' themed hiking trail starting at the dam wall.
Can I cycle around the lakes in Gummersbach?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Genkeltalsperre offers well-developed circular trails suitable for cycling. For more extensive cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Genkeltalsperre – Agger Reservoir loop' for gravel biking or the 'Agger Reservoir – Aggerspitze at Aggertalsperre loop' for mountain biking. You can find more cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Gummersbach and Gravel biking around Gummersbach guides.
Are there any historical or educational sites near the lakes?
Yes, the region combines natural beauty with historical context. The Lingese Reservoir is one of the oldest reservoirs managed by the Wupperverband, built between 1897 and 1899, and features a fish nature trail. The Genkeltalsperre has a water nature trail providing information on drinking water extraction and local ecology. The Lister Dam, while primarily a functional structure, has a rich history of construction and renovation, dating back to 1909.
Which lakes are suitable for swimming?
The Aggertalsperre has designated swimming areas at Strandbad Bruch and Freizeitcamp Aggertalsperre. The Brucher Talsperre also offers designated bathing areas, some of which are barrier-free. The Lingese Reservoir provides swimming opportunities at the DLRG station and along the Linge River.
Are there camping options available at the lakes?
Yes, camping is available at some of the lakes. The Aggertalsperre offers camping and barbecue areas, making it suitable for longer stays. The Brucher Talsperre also has a campsite located directly on the lake, and the Lingese Reservoir features a campsite as well.
What makes the Genkeltalsperre unique?
The Genkeltalsperre is a picturesque drinking water reservoir, meaning water sports and shore access are restricted to protect its primary function. However, it is highly valued for its serene natural beauty and extensive hiking and cycling trails, including a water nature trail that educates visitors about water management and local ecology. Sections of the Bergischer Panoramasteig also run alongside the dam.
What is the length of the circular path around Brucher Talsperre?
The circular path around the Brucher Talsperre is approximately 3.5 kilometers long, making it a pleasant walk that takes just under an hour.
What kind of wildlife can be found at the lakes?
The lakes are home to various wildlife. The Brucher Talsperre is known to be a habitat for the native crayfish. The Lingese Reservoir features a fish nature trail along its shores, providing information about the local aquatic life.
Are there any specific mountain biking trails near the lakes?
Yes, the Gummersbach area offers several mountain biking trails that incorporate the lakes. For example, you can find routes like the 'Agger Reservoir – Aggerspitze at Aggertalsperre loop' or the 'Aggerspitze at Aggertalsperre – Genkeltalsperre Lakeside Trail loop'. More details are available in the MTB Trails around Gummersbach guide.
What is the significance of the Lister Dam?
The Lister Dam is part of a larger system with the Bigge and has undergone significant renovation work to maintain its structure and functionality. It is a notable landmark with a history dating back to its groundbreaking in 1909, playing a role in water supply for the Ruhr area.
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