Top 20 Lakes around Iserlohn
Best lakes around Iserlohn offer diverse recreational opportunities within a landscape shaped by both natural beauty and historical industrial development. The region features prominent water bodies like the Seilersee, a significant local recreation area, and larger reservoirs such as Hengsteysee. These lakes provide settings for various activities, from water sports to hiking and cycling. The area combines natural environments with historical sites, making it a destination for outdoor exploration.
Best lakes around Iserlohn
- The most popular lakes is View of the Hengsteysee, a viewpoint offering expansive views of the Hengsteysee. It is known for its scenic vistas and is part of the mining trail.
- Another must-see spot is Hengsteysee and Kaiser Wilhelm Monument (Hohensyburg), a lake that is a former industrial water body converted into a recreational area. It features hiking and cycling trails and is known for its natural surroundings.
- Visitors also love Haus Rodenberg Water Castle, a castle that originated as a medieval moated castle. The site includes a public green space and remnants of its historical gardens.
- Iserlohn is known for reservoirs, former industrial water bodies, and historical castle sites. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from local recreation areas to larger bodies of water with extensive trail networks.
- The lakes around Iserlohn are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3500 upvotes and over 800 photos shared across 6 highlights.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Phoenix Lake
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View of the Hengsteysee
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Hengstey Bridge
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On the Hengsteysee bridge, the Hengsteystrasse (serpentines) in the Dortmund city area changes its name in the Hagen city area to Dortmunder Strasse, which crosses the Hengsteysee here and offers great views of the reservoir, the shore areas and the Syberg. There are some parking spaces on both sides of the bridge. Here from the bridge you can walk or carry your bike using stairs to reach the headland below that reaches the mouth of the Lenne.
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Haus Rodenberg Water Castle
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The bell tower tackles the quality time 🔔 🏰⛲️🏞
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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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The former aristocratic residence Haus Rodenberg in Dortmund-Aplerbeck originally emerged from a medieval moated castle on the banks of the Emscher and was mentioned in a document as early as 1290. Of the former gardens, only the outer bailey island, the surrounding moats, the house pond and remnants of the wall surrounding the main garden remain. Today the park area is a public green space in the center of the Aplerbeck district.
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The Hengsteysee is located near Hagen below the confluence of the Lenne and the Ruhr. At the time of its commissioning, the mixing of the acidic and iron-containing Lenne water with the alkaline Ruhr water resulted in increased sludge precipitation and thus an intensive cleaning effect. Today, it is primarily the Ruhrverband's ultra-modern sewage treatment plants that ensure the water quality, but the reservoirs are still essential as a fine purification stage for discharged rainwater and as a bedload trap for river gravel from the Lenne. In addition, the Hengsteysee has been used since it was commissioned as a lower basin for the Herdecke pumped storage power plant (Koepchenwerk) built by RWE. Due to the pumped storage operation, the water level in the Hengsteysee can fluctuate by up to 70 centimeters. In 1988/89, the sediment deposited up to that point, amounting to around 400,000 cubic meters, was removed from the Hengsteysee using a dredging process. s.a. Ruhrverband
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The Rodenberg House is a moated castle in the Aplerbeck district of Dortmund. The castle fell into disrepair in the 19th and 20th centuries. All that remained of the former moated castle was the outer bailey with the economic section. After the castle was destroyed in the Clevisch-Märkischen succession dispute in 1422, it was rebuilt in the years that followed. Between 1689 and 1698 the castle was rebuilt into a baroque moated castle. The property was sold to the city of Dortmund in 1985, which had the park and Rodenberg house thoroughly restored by 1996 and finally handed it over to the citizens of Dortmund. The castle is listed as a monument, the former castle as a monument in the monument list of the city of Dortmund. Today, Haus Rodenberg is home to the seminar rooms of the adult education center in Dortmund, the fairytale stage (a puppet theater for children and adults) and upscale gastronomy. The premises of Haus Rodenberg can be rented for so-called ambience weddings through the adult education center in Dortmund. The former mill pond and the park with "orchard" are well visited in summer.
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A very beautiful part of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path and the Lenne Route. Hengsteysee and Harkortsee belong together like brother and sister. Both are former bodies of water used by heavy industry that have been converted into well-used recreational waters with good water quality, flora and fauna. There are plenty of places to stop for a break around Hengsteysee and Karkortsee. Note: In many places there are designated cycle facilities (sign 237) and designated pedestrian paths (sign 239). For those walking or running, whether with children and dogs or alone, please use the paths specially set up 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 for pedestrians to use the footpath. Below the serpentine road coming from the B54 is a biker meeting point Hohensyburg 🤠 👍 If you see an "E-Biker" 🤜 there, then the steam on the gas tap
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Aplerbeck: The former aristocratic residence Haus Rodenberg in Dortmund-Aplerbeck originally arose from a medieval moated castle on the banks of the Emscher and was first mentioned in a document in 1290.
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and another beautiful view on the hike from the Hohensyburg to the Ruhr Bridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most prominent lakes and attractions around Iserlohn?
The most prominent lake directly in Iserlohn is the Seilersee, offering a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty. In the broader region, you'll find significant bodies of water like the Phoenix Lake and the Hengsteysee, which are popular for their scenic views and recreational opportunities. Additionally, the historical Haus Rodenberg Water Castle is a notable site near the lakes.
What kind of recreational activities are available at Seilersee?
The Seilersee is a hub for various leisure pursuits. You can enjoy rowing and pedal boating on the water, or engage in land-based activities like mini-golf, tennis, and boules. The area is also excellent for strolls, jogging, and cycling on well-maintained paths. In winter, the ice rink becomes a popular spot for ice skating.
Are there family-friendly options around the lakes near Iserlohn?
Yes, many areas are family-friendly. The Seilersee features a large pirate playground and bird aviaries, perfect for children. Nearby swimming facilities like Seilerseebad offer pools for all ages. Highlights such as Phoenix Lake, View of the Hengsteysee, and Hengsteysee and Kaiser Wilhelm Monument (Hohensyburg) are also noted as family-friendly, offering easy paths and scenic spots.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The region around Iserlohn's lakes is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy walks like the 'View above the bend in the Lenne' loop. For cyclists, there are extensive road cycling routes, such as the 'Lake Sorpesee – Sorpesee Lakeside Trail loop', and challenging MTB trails like the 'Confluence of the Lenne – Lake Hengstey loop'. You can explore more routes in the Easy hikes around Iserlohn, Road Cycling Routes around Iserlohn, and MTB Trails around Iserlohn guides.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the region blends natural beauty with historical significance. The Haus Rodenberg Water Castle, originally a medieval moated castle, offers a glimpse into the past with its public green space and remnants of historical gardens. The Hengsteysee area also has historical connections, being a former industrial water body converted into a recreational area, and is near the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument at Hohensyburg.
What are the best places for scenic views around the lakes?
For breathtaking vistas, the View of the Hengsteysee is highly recommended, offering expansive views of the lake and being part of the mining trail. The Hengstey Bridge also provides great views of the reservoir and surrounding areas, including the Syberg.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Yes, there are various dining options available around the lakes. The Seilersee area offers several amenities, and around the Hengsteysee and Harkortsee, you'll find plenty of places to stop for refreshments, complementing your recreational activities.
Is the Seilersee suitable for swimming?
While the Seilersee itself is a reservoir, dedicated swimming facilities are available nearby. The Seilerseebad and the Sport- und Freizeitbad Schleddenhof offer excellent conditions for swimmers of all ages, complete with sports pools, children's pools, and beach volleyball courts.
Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers around the lakes?
Yes, Phoenix Lake is noted for having wheelchair-accessible paths, making it a good option for visitors with strollers or mobility aids. The well-maintained paths around Seilersee are also generally suitable for easy strolls.
What makes the Hengsteysee unique?
The Hengsteysee is unique as a former industrial water body that has been successfully converted into a vibrant recreational area. It boasts good water quality and a diverse range of flora and fauna, offering beautiful hiking and cycling trails. It also serves as a sub-basin for the Herdecke pumped storage power plant, showcasing a blend of nature and engineering.
Are dogs allowed on trails around the lakes?
Yes, many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For instance, the Hengstey Bridge area and its surrounding paths are noted as dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy walks with your canine companion.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Iserlohn?
The lakes offer activities year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, cycling, and hiking, with pleasant weather. Autumn provides beautiful foliage for scenic walks. In colder months, the Seilersee ice rink becomes a popular attraction, making the area enjoyable even in winter.
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