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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Märkischer Kreis

Iserlohn

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: May 9, 2026

Phoenix Lake

Highlight • Lake

There used to be a huge industrial area here, the Phoenix Ost steelworks. It was recultivated, a lake, a residential area and a local recreation area were created. Today you can relax here and at the same time you are reminded of the past of this place and the Ruhr area itself.

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View of the Hengsteysee

Highlight • Viewpoint

Beautiful viewpoint on the mining trail, from here you have a great view of the Hengsteysee...

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Hengstey Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Hengsteysee - Hengsteysee bridge with a view

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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After an exploration along the Emscher, a nice destination to take a breather and have a refreshing drink.
The bell tower tackles the quality time 🔔 🏰⛲️🏞

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

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