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.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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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 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 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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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