Lakes around Rüthen offer diverse water features and natural areas. The surrounding region includes significant reservoirs like Möhnesee and Olsberger Stausee, alongside unique spring areas such as Almequellen. This landscape, part of the Arnsberg Forest Nature Park, provides varied opportunities to explore water bodies, from expansive reservoirs to tranquil spring sources and smaller ponds. Visitors can find numerous trails and natural sites for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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It is really beautiful in Bibertal. I live in a neighboring town and am there often. The playground is also great. The paths are very nice and the Biberbad is also a great place to spend time in the summer.
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Right next door is a very nice excursion café.
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The Olsberg reservoir dams up the Ruhr near Olsberg. The barrage[1] was artificially created in 1928 as part of the construction of the Steinhelle power plant.[2] The lake has a capacity of 72,000 m³ and serves as a reservoir for the Steinhelle 2 power plant block, which generates electrical energy with an output of 240 kW using a Kaplan turbine over a gradient of 7 m. The reservoir was built by the United Electricity Works of Westphalia (VEW) and operated until 2000. The reservoir is now owned by RWE, with which VEW merged.
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The old stone weir from 1711/12 is one of the few visible remains of the former fortifications.
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The Olsberg reservoir dams the Ruhr near Olsberg. The barrage was artificially created in 1928 during the construction of the Steinhelle power plant. The lake has a capacity of 72,000 m³ and serves as a reservoir for the Steinhelle 2 power plant block, which generates electrical energy with a power of 240 kW with a Kaplan turbine over a 7 m head. The reservoir was built by the United Electricity Works Westphalia (VEW) and operated until 2000. Today, the owner of the reservoir is RWE, with which VEW merged.
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The Olsberg reservoir is located directly on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path and invites you to take a short break
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Natural, animal and plant kingdom. Playground for the little ones, some seating for everyone.
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The old stone weir from 1711/12 is one of the few visible remains of the former fortifications. It was built in place of a wooden dam using stones from the medieval Lippe Gate, expanded in the 19th century and extensively renovated in 1986. ... The stone weir has 10 culverts 1.8m wide, each with an 8cm thick and 1.9m wide wooden plank. Because the wooden planks could be lowered into the water as a bluff body, they fulfilled the function of a movable weir. At that time, the water could be diverted into supply ditches. These moats were the city's moats. The Steinwehr was created to expand Lippstadt into the strongest fortified town between the Rhine and Weser. In 1711, on the orders of King Frederick I, construction of the weir began and was completed in 1712. The piers are shod with ice deflectors on the upper stream. The outer surfaces of the stone weir are clad with limestone. In 1985 the building was entered in the list of monuments. Due to the old stone weir, Lippstadt is known as the city with the most water in Westphalia. The city park adjacent to the old town opens up from there to the east into the Lippeauen. However, an expansion of the park landscape into the eastern valley meadows is prevented there by the federal highway 55 crossing. Author: Eric Wollessen Source: https://wollesen.info/das-steinwehr/
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The region around Rüthen offers diverse water features. Highly recommended are the Alme Springs, known as one of Germany's strongest and cleanest spring sources, offering a meditative natural experience. The Bibertal Nature Playground and Beaver Trail features a charming valley with a small dammed lake and a beaver path, ideal for families. Additionally, the Olsberg Reservoir provides a peaceful setting for walks and observing waterfowl.
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Bibertal Nature Playground and Beaver Trail is particularly family-friendly, offering a playground and an educational beaver path. The Alme Springs also features a largely barrier-free circular trail, suitable for relaxing walks with children. The Afte Flood Retention Basin is another nice, small lake with benches, perfect for a family break.
You can experience a variety of natural features. At Alme Springs, you'll find over 100 individual springs forming bubbling, crystal-clear streams and a spring lake, surrounded by rare plants and birds like the kingfisher. The Möhnesee, a large reservoir nearby, offers idyllic landscapes and extensive forests. The Olsberg Reservoir provides a peaceful setting to observe waterfowl amidst a natural path.
Absolutely. The Möhnesee offers well-marked hiking trails along its shores with breathtaking views. At Alme Springs, there's a beautiful, well-kept circular hiking trail. The Olsberg Reservoir also has a natural path encircling the lake, ideal for relaxing strolls. For more hiking options, explore the easy hikes around Rüthen, which include routes like the Beaver Pond in the Biebertal.
The lakes around Rüthen are enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying the lush greenery. The Alme Springs, with its clear waters and rich flora, is particularly beautiful in warmer months. Autumn offers stunning foliage, while winter can provide peaceful, crisp walks, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Yes, many areas around the lakes are suitable for walks with dogs. The natural paths around the Olsberg Reservoir and the trails at Alme Springs are generally dog-friendly, though leash rules should always be observed. For specific routes, you can check out the dog-friendly hikes around Rüthen guide.
Yes, the region combines natural beauty with history. Erwitte Castle, a historical moated castle first mentioned in 1273, is a notable site. It now houses a hotel with a café and is known for events in its castle park. While not directly a lake, its historical significance and moated setting make it a unique attraction near the water features.
Near the lakes, you'll find various amenities. Erwitte Castle, for instance, has a hotel with a café. The Möhnesee area, being a significant regional attraction, offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options along its shores. For specific locations, it's best to check local listings for the area you plan to visit.
While Rüthen itself is well-connected, reaching some of the more remote lakes might require a combination of public transport and walking or cycling. The Möhnesee is accessible, and local bus services operate in the broader region. For detailed routes and connections, especially for hiking, consider exploring the hikes from bus stations around Rüthen guide.
The Alme Springs are unique because they are considered one of Germany's strongest and cleanest spring areas. Over 100 individual springs emerge here, forming crystal-clear streams and a spring lake. The high concentration of limestone in the Brilon plateau contributes to this phenomenon, creating a meditative atmosphere with diverse flora and fauna, including rare plants and birds.
Yes, there are several easy options. The circular trail at Alme Springs is largely barrier-free and approximately 1.8 km long, perfect for a relaxing stroll. The natural path around the Olsberg Reservoir also offers an easy walk with beautiful viewpoints. For more choices, refer to the easy hikes around Rüthen guide, which includes routes like the Beaver Pond in the Biebertal.


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