The best traffic-free bike rides around Stausee Hengsen

There are currently 18 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Stausee Hengsen, ranging from easy to difficult. This includes 4 easy routes, 12 moderate routes, and 2 difficult routes, ensuring options for various skill levels.

The trails around Stausee Hengsen offer a serene natural environment. You'll encounter the idyllic Hengsen Reservoir itself, with views of its small island, home to a cormorant breeding colony. Many routes pass through or near the Bahnwald Nature Reserve, providing a peaceful, forested backdrop and diverse wildlife. The area is characterized by its quiet atmosphere, perfect for a tranquil escape.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. For an easier ride, consider the ""Now" sculpture on the Seseke – Cycle path along the Massener Bach loop from Dortmund-Asseln Mitte" which is an easy 38 km route with minimal elevation. Another easy option is the "Lanstroper Ei Water Tower – Bridge Over the Körnebach loop from Dortmund-Asseln Mitte", a shorter 18 km ride, both offering pleasant, traffic-free experiences suitable for families.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Stausee Hengsen, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 54 ratings. Riders frequently praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the paths, the beautiful views of the reservoir, and the peaceful forested sections within the Bahnwald Nature Reserve. The mix of surfaces, from smooth paths to unpaved forest trails, also contributes to a diverse and enjoyable ride.

Absolutely. Many of the routes are designed as loops. For a moderate challenge, the "Seseke Cycle Path – Adener Höhe Viewpoint loop from Dortmund-Sölde" offers a 50 km circular tour with scenic viewpoints. Another great option is the "Garenfelder Weg – Cycle Path on the Edge of Ergste loop from Schwerte-Ergste", a 25 km moderate loop that takes you along the edge of Ergste.

Beyond the reservoir itself, you can explore the tranquil The Bahnwald and the Bahnwald Nature Reserve, which offer beautiful forested sections. Keep an eye out for the Cormorant Island on the Hengsen Reservoir, a notable wildlife spot. The ""Now" sculpture on the Seseke" is also a unique point of interest on one of the easy routes.

Yes, the Stausee Hengsen area is reasonably accessible by public transport, particularly from nearby towns like Schwerte and Dortmund. You can often find train or bus connections to the communities bordering the reservoir, such as Fröndenberg, Holzwickede, and Schwerte, from where you can start your gravel biking adventure. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most convenient starting points.

Generally, no specific permits are required for cycling on designated paths around Stausee Hengsen or within the Bahnwald Nature Reserve. However, as the reservoir is primarily for drinking water extraction, direct access to much of the shoreline is restricted. Always stick to marked cycling and hiking trails, respect nature reserve rules, and be mindful of wildlife, especially around sensitive areas like the Cormorant Island.

The Stausee Hengsen area is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with vibrant foliage in fall. Summer is also great, though it can be warmer, making the shaded forest paths particularly appealing. Winter can be ridden, but some paths might be muddy or icy, so checking conditions beforehand is recommended.

Parking is generally available in the communities surrounding Stausee Hengsen, such as Fröndenberg, Holzwickede, and Schwerte. Many trailheads or access points to the cycling network will have designated parking areas. For example, routes starting from Dortmund-Sölde or Dortmund-Asseln Mitte, like the "Baarbach Cycle Path – Baartal Cycle Path loop from Iserlohnerheide", typically have convenient parking options nearby.

While the immediate vicinity of the reservoir itself is quite natural and quiet, you'll find cafes and restaurants in the nearby towns and villages like Schwerte, Fröndenberg, and Holzwickede. Many routes pass close to these communities, allowing for convenient stops to refuel and relax. It's a good idea to plan your route with potential refreshment stops in mind.