Lake hopping in Sauerland: 5 beautiful lakes in Germany you shouldn't miss is written by The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejs in cooperation with Sauerland Tourism.
The most beautiful lakes in Sauerland in Germany
Island hopping has become really popular, but have you ever considered lake hopping?
In the heart of Germany lies Sauerland, known for its beautiful nature, fantastic hiking trails and – most importantly – its lakes. Here you can sail, swim, row and fish or just relax by the water's edge with an ice cream in hand.
Whether you're looking for an adventure on the water, an active holiday in nature or a relaxing summer holiday with the whole family, Sauerland has a lake to meet your needs.
Here's a guide to five of the most beautiful lakes so you can plan your very own lake-hopping adventure. Pack your swimsuit, grab your hiking boots, and dive into Sauerland's lakes.
Hennesee – relaxed atmosphere and lakeside fun in Sauerland
Located near the town of Meschede, Lake Hennesee offers the perfect combination of nature, activities and culture. The lake is surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills, and along its shores runs the Henne-Boulevard, a beautiful promenade that connects the town of Meschede with the lake and invites you to take leisurely walks overlooking the sparkling water. Preferably with an ice cream in hand.
Meschede is a lively university town, offering a number of unique experiences and a cozy atmosphere. The city center is characterized by a charming pedestrian street filled with shops and cozy cafes and restaurants where you can satisfy your hunger.
For the adventurous there is plenty to explore – from SUP board and sailing for swimming in the fresh water. And for those who would rather experience the lake from the water's edge, it can be done from one of the bathing areas, where there are also activities such as beach volleyball and playgrounds for the youngest.
For nature lovers, the area around Hennesee is ideal for hiking and cycling. Trails such as the Meschede Höhenwanderweg and the HenneseeSchleife wind through the landscape and offer wonderful hiking experiences.
Möhnesee – impressive dam and beautiful hiking trails
In the middle of northern Sauerland lies Möhnesee. One of the lake's most famous attractions is the over 100-year-old dam, which stretches for 650 meters and towers 40 meters high. This structure has not only shaped the landscape but also the history of the region and is an impressive sight from the lake shore.
For the adventurous, Möhnesee offers a wealth of activities. Hiking trails wind through the Arnsberg Forest and lead to places like the Möhnesee Tower, from which you are rewarded with the most beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the many trails that connect the lake with nearby towns like Soest and Bad Sassendorf.
Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to let loose both in and on the water. From sailing and stand-up paddleboarding to relaxing boat trips or a refreshing swim – Möhnesee can do it all.
For families, the lake park near the town of Körbecke is ideal with modern facilities, playgrounds, mini golf and areas dedicated to both relaxation and activity.
Sorpesee – the perfect lake in Sauerland for fishermen
When you hear the name Sorpesee, you might be tempted to think it’s a lake where you just splash around at the water’s edge. But in fact, Sorpesee is the deepest of the five Sauerland lakes in this guide, making it ideal for a range of activities both above and below the water’s surface.
With its depth, Sorpesee has the optimal conditions for anglers, who can try their luck catching species such as pike, perch, sea trout, eel and carp.
Sailing enthusiasts can enjoy exploring the lake's sailing conditions, but you don't have to be a sailing expert to explore the lake's calm waters. You can also rent canoes, pedal boats or SUP boards, so there is plenty of opportunity to explore the lake.
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the electric passenger ship 'EMS Sorpesee' sails quietly over the clear waters during the summer season.
Along the shores of the lake you will find several beaches where you can take a refreshing dip or simply enjoy the sun. The modern promenade in the cozy town of Langscheid invites you to take relaxed walks with beautiful views of the lake. In Langscheid there is both the opportunity to stay overnight and satisfy your hunger after a long day of activities.
For the adventurous, there are also scenic hiking trails such as the interactive Airlebnisweg Amecke route that winds around the lake. There are also various cycling routes in the area, so there is ample opportunity to combine lakeside fun with an active holiday.
Diemelsee – a natural gem for an active holiday in Sauerland
Diemelsee is the smallest of the five well-known Sauerland lakes, but that doesn't make it any less rich in experiences. On the contrary. Diemelsee is hidden between the gentle hills of Sauerland and is surrounded by forests and valleys, providing the perfect setting for an active family holiday far from the hustle and bustle.
Unlike many other lakes in the region, which are marked by human intervention, this lake is completely natural and is located in the middle of the untouched nature of the Diemelsee Nature Park, which also means that it is less visited than some of the larger lakes.
The crystal-clear waters of the Diemelsee are home to a rich fish life, making it a paradise for anglers. For those looking for adventure, numerous hiking and cycling trails wind through the picturesque landscape, with the famous Diemelsteig trail standing out as a favorite.
Unique to Diemelsee are the recently established trekking sites along the Diemelsteig and Uplandsteig, which give nature lovers the opportunity to spend a night under the stars, very close to nature.
Of course, it is also possible to swim in Diemelsee, and dog owners will especially love this lake as it has two beaches dedicated to dogs, so both owner and dog can cool off.
Biggesee and Listersee – two cozy lakes in Germany you must experience
Biggesee and Listersee are two artificially dammed lakes in Sauerland. With their many bays and green surroundings, they appear as natural gems in the landscape.
With their mirror-like water surface and wooded shores, they look like something out of a fairy tale. And like any good fairy tale, Biggesee also has its own mermaid: the impressive statue of Attania, which rests on the island of Gilberg in the middle of the lake.
Biggesee and Listersee are a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can try everything from sailing to diving and fishing, but there is also the opportunity to find a quiet spot along the shore to swim and enjoy nature.
And for the more leisurely-minded, there is of course the ultimate lakeside experience; a passenger boat trip on Biggesee. Here you can glide leisurely across the water, enjoy a piece of cake on board and gaze at the majestic statue of the sea lion Attania, which guards the lake from its perch on the island of Gilberg.
If you're into impressive engineering, don't miss out on seeing the Biggedamm Dam. Another exciting experience nearby is the Atta stalactite cave, which is also worth a visit.
For those who want to explore the area on foot or by bike, the Bigge-Lister-Wanderweg offers scenic trails with breathtaking views of the lakes and surrounding countryside. For the most beautiful view, head to the Aussichtsplattform Biggeblick lookout point, where you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of Biggesee.
Really good trip to Sauerland and Germany.
The 5 most beautiful lakes in Sauerland, the heart of Germany
- Hennesee
- Möhnesee
- Biggesee and Listersee
- Diemelsee
- Sorpesee
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