Harkortsee is a region in Germany's Ruhr area, situated between the cities of Herdecke, Wetter, and Hagen. This area is characterized by the Harkortsee reservoir itself, gentle hills like the Kaisberg, and well-developed infrastructure for various outdoor pursuits. The landscape offers a blend of waterside paths and more rugged, natural terrain, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, mountain biking, and more.
The Harkortsee region provides a range of outdoor activities,…
165
Routes
4.5
(5475)
Average rating
22527
People visited

4.4
(52)
164
riders
45.5km
03:04
430m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

5.0
(2)
17
riders
95.8km
07:18
1,040m
1,120m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.3
(4)
17
riders
38.2km
02:44
690m
690m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.3
(9)
38
riders
25.4km
01:28
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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4.6
(678)
1,574
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

4.6
(649)
1,479
hikers
11.7km
03:07
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

4.7
(80)
346
hikers
9.49km
02:38
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

4.6
(97)
309
hikers
13.9km
03:53
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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4.6
(463)
1,386
riders
23.4km
01:33
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.6
(477)
1,278
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.6
(87)
418
riders
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.5
(71)
375
riders
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
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4.7
(106)
694
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.8
(145)
424
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.

5.0
(12)
173
riders
15.9km
01:38
500m
500m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.7
(46)
117
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.7
(38)
523
runners
13.3km
01:27
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.7
(36)
416
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.2
(29)
205
runners
5.89km
00:37
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.5
(6)
146
runners
13.5km
01:26
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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4.7
(13)
95
riders
61.9km
03:01
860m
860m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.8
(5)
122
riders
Moderate road ride. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.6
(8)
218
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.0
(21)
84
riders
43.0km
01:57
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
2
hikers
7.23km
02:00
130m
130m
Easy mountaineering route. Easily walkable paths.

5.0
(3)
3
hikers
11.4km
03:14
260m
260m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

3.0
(1)
3
hikers
14.0km
03:55
280m
280m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

5.0
(1)
1
hikers
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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Harkortsee offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Touring cycling, Jogging, Mountain biking, Road cycling, and Gravel biking. The region features 9 routes across these sports, with more than 635,000 visitors having explored the area.
Yes, Harkortsee features well-developed footpaths for hiking. Trails range from idyllic paths along the northern shore to more challenging routes through the gentle hills of the Kaisberg. For detailed options, refer to the guide Hiking around Harkortsee.
Harkortsee is a prime destination for touring cyclists, primarily due to the RuhrtalRadweg which follows the lake's shore. Mountain biking opportunities also exist, with some trails featuring root sections and blocked terrain. Explore options in the guide Cycling around Harkortsee.
Harkortsee offers routes suitable for families. These trails provide accessible options for various age groups to enjoy the natural surroundings. Specific family-friendly routes can be found in the guide Family-friendly hikes around Harkortsee.
Harkortsee has trails that are suitable for visitors with dogs. Specific routes and any local regulations regarding pets can be reviewed. A dedicated guide for these trails is available: Dog-friendly hikes around Harkortsee.
Key landmarks include Harkortsee itself, one of six Ruhr reservoirs, and the impressive Ruhr Viaduct, a 313-meter-long sandstone construction spanning the lake. The Kaisberg Hills south of the lake offer a more natural landscape with scenic views.
Hiking trails in Harkortsee range in difficulty. Paths along the lake are generally easy, while routes through the Kaisberg hills can offer more challenging terrain. For easier options, consult the guide Easy hikes around Harkortsee.
Harkortsee is accessible via public transport, with bus stations in the surrounding municipalities. Routes starting directly from these stations are available for convenience. Information on such routes can be found in the guide Hikes from bus stations around Harkortsee.
Routes in Harkortsee have an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 145,000 users who have explored the area.
Yes, Harkortsee offers mountain biking opportunities. Some trails around the lake and in the Kaisberg hills can present challenges, including root sections and small drops. For specific routes, refer to the guide MTB Trails around Harkortsee.
As Harkortsee borders multiple municipalities, tourism information can be found on the websites of the bordering cities. The official website for Herdecke tourism information is herdecke.de.
The Harkortsee region includes facilities such as cafes, particularly in the surrounding towns of Herdecke, Wetter, and Hagen. These amenities are often located conveniently near popular routes and attractions.
A popular circular route around Harkortsee, particularly through the Kaisberg hills, is approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) long. This route offers varied terrain and scenic views.

