Top 7 Lakes around Stausee Hengsen
Best lakes around Stausee Hengsen refers to the area surrounding the Hengsen Reservoir, also known as Geisecker See, located south of Holzwickede, Germany. This reservoir serves as a primary source for drinking water, which limits public access to much of its area. Despite restrictions, it is an important ecological site, featuring a significant cormorant breeding colony and diverse wildlife. A walking path along the western bank provides views of the reservoir and its natural features.
Best lakes around Stausee Hengsen
- The most popular lakes is Bahnwald Cycling and Hiking Trail, a trail that highlights the Hengsen reservoir and Cormorant Island. This trail offers routes through the Bahnwald Nature Reserve and along the Hengsen reservoir.
- Another must-see spot is Hengsen Reservoir, a lake that is primarily a drinking water reservoir. It features a small accessible section along its western bank, offering views of the water.
- Visitors also love Cormorant Island – Hengsen Reservoir, a small island in the middle of the lake. It hosts a significant breeding colony of cormorants, making it a notable spot for birdwatching.
- Stausee Hengsen is known for its reservoir and associated natural areas. The area offers opportunities to explore protected natural landscapes and observe wildlife.
- The lakes around Stausee Hengsen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 660 upvotes and over 320 photos shared.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
Hengsen Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Since 1908, the waterworks Hengsen is located in the Ruhr valley. 142 hectares are available as water catchment areas. Pre-purified Ruhr water is infiltrated into the underground via large infiltration basins for groundwater recharge.
In the underground, perforated drainage pipes seize the water, which consists of enriched groundwater, bank filtrate and natural groundwater, and directs it to the pumping station in free fall.
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Hengsen Reservoir – Lappenhausen Trail
Highlight • Lake
The Hengsen waterworks in the Ruhr Valley have existed since 1908. 142 hectares are available for water extraction. To enrich the groundwater, pre-cleaned Ruhr water is infiltrated into the subsoil via large infiltration basins.
Perforated seepage pipes hold the water in the subsoil, consisting of enriched groundwater, bank filtrate and natural groundwater, and conduct it to the pumping station in free fall.
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The Bahnwald
Highlight (Segment) • Forest
The approx. 13.7 hectare nature reserve encompasses the forest area on the western surface of a former marshalling yard between the Schwerte-Fröndenberg railway line, the "Zum Wellenbad" road and the eastern city limits. Here the forest continues on the Holzwickeder side and is part of the nature reserve "Bahnwald" of the landscape plan Holzwickede, which includes the "Geisecker reservoir", a water of outstanding ornithological importance.
This nature reserve is a former gravel area of the Federal Railway with individual islands made of concrete slab foundations. The area was reforested with poplars after the war, for which planting holes were blasted into the concrete slab foundations. This results in difficult reforestation using conventional planting methods.
The "Bahnwald" is an island-like habitat with a high ecological development potential for fauna and flora. It offers habitat especially for moths, ground beetles, amphibians, reptiles, bats and for some. Endangered bird species such as hawk, common buzzard, spotted and small woodpecker, various warbler species, oriole, wryneck, nightingale, etc.
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Cormorant Island – Hengsen Reservoir
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Bahnwald Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
The Bahnwald nature reserve (UN-035), established in 1997, covers an area of around 12 hectares. It is located east of Geisecke, a district of Schwerte, and west of the Hengsen reservoir. This area was placed under nature protection in order to preserve, develop and restore diverse communities and biotopes of certain animal and plant species. The particularly protected biotope types include moist and dry tall herbaceous meadows, anthropogenically influenced rubble vegetation, borders, fallow areas, woody succession areas and cave trees.
The second area, Bahnwald (UN-028), covers a significantly larger area of around 80 hectares and was placed under protection in 1992. It surrounds the 19.2 hectare Hengsen reservoir and extends northeast of Geisecke. The conservation measures in this area are also aimed at the conservation, development and restoration of communities and habitats of certain wild plants and animal species. Particularly noteworthy here are natural deciduous forest stands, including mixed beech forests and alder-rich oak forests, as well as hedge complexes, rows of pollard trees, extensively used grassland areas, reedbeds, tall herbaceous areas, fallow areas, partially water-filled bomb craters and small bodies of water, as well as the reservoir with its riparian vegetation.
Both nature reserves offer unique habitats for numerous plant and animal species and are important components of regional biodiversity as well as the landscape and nature conservation strategy in North Rhine-Westphalia.
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Tips from the Community
Surprising views of a marsh forest after a long ride on the cycle path (and constantly having to avoid cyclists)
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Nice for a short break
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The Bahnwald nature reserve in North Rhine-Westphalia includes two different protected areas with the identifiers UN-035 and UN-028, both of which are located in the Unna district, specifically in the area of the municipality of Holzwickede and partly the city of Schwerte. The Bahnwald nature reserve (UN-035), established in 1997, covers an area of around 12 hectares. It is located east of Geisecke, a district of Schwerte, and west of the Hengsen reservoir. This area was placed under nature protection in order to preserve, develop and restore diverse communities and biotopes of certain animal and plant species. The particularly protected biotope types include moist and dry tall herbaceous meadows, anthropogenically influenced rubble vegetation, borders, fallow areas, woody succession areas and cave trees. The second area, Bahnwald (UN-028), covers a significantly larger area of around 80 hectares and was placed under protection in 1992. It surrounds the 19.2 hectare Hengsen reservoir and extends northeast of Geisecke. The conservation measures in this area are also aimed at the conservation, development and restoration of communities and habitats of certain wild plants and animal species. Particularly noteworthy here are natural deciduous forest stands, including mixed beech forests and alder-rich oak forests, as well as hedge complexes, rows of pollard trees, extensively used grassland areas, reedbeds, tall herbaceous areas, fallow areas, partially water-filled bomb craters and small bodies of water, as well as the reservoir with its riparian vegetation. Both nature reserves offer unique habitats for numerous plant and animal species and are important components of regional biodiversity as well as the landscape and nature conservation strategy in North Rhine-Westphalia.
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The Hengsen reservoir, located north of the Ruhr and south of Holzwickede, is known for its idyllic location and the cormorant island. This small island in the middle of the lake is home to a breeding colony of cormorants. Over the years, the cormorants' concentrated excrement has largely destroyed the island's vegetation. The Hengsen reservoir is also used to produce drinking water and borders the Bahnwald nature reserve directly to the north. Despite being used for drinking water, there is a walking path at the western end of the lake that provides a direct view of the lake and the island. The quiet location also benefits the endangered wildlife. In addition to the cormorants, the Hengsen reservoir also offers bird watchers the opportunity to observe other bird species such as greylag geese, Canada geese, mute swans, Egyptian geese, mallards, little grebes, great crested grebes and tufted ducks. The area is best explored by bicycle, with parking available approximately 1 km away. The approximately 10 km long circular route leads through forest, grassland, agricultural areas, along the lake and through urban areas. The conditions are flat and the route is easy to walk, making it an ideal destination for bird watchers and nature lovers.
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Always beautiful. You can unwind there.
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The Bahnwald nature reserve covers about 80 hectares of land that encloses the Hengsen reservoir. Numerous birds have a home here. Unfortunately, you hardly have the opportunity to observe the birds. A large fence separates the hiking trail to the lake
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One of my favorite places... Perfect for a break
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Beautifully through the forest and is located directly on the Hengsen reservoir.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Stausee Hengsen?
The area around Stausee Hengsen offers a tranquil natural environment. You can explore the reservoir itself, which is a primary source for drinking water, and its connection to the Bahnwald Nature Reserve. This reserve provides a broader natural landscape for exploration, particularly for hiking and cycling, and is home to diverse flora and fauna.
What makes Stausee Hengsen unique among other reservoirs?
Stausee Hengsen is unique as it's one of six Ruhr reservoirs where the main course of the Ruhr River flows alongside it, with a weir used to fill the reservoir. It also plays a crucial role in regional drinking water supply, which necessitates its protected status and restricted public access to much of its area.
Can I go birdwatching around Stausee Hengsen?
Yes, Stausee Hengsen is an excellent spot for birdwatching. The Cormorant Island – Hengsen Reservoir hosts a significant breeding colony of cormorants. Additionally, birdwatchers can observe various other species such as greylag geese, Canada geese, mute swans, Egyptian geese, mallards, little grebes, great crested grebes, and tufted ducks in the quiet environment.
Are there any viewpoints to enjoy the scenery of Stausee Hengsen?
While much of the reservoir is inaccessible due to its function as a drinking water source, a small walking path along the western bank offers views of the idyllic lake and the Cormorant Island. This section provides a peaceful setting for appreciating nature.
What is the significance of Cormorant Island at Stausee Hengsen?
The Cormorant Island – Hengsen Reservoir is a small island in the middle of the lake that hosts a significant breeding colony of cormorants. It's a notable spot for birdwatching, though the concentrated excrement of the birds has altered the island's vegetation over time.
Are there accessible walking paths around Stausee Hengsen?
Yes, despite restrictions on much of the reservoir, a small walking path along the western bank of the Hengsen Reservoir is accessible. This path offers views of the water and is suitable for short, easy strolls.
What outdoor activities can I do near Stausee Hengsen?
The area around Stausee Hengsen is popular for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. There are numerous routes available, such as those found in the Hiking around Stausee Hengsen guide, the Cycling around Stausee Hengsen guide, and the Gravel biking around Stausee Hengsen guide.
Are there family-friendly trails around Stausee Hengsen?
Yes, many trails in the area are considered family-friendly. For instance, the Bahnwald Cycling and Hiking Trail offers routes through the Bahnwald Nature Reserve and along the reservoir, which are suitable for families. The terrain is generally flat, making it easy to walk or cycle.
Can I bring my dog to the trails around Stausee Hengsen?
The area around Stausee Hengsen, particularly the trails through the Bahnwald Nature Reserve, is generally dog-friendly. However, as the reservoir is a drinking water protection zone, direct access to much of the water is prohibited, and specific rules regarding dogs near the water's edge should be observed.
What are the best hiking trails near Stausee Hengsen?
Popular hiking trails include the 'Bahnwald Nature Reserve – Hengsen Reservoir loop' and routes through 'The Bahnwald'. These trails offer beautiful views of the lake and lead through natural landscapes. You can find more options in the Hiking around Stausee Hengsen guide.
Are there cycling routes available around Stausee Hengsen?
Absolutely. The Bahnwald Cycling and Hiking Trail is a highlight, offering routes through the Bahnwald Nature Reserve and along the reservoir. Many easy cycling routes are available, such as those detailed in the Cycling around Stausee Hengsen guide.
What is the best time to visit Stausee Hengsen?
Stausee Hengsen offers a tranquil experience year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the lush greenery. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, and winter offers a serene landscape for quiet walks, provided conditions are safe.
Where can I park when visiting Stausee Hengsen?
Parking is available approximately 1 km from the accessible parts of the reservoir, particularly near the street Lappenhausen, which provides access to the western bank. This allows visitors to reach the walking path and enjoy views of the lake.
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