It’s hot! To keep us all from getting too hot, we recommend taking a quick dip in the cool water. In western Germany, there are plenty of wonderful places to cool off in the water. To help you find the perfect spot quickly, we’ve selected some of the most beautiful (and perhaps most refreshing) outdoor pools and swimming lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Swimming at the Kräwinklerbrücke Recreation Park
In the “Bergisches Land” region, east of the Rhine around Wuppertal, there are not only many mountains but also plenty of valleys—and quite a few of them feature dams. What does that mean? That’s right—reservoirs. And unless they’re designated for drinking water, they’re the ideal destination for anyone who can’t stand the heat anymore. A good example is the Wuppertal Dam in Remscheid. You can take a dip at the “Kräwinklerbrücke” swimming spot, which also offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, sailing, and diving.
Historical Fun Fact: The swimming spot got its name from a historic stone bridge (“Brücke”) that is now submerged due to the flooding of the valley.
👉 Click here to visit the website of the Kräwinklerbrücke Recreation Park.
Swimming in the Rur Lake
In the Eifel region, the Rur lake (“Rursee”) – no, this is not connected to the river Ruhr in the Ruhr Area – is an absolute highlight. Not only is it a postcard-perfect scene, but you can also swim in it. It’s really true! Located in the heart of the Eifel National Park, the temperature here is generally a few degrees cooler than in the rest of western Germany. Plus, the lake is surrounded by fantastic scenery: green forests, gently rolling hilltops, and the blue Eifel sky. Simply wonderful. Oh, and you can also explore the lake on a SUP board or in a canoe. We’re already packing our swimsuits.
Swimming in Lake Lippe near Paderborn-Sande
Those who associate North Rhine-Westphalia only with Cologne and the Ruhr region sometimes forget just how far north the state actually extends. There, in the Teutoburg Forest near Paderborn—almost in Lower Saxony—lies Lake Lippe, another stunning body of water. Even though the quarry lake looks temptingly cool from almost every angle, swimming is actually only permitted at the “Salitos Beach” swimming area. When the weather is right, the sandy beach looks almost Caribbean, and those who are thirsty can find the corresponding drinks at the beach bar. In the water itself, you’re not limited to just swimming—you can also hit the lake on a SUP board, go surfing, sailing, or take a pedal boat out.
👉 Click here to visit the website for the “Salitos Beach” beach bar.
Swimming in Xanten’s “North Sea” and “South Sea” With a Natural Swimming Area
Double the water fun—you can always count on the city of Xanten! Because if you’re looking for a lake here, you’ll get two: the “North Sea” and the “South Sea.” At the “South Sea,” a beach with direct access to the water awaits for swimming and splashing around. At the North Sea, on the other hand, you can enjoy water sports—whether water skiing, paddle boating, surfing, diving, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Either way, the fresh lake breeze provides the necessary cooling, and a dip in the cold water does the rest. If you still have energy left, be sure to visit the Römerpark—a recommendation from the editorial team.
Swimming at the “Werksschwimmbad” at Zollverein in Essen
You really won’t find this anywhere else: Every summer, the “Werksschwimmbad” opens at the “Kokerei” (a former production facility where coke and raw gas were produced) of the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen. In the 12-by-5-meter outdoor pool on a platform in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, water lovers swim their laps amid concrete, bricks, and picturesque rusted pipes. North Rhine-Westphalia is proud of its industrial history. Admission is free, but non-swimmers are not allowed due to the pool’s uniform depth of 2.40 meters.
👉 More information is available on the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex website.
Swimming at the Sechs-Seen-Platte
What’s better than one lake? That’s right—six. You’ll find them near Duisburg in the form of the “Sechs-Seen-Platte”. This recreational area in the south of the city consists of the six quarry lakes that give it its name, some of which are connected to one another. However, swimming is only permitted at the “Wolfssee” outdoor pool, which offers more than enough space for it with its 450-meter-long sandy beach and over 30,000 square meters of sunbathing area. Near the shore, families will also find a large children’s pool, and those who want to sail, fish, dive, or surf can do so on and around the other lakes.
👉 Click here to visit the Wolfssee outdoor pool’s website.
Swimming at Silbersee II in Haltern am See
Like many lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia, “Silbersee II” near Haltern am See was created as a result of industrial activity in West Germany. More specifically, it was formed by the mining of quartz sand. Sand was mined here well into the 21st century, but in 2005 the lake was designated as a swimming lake. Today, a 900-meter-long sandy beach draws visitors; swimming is permitted in the marked area when the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) raises the appropriate flag. If you’re looking to get active on the water, the surf station is the perfect spot.
Swimming in Lake Hennesee
Off to the Sauerland! In Germany, the Sauerland is known more as a rainy region, but we know that the sun does shine there from time to time. And just like in the Bergisches Land, the nearest reservoir is never far away in the Sauerland. Take Lake Hennesee near Meschede, for example. Three swimming spots offer access to the cool water, surrounded by the region’s green hills. That’s where relaxation begins. Those who prefer something more adventurous can burn off some energy on a rented SUP or kayak. Alternatively, there’s a beach volleyball court waiting to be played on. If you break out in a sweat from all that exertion, just head back into the water. Life can be so simple.
