Un­usu­al reser­voirs and out­door pools

Bergisches Land and the Bergisch three, Wuppertal, Solingen and Remscheid, are a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts and those looking to cool off. No other region in Europe boasts so many reservoirs in such as small area as here. Not only do the Bergisch reservoirs ensure the supply of water to the surrounding area, they also invite you to bathe in their clear water. That is why the Wupper reservoir in Remscheid is a favourite destination for excursions during the hot season. The Kräwinklerbrücke bathing area is open to swimmers, and canoeists, sailors, anglers and divers are welcome too.
www.dasbergische.de

Unterbacher See, Düsseldorf

A single day is probably not enough to try out all of the leisure activities at Unterbacher See near Düsseldorf. At the two open air beach pools, guests can relax on the sunbathing lawn and swim in the clear water, enjoy a coffee on the floating lake terrace in a special atmosphere, and there are also opportunities to sail, surf, take a trip on a paddle boat or go fishing.
www.unterbachersee.de

Otto-Maigler-See, Hürth

The finest sand along 500 metres of cool water, beach volleyball and football pitches as well as an open air cocktail bar: Otto-Maigler-See in Hürth is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Cologne-Bonn region on hot days, with good reason. Beach parties and live concerts provide that extra holiday feeling on certain days.
www.otto-maigler-see.de

Fühlinger See, Cologne

Fühlinger See, which also offers a beach pool, is another favourite. Blackfoot Beach impresses with its white sandy beach, beach bars, sun island and sports facilities, which include beach volleyball and a high wire garden, to mention but a few examples. But the entire local recreation area has so much more to offer: The centrepiece is a regatta field where numerous sporting events take place, from ironman competitions to dragon boat races.
www.stadt-koeln.de

Freizeitsee Menzelen, Alpen

Between Alpen and Xanten lies the idyllic Freizeitsee Menzelen, surrounded by cycle and hiking routes. An approximately three kilometre long trail goes all around the lake. After a short hike, the cool lake with its white sandy beach and a small café invite you to sip a fresh cocktail to South American sounds.
www.ricks-beach.de

Bettenkamper Meer, Moers

At the natural open-air swimming pool, bathing guests feel like they have gone back in time. Bettenkamper Meer in Moers on the Lower Rhine captivates with its 1920s setting. But people have been bathing here for much longer than that. 150 years ago, visitors were already splashing around in the Moersbach. The open air pool is part of the flowing waters, which means that the water remains pleasantly cool even on the hottest summer days. Out of the water, trees and beach chairs provide shade.
www.bettenkamper-meer.de

Kaarster Seen, Kaarst

A larger and a smaller lake in Kaart ensure that swimmers and other water sports enthusiasts do not get in each other’s way. On the larger lake, visitors sail, surf, fish and dive. The little lake is reserved for bathers: Here, you can relax on the sandy beach and sunbathing lawn, children can play safely in the separate non-swimmer area.
www.kw-gv.de

Wisseler See, Kalkar

Wisseler See in Kalkar combined the advantages of an outdoor pool with the natural swimming experience of a lake: The natural open air pool with its 60 metre long giant slide also invites you to relax on the sunbathing lawn and sandy beach right by the lake. Paddle boats can be hired at the beach for a tour of the lake. In addition you can also fish, dive, sail, row and surf here.
www.wisseler-see.de

Eyller See, Kerken

People are not the only ones looking to cool down on warm days - man’s best friend also loves a cool swim. Because of this, Eyller See not only offers a beach pool for humans but also a special dog lawn with access to the water for our four-legged friends. Water sports enthusiasts can find the diving centre at the north west entrance, which also trains aspiring divers.
www.eyllersee.de

Blaue Lagune, Wachtendonk

At the Blaue Lagune, not only can visitors swim and relax on the sandy beach, an extensive range of leisure activities is also on offer: Among other things, the natural open air pool offers a waterskiing facility, trampolines, pitches for beach volleyball and soccer as well as a climbing garden. For a longer stay on balmy nights, tents, sleeping cabins and holiday homes can also be booked at the Lagune.
www.blaue-lagune.de

Effelder Waldsee, Wassenberg

Amici Beachclub is the name of the natural open air pool at Effelder Waldsee, and promises to make you feel like you are on holiday when you are there. Bathers can lie on the beach or swim in the waters of the lake, waterski, wakeboard or even go diving. The Aquapark also offers adventurous bathers waterslides, trampolines, climbing towers and diving platforms.
www.amicibeach.com

Nordsee and Südsee, Xanten

Nowhere else are Nordsee and Südsee as close together as in Xanten. At Südsee, there is a beach pool that offers bathing guests carefree summer days by the water. At Nordsee directly opposite, not only is there a sailing school but also the opportunity to waterski or drive an electric, fun or paddle boat, to surf, dive or do some stand up paddling.
www.f-z-x.de

Waldfreibad Gudenhagen, Brilon

With its approx. 6,500 square metres of water, Waldfreibad Gudenhagen is one of the biggest open air pools in Germany. The enormous swimming pool here is right next to the forest and bathing guests can enjoy a picnic or a nap on large sunbathing lawns, while hobby sports fans can play around on the beach volleyball pitches.
www.tourismus-brilon-olsberg.de

Möhnesee, Möhnesee

Strandbad Uferlos promises a South Seas mini-holiday at Möhnesee. Here, bathing guests can spend a relaxing day at the “Westphalian Sea”, as the artificial lake in Sauerland is also called. In addition to the beach pool, there are a further two bathing areas at the lake. Moreover, the lake is a paradise for water sport fans. You can sail, surf, fish and dive here from spring to autumn.
www.moehnesee.de

Biggesee and Listersee, Olpe

Biggesee is a superlative body of water: On the waters of the biggest reservoir in Westphalia, visitors can take a trip on the biggest steamers in Sauerland, the MS Westfalen and the MS Bigge. The huge lake can also be explored under the surface of the water: Biggesee diving school offers beginners and advanced courses. At both Biggesee and its tributary, Listersee, there are plenty of bathing areas and beach pools that invite you to jump into the cool waters on warm days.
www.biggesee-listersee.com

Hennesee, Meschede

Cycling, hiking or bathing - at Hennesee visitors can have a really sporty or relaxing day out. Three bathing coves offer loads of room to sunbathe or cool off on a hot day. The lake is just two kilometres from Meschede - it can be reached on foot via the Himmelstreppe or Henne Boulevard, right in the pedestrian zone with small cafés and shops, inviting you to stay a while.
www.sauerland.com/hennesee

Sorpesee, Sundern

Anyone who prefers to stay dry can take a trip on Sopresee in a canoe or pedalo. But there is plenty to discover in the region either on foot or by bicycle too. Anyone who would prefer to take it easy can relax on the shore or enjoy the views on a boat trip. And if it gets really hot, the only thing that remains is to jump into the cold water.
www.sauerland-seen.de/Sorpesee