One thing is clear: hiking is no longer just the miller's delight. That would be too bad, because since 2017, the almost 27-kilometre-long BaldeneySteig has been inviting hikers on tours around Essen's reservoir. The trail alternates between dense forests, wide meadows and idyllic stretches of shoreline, while the water shimmers through the treetops time and again. The panoramic views from the heights of the Ruhr Valley are particularly impressive - for example from the viewpoint at Korte-Klippe or from the Heimliche Liebe beer garden, where hikers can take a well-earned break.
The water characterizes the entire trail: sometimes it leads directly along the shore, sometimes it opens up wide views of the glittering blue of the lake. The section at the Ruhr lock in Essen is particularly attractive, where you can experience the influence of the water up close. Here you can see how the Ruhr acts as both a transportation route and a natural idyll.
There are also four detours to special cultural highlights that can be walked from the main route. If your feet need a break, parts of the trail, which has an elevation gain of 600 meters, can also be covered by public transport, the White Fleet or the Hespertalbahn.
