Recreational waters Lakes and rivers where you can sunbathe and swim

RHEIN-SIEG COUNTY · Uninterrupted sunshine and a major heat wave has taken over Bonn and the region. Everyone needs a place to cool off. Here is a look at lakes and rivers in the area where you can take a plunge.

Although the weather has altogether been very summer-like, meteorologists have predicted “the first heat wave” for Bonn and the region for this week. It could even be that the previous record of 36.9 degrees Celsius measured on July 16, 2003 is surpassed. At the moment, it looks like Thursday and Friday will have the highest temperatures.

In that kind of weather, it’s good to cool off a bit, splash around in the water and settle down in the shade. If you don’t want to visit one of the outdoor pools and are prepared to drive a little bit, you can take advantage of one of the lakes or rivers where swimming is permitted. General Anzeiger has put together a list of where you can swim outdoors in nature and what you need to keep in mind.

Rotter See

In Rhein-Sieg County, there is the Rotter See (Rotter Lake) at Uckendorfer Straße in Troisdorf, with two beaches for sunbathing, lots of variety for the family (spacious sports facilities), a barbecue and good water quality. Admission is free. For more information, please visit their website (in English).

Agger River

The Agger River is a right arm of the Sieg and winds through the towns of Engelskirchen, Overath and Lohmar. Swimming is allowed there only in specially designated areas.

Sieg River

Generally, swimming in the Sieg River is prohibited but there are many exceptions. Areas that are labeled „Gewässernahe Erholungsbereiche“ means they are designated waterside recreational areas.

Included are both banks of the Sieg ferry launch at Bergheim, a section in Meindorf, Aggerwehr in the Siegburg district Zange, Mülldorf, the Buisdorfer Weir, the section Weingartsgasse at Hennef, Lauthausen, Haus Attenbach, Stein, Happach, Harmony, and Eitorf. On the following map, the areas with the green symbol are the designated swimming areas.

If you do not want to swim, but want to canoe or take out a rowboat, you must pay attention to the minimum water level. Between Windeck and Eitorf a level of 55 centimeters and higher is required, between Eitorf and Siegmündung it should be 30 centimeters. You can find out the level by calling 0203/7381651 or visit www.kanu-nrw.de

Blauer See in Vettelschoß

A little further south lies the Blauer See (Blue Lake) in Vettelschoß, a jewel with a lot of potential for cooling off. For 3.50 euros (children 2.50 euros) visitors will find a sunbathing lawn, a children's pool, a diving board, a beach bar and food. The water is clear, but cool.

Zülpicher See

To get here, swimmers and sunbathers have to plan a little journey. For example to Zülpicher See (Zülpicher Lake), at the water sports lake in Zülpich, which is very well developed since the National Garden Show. The sandy beach provides a Mediterranean ambience and holiday atmosphere. In addition, many sports and leisure activities are offered. Admission costs 3.50 euros for children and 6 euros for adults.

Heider Bergsee

The Heider Bergsee (Heider Mountain Lake) in Brühl offers both day visitors and campers a place to relax. People using the camping facilities can check in daily from 8am to 10pm, all other visitors to the recreational area are welcome from 9am to 7pm. Located in the heart of the Rheinland Nature Park, the lake enjoys a central location with good connections to Brühl and the surrounding area.

Guests who are staying there for some time have access to a grocery store, washer and dryer and sanitary facilities. The offer includes a playground for the little ones, the restaurant "Seeklause" and a kiosk. In the adjacent nature park you can hike, jog and bike. Diving and snorkeling is also possible by arrangement. Admission is € 2.50 for adults and € 1.50 for children.

Bleibtreusee

At the Bleibtreusee (Bleibtreu Lake)in Brühl, there is a sandy beach and swimming area, and adventure-seekers can use the water skiing facility here for comparatively modest prices - whether beginner or pro using a monoski. The facility is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3pm to 9pm. On Wednesdays from 3pm - 7pm and on weekends from 12 to 9pm. The day ticket for young people under 16 costs 28 euros, for adults 36 euros. Life jackets, water skis and kneeboard are included in the price.

If you like it more daring, you can rent a wakeboard, trick ski or monoski. Wetsuits can be rented as well. Also at Bleibtreusee there are changing rooms and sanitary facilities. A small restaurant provides food and beverages for hungry visitors. If you want to eat something warm, you should do this here, because grilling and open fires are prohibited in the whole area.

Liblarer See

Only three kilometers away is the Liblarer See (Liblarer Lake) in Erftstadt-Liblar. Swimming is prohibited on the whole lake, except where there is a large beach, which is suitable for non-swimmers. There is a sunbathing lawn, floating dock and playgrounds for families. Catering is provided by a restaurant and a kiosk. A day ticket valid from 8 am to 8 pm costs 1.50 euros for children and 2.50 euros for adults. On the northern shore next to the outdoor pool, a campsite is operated all year, and those staying there may use the bathroom for free. Several times a year competitions of canoe and sailing clubs take place on the lake.

Otto Maigler Lake

In Hürth, the Otto Maigler-See (OMS) has a sunbathing area and attached beach club. Visitors are admitted from 10 am on weekdays and from 9 am on weekends and during summer vacation. Depending on the weather conditions, the beach swimming area is open until 10 pm, the beach club closes at 11 pm. Children and adolescents up to 15 years pay three euros for a day ticket and 39 euros for a season ticket. Adults have to pay 4,50 euros for the day ticket and 59 euros for the season, children pay 3 euros for a day ticket.

In addition to the beach club, the OMS offers sports fields for various activities, children's activities, parties and concerts for all ages. The "Café Seeterrasse" has various dishes on the menu. Upon request, sun loungers and sun umbrellas can be rented.

Steinbachtalsperre

In the midst of a wooded area there is the Steinbachtalsperre in Euskirchen-Kirchheim, which has a separate area of ​7500 square meters of water surface. The Waldfreibad (pool) has a giant slide, a diving platform five meters high and a water trampoline. For the younger visitors, there is a toddler and a non-swimmer pool. The changing rooms were built in the 30s and are listed as historical monuments.

During the week the it is open from 11am to 8pm, on weekends and during the holidays from 10am to 8pm. Admission costs six euros for adults, three euros for children over the age of four, and is free for the younger ones. In the vicinity of the bathing area, there are sunbathing lawns and a leisure area with play equipment as well as the Waldgasthaus Steinbach with its own brewery.

Laacher See

Directly at the famous monastery Maria Laach lies the Laacher See (Laacher Lake). The local swimming area is only accessible via the campsite and also suitable for non-swimmers. It is monitored by lifeguards. It is open from 9 am to 7 pm, costs four euros for adults and three euros for children.

Swimming in the Rhine

It isn’t prohibited, but it is classified as very dangerous because the large barges can produce a huge suction effect that is unpredictable and strong undercurrents abound.

Orig. text: Jörg Manhold, Philipp Neubauer
Translation: ck

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