The most beautiful bathing lakes near Aachen and Bonn

The Blausteinsee is not only one of the most popular spots in the warm season, but also a real playground for water sports. In addition to swimming and bathing, you can also go diving, surfing, canoeing and stand-up paddling here. There are prepared routes around the lake for skaters and cyclists. Nature lovers can explore the hiking trails and learn all about the local flora and fauna in the nature house. Concerts are occasionally held on the lake stage and culinary delights can be enjoyed at the Seehaus.🪸🧜🏼 The parking lot is subject to a charge. If you can walk a bit, there is a free parking lot a little further away.

The Rurberg natural outdoor pool is located in the Eiserbachsee directly at the Rur dam in the Eifel. The large sunbathing lawn at Eiserbachsee is about an hour's drive from Aachen. There is also a shallow water area for young swimming beginners. For sports enthusiasts, there is a volleyball and soccer pitch. Admission is free, but there is a charge for parking. The cute bistro has ice cream and snacks for your swimming break. ☀️

The family-friendly natural pool uses no chlorine at all - instead, the water in the area for non-swimmers is purified using microbiological methods. The water quality of the lake has been outstanding for years. The natural adventure pool therefore offers carefree bathing fun in the middle of nature. Whether it's playful splashing around for children, first attempts at swimming for beginners or sporty lane swimming - everyone gets their money's worth here. Highlights include a playground with a sand area, a water play area, a slide in the non-swimmers' pool and various fitness equipment. The spacious sunbathing lawn invites you to sunbathe and relax. A kiosk with a cozy terrace provides snacks and refreshments. Sanitary facilities, showers, changing rooms and lockers are available in sufficient numbers. Access to the natural adventure pool is subject to a charge. To get here by public transport, take the SB 63 from Aachen. It takes about an hour by car.

VENNtastic Beach is the ultimate getaway for hot days. The spacious sandy beach stretches over 150 meters and offers ideal conditions for both sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts, with a separate bathing bay with shallow water and a playground with a sandy area for children. The 2,000 m² supervised bathing area has slides, climbing elements and diving platforms that are suitable for both non-swimmers and experienced swimmers. Sporty visitors can let off steam playing volleyball, soccer or handball on a 1,200 m² beach court. You definitely won't get bored here! Snacks are also provided🍟

Action and tranquillity come together here and offer the perfect excursion destination for the summer months. The absolute highlight is the water ski facility, where you can also hire SUPs and play beach volleyball. Of course, you can also find a quiet corner here to read the latest Fink-Welzer. If you've always wanted to try your hand at sport fishing, you can do that here too! The beer terrace is a fantastic place to enjoy a refreshing drink at sunset.

Do you urgently need to cool off and don't fancy crowded outdoor pools or hours of driving to the coast? Then head to the Düren-Gürzenich bathing lake - also known as the "Dürener Adria". Yes, really now. White sand, crystal-clear water and plenty of space to chill out, play and sunbathe. The lake is centrally located between Gürzenich, Derichsweiler and Mariaweiler - so it's easy to reach by bike or train. You can not only swim here, but also go water skiing, play mini golf, pedal boating and beach volleyball. Diving and fishing are also permitted here! After splashing around, head straight for a snack: on the sun terraces or in the "Strandwerk" restaurant there are chips, cool drinks and something hearty for in between. Adults pay €4.50, concessions €3.50 - kids under 3 get in for free Parking costs €4 per car (bicycle parking is of course also available) The site is open daily from 15 May to 15 September, 9:00 to 21:00 (last admission 19:30).

Amici Beach - the place to be if you want the sea but can only get as far as Wassenberg. Let's be honest: not everyone has the time or budget for a road trip to the coast every weekend. But sun, water, sand and a cold drink in your hand? That still sounds pretty damn good. Luckily, there's Amici Beach - the little XXL vacation right on Effelder Waldsee. Amici Beach is not a classic bathing lake with a fence, kiosk and 80s flair. Everything here feels a little more like Ibiza meets the Lower Rhine. Hammocks instead of plastic loungers, pallet furniture instead of beer benches, the finest sandy beach instead of the romance of stone slabs. You stroll barefoot over warm sand, listen to soft beats from the boho beach club while kids romp in the water and wakeboarders shoot across the water. In short: if summer had an Instagram filter - it would look like Amici Beach. Admission costs between €3.50 and €5.50 and is only open in good weather.

Lake Bleibtreusee in Brühl is the kind of place you wish you could go to in summer, but usually think it's too far away - yet it's only a stone's throw from Cologne and Bonn. Perfect if you want to get out and about but don't fancy long car journeys, crowded outdoor pools or parking frustration. Here you get nature, water and good vibes - all in one place. The lake itself is nestled between trees, fields and a hint of adventure. Not too big, not too small - just right to lose yourself, but never completely lose track. On a normal summer's day, you'll find the full spectrum here: people simply lying in the sun with a book and a cool bag, groups celebrating their own little beach party with picnic blankets and Bluetooth speakers, and sports enthusiasts working off their energy on the water. Because yes, Lake Bleibtreu isn't just for splashing around - there's action here! First and foremost the wakeboard and water ski facility. A 600-metre circuit across the water that beginners and experienced pros alike can enjoy. If you've never tried it before, rental equipment is available on site, the atmosphere is relaxed and a few involuntary dives are part of the fun. Alternatively, you can grab a SUP board and paddle leisurely across the water - sounds like a vacation, doesn't it? Of course, you don't have to lie around here with a growling stomach - there's a small snack bar with cold drinks, chips, ice cream etc. right next to the wakeboard facility. Or you can simply bring your own picnic basket - whatever tastes good is allowed. How to get there? The best way to get here is by bike or train + bus if you want to take it easy - or arrive early by car, as the parking spaces are in high demand on sunny days. Access to the lake itself is free, only the wakeboard facility costs an entrance fee - fair and bookable by the hour. See you at the lake!

South of Troisdorf lies the insider tip for all Bonn residents. It takes around 20 minutes by car and 40 minutes by public transport to reach this recreational oasis. Unlike the other lakes in the area, there are no kiosks or waterskiing facilities here, but a place in the middle of nature where swimming is expressly permitted. The water quality here is regularly tested. There are hiking trails around the lake and the small inlets are perfect for a stroll with a thick tome.

Lake Liblar in Erftstadt is a real gem for anyone who wants to get away from it all and enjoy nature. Nestled in the idyllic landscape of the Rhineland Nature Park, this former open-cast lignite mine now offers a wide range of leisure activities. With an area of around 52.8 hectares, Lake Liblar is one of the largest and cleanest bathing lakes in the Cologne/Bonn region. The lido on the northern shore attracts visitors with a 200-metre-long pebble and sand beach, a bathing island and a playground for the little ones. A kiosk and a restaurant with a fantastic view of the lake provide refreshments. Here you can watch the sun go down in the evening with a portion of chips. Water sports enthusiasts will also get their money's worth here: whether canoeing with Wassersportfreunde Liblar, sailing at the Ville sailing club or fishing at the local fishing club - the lake offers something for everyone. There is a campsite right on the lake, which is open all year round and offers pitches as well as rental accommodation such as huts and mobile homes. Getting here is straightforward: By car via the B265 or by bus lines 979 and 990 to the "Liblarer See" stop. Parking spaces are available but subject to a charge.

No overcrowded promenade, no overstyled beach clubs, just a really beautiful lake surrounded by greenery. Perfect for anyone who wants to get out and about without having to travel far. Just a few minutes away from Cologne and Bonn, you'll find a little summer paradise between forest, water and plenty of peace and quiet. Whether you want to lie down on the grass with a book, stroll barefoot through the soft sand or jump straight into the cool water - at Heider Bergsee, you can do everything at your own pace. The lido offers plenty of space for anyone who simply wants to enjoy the sun, and if you get hungry in between, you can grab an ice cream from the kiosk or sit down in the restaurant "Zum Seehaus" with a view of the water - completely relaxed, without a dress code. And if you really want to let yourself go: there is a campsite right on the lake with everything you need to turn a day trip into a whole weekend in nature. Whether you have a tent, van or rental accommodation - you can stay here however you like. The lake is also easy to reach - by car (40 minutes from Bonn), by bus (1 hour from Bonn) or by bike. And the best thing is: although it's really beautiful here, the vibe remains relaxed. No crowds, no stress, just pure summer. The Heider Bergsee is just the right place for anyone looking for a break from the noise - but doesn't want to miss out on sun, water and a good mood. So grab a towel, some snacks and your favorite people - and treat yourself to the summer day you deserve