Otto-Maigler-See in Hürth: bathing lakes around Cologne
The Otto-Maigler-See is located in Hürth, almost directly in front of Cologne's gates. Lignite was once mined in today's bathing lake – as is so often the case in the Rhineland. From Cologne Cathedral, you need just under thirty minutes by car to reach the water on Luxemburger Straße.
The Otto-Maigler-See is ideal for a relaxing day at the water: You will find a spacious lawn here, you can not only find umbrellas and deck chairs, but also outdoor sofas, armchairs and canopy beds.
On weekends, DJs often play at the local beach club.
The surrounding bike and hiking trails are also recommended if you have enough of the water.
Fühlinger See: bathing fun in the north of Cologne
The Fühlinger See in Cologne's Fühlingen district covers just under a square kilometer. From Cologne Cathedral you only need about 20 minutes by car via the A57.
Swimming is prohibited in Fühlinger See, except in the specially designed lido: the Black Foot Beach. You will find this on the west bank of the water.
There is a non-swimmer pool for children. For the very sporty there is also a high ropes course for climbing.
If you do not want to swim, but would like to devote yourself to water sports, you have come to the right place. Four of the seven "partial lakes" of Fühlinger See are reserved exclusively for water sports. If you want to kayak or surf, you will definitely get your money's worth.
Bleibtreusee in Brühl: small bathing paradise in the forest
The Bleibtreusee is located between Hürth, Brühl and Erftstadt. It covers an area of almost 75 hectares and can be reached from Cologne Cathedral by car via Luxemburger Straße within 25 minutes.
Part of the lake serves as a nature reserve and is therefore left entirely to the flora and fauna, while another serves as a local recreation area for the population.
Here you will find a beach area, a large lawn and a beach bar.
You can also go fishing, windsurfing, sailing or diving at the Bleibtreusee.
Escher See: Baggersee in Cologne Esch
The two Escher lakes are quarry ponds in Cologne's northern districts Esch and Auweiler. The two are separated from each other only by a thin strip of land and are therefore often counted as a single lake. Together they cover an area of just over 28 hectares. From Cologne Cathedral you need a good 15 minutes by car via the A57.
In addition to a large lawn and access to the cool water, you can also use a beach volleyball and beach soccer field here. There is also a playground for children.
A beach bar is also available for you. The physical well-being is accordingly taken care of.
Liblarer See near Erftstadt: Baden in the southwest of Cologne
Lake Liblar is located in the southwest of Cologne near Erftstadt. Like most of the lakes in the area, this is also a residual open pit filled with water. Lake Liblar is over 50 hectares and attracts people from the area in summer. The water can also be reached by car via Luxemburger Straße – it takes about thirty minutes.
Here you will find a lido with an excellent non-swimmer area and spacious lawns.
If you are an active athlete, you can also go sailing or canoeing – but surfing is not permitted.
Anglers also get their money's worth at Lake Liblar.
If you want to stay here, you can use the campsite right on the water.
Also read: 16 federal states, 16 cooling: these are the most beautiful lakes in the republic