Cooling down on hot daysOutdoor pools & swimming lakes

The Bergisches Land and the Bergisch Three of Wuppertal, Solingen and Remscheid are a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts and those looking to cool off. No other region in Europe has so many reservoirs in such a small area as here. The Bergisch reservoirs not only provide the water supply in the surrounding area, but also invite you to swim in their clear waters. One refreshing example is the Wupper reservoir in Remscheid. It is a popular destination, especially in the warmer months of the year. Swimming is permitted at the Kräwinklerbrücke bathing area, as well as canoeing, sailing, fishing and diving.

In the middle of the Eifel National Park, in a unique scenic setting and surrounded by unspoilt nature: the conditions for a perfect leisure experience could hardly be better than at Lake Rursee. Especially on hot summer days, many people are drawn to the Rursee Centre Rurberg, where you can relax in the extensive green area and refresh yourself in the lake pool. Families feel particularly at home in the Einruhr natural adventure pool with its many activities for children. And if you want to explore Lake Rursee from the water, try stand-up paddling or simply hire a canoe.

At Lake Lippe in the Teutoburg Forest, the extensive sandy beach of "Salitos Beach" invites you to linger and swim. Whether stand-up paddling, sailing, surfing or pedal boating - the lake near Paderborn-Sande offers numerous opportunities to let off steam and enjoy the sunset at the beach bar in the evening. If you prefer, you can cycle or walk along one of the many cycling or hiking trails in the region.

Nowhere else are the North and South Seas as close together as in Xanten. There is a lido on the South Sea that offers bathers carefree summer days by the water. On the North Sea directly opposite, there is not only a sailing school, but also the opportunity to go waterskiing, electric, fun or pedal boating, surfing, diving or stand-up paddling. However, Xanten not only impresses with a fresh sea breeze, but also with a touch of history, which can be explored in the footsteps of the Romans and the legendary figure of Siegfried. It makes sense to combine a visit to the Xanten North and South Seas with a stroll through the beautiful old town.

The Werksschwimmbad in Essen is an insider tip for anyone looking to cool off in the Ruhr region. Who would have thought back then that you could swim next to the old coke ovens? Thanks to the structural change in the Ruhr region, this exciting summer experience has been possible since 2001.

A natural oasis in the centre of the Ruhr region is the Sechs-Seen-Platte. Once created by sand and gravel mining, it is now Duisburg's largest local recreation area. The natural outdoor pool at Wolfssee is a popular destination for families: as well as being able to swim directly in the lake, there is also a large children's pool close to the shore. Water sports fans will also find opportunities for surfing, sailing, fishing and diving at the other lakes.

A 900 metre long, silvery sandy beach in front of glittering blue lake water - that's Silbersee II in Haltern in Münsterland. If you like it a bit more sporty, the surfing centre at Silbersee is the right place for you: After a safety briefing from TuS Haltern, you can also surf on the lake.

You can also spend a relaxing short holiday at Lake Henne near Bestwig and Meschede in the Sauerland region . There are three bathing spots on the lake, including Berghauser Bucht. You can swim there in a beautiful atmosphere. There is also a hire station for stand-up paddle boards and sit-on kayaks. If that's not enough, you can let off steam on the beach volleyball court.