In Oberbergischer Kreis, day-trip options range from official swimming spots at four reservoirs to hiking and cycling routes and traditional crafts at the LVR Open-Air Museum Lindlar. To plan your trip, it is worth deciding on your main focus first: water, high-altitude trails, cycling or culture each offer a different experience. The Höhenroute is known for its views, while the Klangpfad offers quiet and the sounds of nature.
Swimming at four reservoirs
For the swimming season, Oberbergischer Kreis listed a total of 13 official swimming spots at the Aggertalsperre, Bevertalsperre, Bruchertalsperre and Lingesetalsperre in its notice dated May 19, 2026. Water quality meets the requirements of the EU Bathing Water Directive and is monitored regularly throughout the season. If you choose a particular spot for a day of swimming, check the seasonal information again before your visit; the notice applies to the swimming season.
Hiking: Höhenroute and maps
The Höhenroute takes its name from the beautiful scenery and unique views from the ridgelines. It starts at the Nümbrecht Kurpark hiking car park, is signposted throughout and can also be navigated by GPS using Outdooractive. Route information may change; check your navigation before setting out.
Five hiking maps of Bergisches Land show the complete current hiking trail network of Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis and Oberbergischer Kreis and help hikers plan their routes. Check the edition date before purchasing. The maps offer an overview across both districts, while the Höhenroute is a single tour with a specific starting point and continuous signposting.
Cycling and regional orientation
The Wasserquintett cycling route starts and ends at Marienheide station. Many sections follow disused railway lines, have gentle gradients and are suitable for e-bikes and touring bikes. Route conditions and signposting may change; check both before setting off.
Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis and Oberbergischer Kreis have established a quality management system for the cycling network together with the Bergisches Land Nature Park.
The Talsperrenroute and its audio features
The Talsperrenroute passes four reservoirs and runs through the area around Marienheide, WipperfĂĽrth and HĂĽckeswagen. Three audio features provide information about the flora, fauna and animal habitats around the reservoirs. Its focus on nature sets it apart from the information about railway lines and gradients on the Wasserquintett route.
Crafts and sounds of nature
At the LVR Open-Air Museum Lindlar, craftspeople demonstrate a different traditional craft technique each day. In Homburger Ländchen, the Klangpfad offers a chance to enjoy soothing quiet and the sounds of nature. The original Klangpfad was developed by the municipality of Nümbrecht together with the Oberberg Biological Station. The museum and the Klangpfad offer different experiences: traditional craft techniques on the one hand, and the sounds of nature on the other.
Accommodation and day-trip planning
Discover more destinations: Wiehl, WipperfĂĽrth, NĂĽmbrecht, Marienheide, Lindlar, Gummersbach, Radevormwald, Engelskirchen, Bergneustadt, Reichshof, Morsbach, HĂĽckeswagen.
Back to the regional travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.
