Gummersbach combines an extensive network of hiking trails with reservoirs, a historic city-centre walking tour and culture at Halle32. The town is located in the Bergisches Land Nature Park. You can choose how to balance nature, water sports and urban history during your stay: the trails offer a range of route types, while the city centre and event venue provide additional things to do.
Hiking, walking tours and cycling routes
Gummersbach has around 180 km of hiking trails, marked by the Sauerländischer Gebirgsverein (SGV). The SGV marks local circular trails with an “A” and long-distance hiking routes with an “X”. As trail markings may be updated on site, it is worth checking the current signs. The Gummersbach Streifzug starts at the Aggertalsperre and provides clear information about renewable energy.
There is also a specific cycling route section: the Agger-Dörspe stage of the Bergisches Panorama Cycle Path runs along a former railway line between Gummersbach-Vollmerhausen and Bergneustadt-Pernze. The start and end points help distinguish this cycle route from the hiking and walking options in Gummersbach.
A walking tour of the city centre takes in historic buildings such as the Alte Vogtei, the two churches and former merchants’ houses in Baumhof, as well as the urban architecture of the Steinmüllergelände. The route is a little over 1 km long and takes about an hour. Near Bredenbruch, a mostly level walk crosses the peninsula between the Genkel and Agger arms and is just under 4 km long. The circular trail around the Genkeltalsperre is 9.3 km long. The options range from a culture-focused city walk to a mostly level route and a longer circuit by the reservoir.
Water and leisure at the Aggertalsperre
Various water sports are possible at the Aggertalsperre. The Freizeitcamp in Lantenbach rents out sailboats, canoes and pedal boats. Check availability with the operator in advance. The Genkeltalsperre is protected as a drinking water reservoir; both reservoirs are also part of the hiking trails around Gummersbach.
The Bruch lido is located in the forebay of the Aggertalsperre and has a large sunbathing lawn and a separate area for small children. As permanent facility information does not confirm current operations, check seasonal opening information before your visit. The NRW Diving Association uses the Aggertalsperre as a diving site. Check diving conditions and permissions with the association in advance.
Groups can arrange a tour of the dams with the Aggerverband; the listed telephone number is 02261-360. The TV DĂĽmmlinghausen-Hesselbach 1891 e.V. organises the reservoir triathlon every year. If you plan to attend, check the dates separately.
Urban history and culture
The Alte Vogtei is the oldest secular building in Gummersbach city centre. Its restoration began in 2021. It is also part of the walking tour, which combines historic buildings with the urban architecture of the Steinmüllergelände.
Another cultural venue is the Halle32 event centre, a hub of the town’s cultural life. Its programme includes concerts, theatre and musical performances, readings, comedy and exhibitions. As events take place at different times, check the latest dates before your trip.
Getting here and finding your way around
Regional train 25 connects Cologne and Gummersbach. Bus route 318 runs from central Gummersbach or the bus station via Lantenbach, stopping at Genkeltalsperre, to Lieberhausen. Check current service information with the transport operator before travelling. The A45, also known as the Sauerland line, runs from Dortmund via GieĂźen to Frankfurt, and the A4 connects Aachen, Cologne and Olpe; these routes link Gummersbach to the Rhine and Ruhr metropolitan areas.
Discover more destinations: Lieberhausen, Radevormwald, Bergneustadt, Wiehl, WipperfĂĽrth, Marienheide, NĂĽmbrecht, HĂĽckeswagen.
See the regional travel overview: Oberbergischer Kreis.
