Wooded reservoirs and a pilgrimage tradition dating back to 1420 give Marienheide two special reasons to visit. There is also a hiking network covering around 200 kilometers. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the specific highlights: water sports are possible at both reservoirs, while the pilgrimage octave in early July is a recurring date.
Water sports at two reservoirs
The Brucher Reservoir and the Lingese Reservoir are set in a wooded landscape within Marienheide and are designated for water sports. Water sports are permitted at both, but motorboats and surfing are not allowed. You can rent rowboats, pedal boats and sailboats at the Brucher Reservoir. The details for the two bodies of water therefore differ: water sports are possible at both, but the boat rental mentioned is at the Brucher Reservoir.
There are DLRG lifeguard stations at both reservoirs. Before visiting, check local restrictions, boat rental availability and whether the stations are operating. This is especially useful if you are planning your time by the water around a particular activity.
Planning for hiking and cycling
The hiking network in Marienheide covers around 200 kilometers and caters to different ages and levels of experience. This gives you several options when planning, without every route having to feel the same. The Marienheide–Hückeswagen section of the Wasserquintett is considered family-friendly because of its gentle incline along the former railway line. Check current surface and access conditions before setting out.
When it comes to the Wasserquintett, it is worth distinguishing between the offerings: Marienheide railway station is the recommended starting point for Wasserquintett Tour 11. The Wasserquintett cycling route also starts and ends at the station. Many of its sections follow disused railway lines with gentle inclines and are suitable for e-bikes and touring bikes.
Pilgrimage tradition and dates
Marienheide’s pilgrimage tradition dates back to 1420. At that time, the hermit Heinrich brought a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary to the place where Marienheide later developed. The following year, around ten to twelve Dominican monks settled there to care for the image and look after the pilgrims. The two early dates mark different events: the image was brought there in 1420, and the monks settled there in 1421.
Even today, the pilgrimage octave in early July brings many hundreds of pilgrims to Marienheide. The exact dates may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around this occasion, check the dates for the relevant year.
More to explore in the wider Oberbergischer Kreis destination
The wider Oberbergischer Kreis destination offers more options for planning hikes and day trips. Five Bergisches Land hiking maps show the complete current hiking network of the Oberbergischer and Rheinisch-Bergischer districts and help with route planning. It is worth checking the relevant edition before buying.
The Höhenroute starts at the Nümbrecht Kurpark hiking car park. It is signposted throughout; GPS navigation via Outdooractive is also available. Its name comes from the beautiful scenery and unique views from the ridges. On the Klangpfad in Homburger Ländchen, you can enjoy peaceful quiet and the sounds of nature. The original Klangpfad was jointly developed by the Municipality of Nümbrecht and the Oberberg Biological Station.
Other regional highlights offer a different focus: at the LVR Open-Air Museum in Lindlar, craftspeople demonstrate traditional craft techniques, with a different one featured each day. The Talsperrenroute runs through the region around Marienheide, Wipperfürth and Hückeswagen, passes four reservoirs and shares information about the flora, fauna and animal habitats around the reservoirs in three audio segments. These offerings complement Marienheide’s local highlights with distinct cultural, nature and route-related themes in the Oberbergischer Kreis.
Discover more destinations: Dannenberg, Bergneustadt, Wiehl, Lindlar, HĂĽckeswagen, NĂĽmbrecht, Gummersbach, WipperfĂĽrth.
Back to the main travel overview: Oberbergischer Kreis.
