Meschede, Hochsauerlandkreis

Hennesee: the Hillside Circuit

Distance17.3 km

Elevation gain431 m

DifficultyEasy

Estimated time4 h 11 min

Overview

The Hennesee from the shore and from the hill — a full circuit that stays with the water until the B 55 takes the bank, then climbs into the woods and looks down on the lake.

The east shore is easy going on a sealed path. The west is the catch: a climb off the water, then a long drop back to the bay.

A full day, or cut it short on the boat. Hennesee: the Bay and the Hill — 9.0 km, a little over two hours — leaves from the same car park.

Points of interest

Himmelstreppe — Just after the start, at the dam: 333 steps and a platform looking over Meschede and the lake.
Bootsanlegestelle Xavers Ranch — On the east shore: a landing the boat calls at, Tuesday to Sunday. On foot only — a place to cut the circuit short.
Bootsanlegestelle Mielinghausen — About halfway, at the head of the lake: a landing and a free beach. Last boat before the hillside.
Berghausener Bucht — Near the end: the largest bay, with the Piratenbucht playground, a kiosk in bathing weather, and a landing.

Trail alerts

Ice. Do not walk on the frozen lake. In winter the shore path is not cleared — stay on the track.
No pavement. 51 m on the B 55 near the end. Share the carriageway there.
Summer weekends. The start fills early. Start in the morning.

Trail character

Almost two thirds is sealed, about a quarter gravel, the rest a narrower track.
A fifth is steeper than one in ten — that is the hillside, not the shore. Nothing needs hands.
The east shore follows the A8. On the hillside above the B 55, follow the track.

Access & rules

Getting there: by car to Badebucht, or the Berghauser Bucht bus stop near the end.
Parking: Badebucht at the start; 300 cars at the Großraumparkplatz. Do not park on the bathing ground.
Tickets and fees: the marked bays are free.
Rules: swim only in the marked bays.
Facilities: a kiosk and toilets at the bay in bathing weather, and the Piratenbucht playground. Lifeguards on summer weekends when the red-yellow flag is up. The boat calls Tuesday to Sunday at landings on the walk; Xavers Ranch is on foot only.

Tickets & opening hours

Parking, bathing and the boat. In winter, do not walk on the ice.

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