Hürther Waldsee

The Hürther Waldsee is a former surface mining lake near Cologne covering about 11 hectares with a maximum depth of 8 meters. The water body is surrounded by young mixed forest and contains two islands plus underwater dams within its perimeter.

The lake formed in 1988 when groundwater filled the remaining pit of a brown coal mining operation that ran from 1965 until the early 1980s. After mining ceased, the open excavation gradually transformed into the present-day lake with its natural growth.

The lake sits near the former Cistercian monastery of Marienborn, linking the water landscape with historical religious sites in the area. Visitors can experience this connection between water and cultural heritage while walking along the marked paths.

Access is limited to marked walking trails as the area is under environmental protection and swimming plus free shore access are not permitted. Visitors should stay on the designated paths and respect the regulations for this protected natural area.

Evening bat flights are a common sight over the lake, especially at dusk. Rare orchid species like the bee orchid and numerous freshwater snails make the location a hotspot for nature-minded visitors.