Gummersbach: Hiking, Reservoirs and City Life
Accommodation in Gummersbach
Gummersbach offers a range of options for a stay: hiking trails in the Bergisches Land Nature Park, routes by the reservoirs, and a walk through the town centre. Water sports and urban culture are also among the possibilities. As you plan your trip, consider which of these interests are most important to you; the routes and places below provide specific guidance.
Hiking and walks
Gummersbach has around 180 km of hiking trails marked by the Sauerländischer Gebirgsverein (SGV). The SGV marks local circular routes with an “A” and long-distance hiking routes with an “X”. These symbols help you identify the type of route from the signposts. Hiking is possible around the Aggertalsperre and Genkeltalsperre reservoirs.
For a circular route of a known length, you can choose the trail around the Genkeltalsperre: it is 9.3 km long. Another option is the peninsula between the Genkel and Agger arms near Bredenbruch. There is a mostly flat walk of just under 4 km.
The Gummersbach Trail starts at the Aggertalsperre and provides clear information about renewable energy. This lets you combine a hike with a particular subject focus. The Genkeltalsperre is protected as a drinking water reservoir; it is also the starting point for the circular route mentioned above. If you include both reservoirs in your trip plans, they offer different experiences: routes around the water and information about energy generation.
Aggertalsperre and water activities
Various water sports activities are possible at the Aggertalsperre. The Freizeitcamp at the reservoir in Lantenbach rents out sailing boats, Canadian canoes and pedal boats. If you are interested in a trip on the water, these are the specific options available there. Groups can arrange a tour of the dams with the Aggerverband; the phone number provided for this is 02261-360.
Strandbad Bruch is located in the forebay of the Aggertalsperre. It has a large sunbathing lawn and a separate area for small children. This information gives you an idea of the facilities available on site, but does not replace planning the details of your day.
Town centre and culture
A walk through Gummersbach town centre combines historic buildings such as the Alte Vogtei, the two churches and the former merchants’ houses in Baumhof with the urban architecture of the Steinmüller site. The route is a little over 1 km long and takes about an hour. When planning, you can therefore include a manageable town walk that brings together several aspects of the townscape.
The Alte Vogtei is the oldest secular building in Gummersbach town centre. Its restoration began in 2021. With concerts, theatre and musical performances, readings, comedy and exhibitions, Halle32 is a focal point of urban cultural life. If you would like to include cultural interests alongside scenery and outdoor activities, the town-centre walk and Halle32 offer two different options.
Getting there and finding your way around
Regional train 25 connects Cologne and Gummersbach. For travel from the Rhine and Ruhr area, Gummersbach is accessible via the “Sauerland Line” Dortmund–Gießen–Frankfurt (A 45) and the Aachen–Cologne–Olpe federal motorway (A 4). The right connection for you depends on your starting point and travel plans.
Bus route 318 runs from Gummersbach town centre or bus station via Lantenbach, stopping at Genkeltalsperre, to Lieberhausen. The stop information can help you find your way along this route. Taken together, the train, bus and motorways offer various ways to get there; when choosing accommodation, consider your planned destinations and personal priorities.
For the broader travel overview: Oberbergischer Kreis.
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