The five large bodies of water in the Sauerland - Biggesee, Listersee, Hennesee, Möhnesee, Sorpesee and Diemelsee - are not of natural origin, but are artificial reservoirs that are mainly used to supply drinking water to the people of the Ruhrgebiet. They feed the Ruhr when it has too little water and also serve as flood protection and to generate energy from hydropower. With the exception of Diemelsee, which is managed by the Hann.Münden Water and Shipping Authority, the Ruhrverband operates and owns the lakes. The Ruhrverband also takes care of the water quality, which is regularly tested in all five reservoirs and is excellent.
But of course, the lakes are also leisure paradises and recreational areas for the people of the Sauerland-Seen and their guests: great leisure activities against a magnificent natural backdrop make a vacation here an incomparable experience. Varied hiking and cycling trails around the lakes invite you to go on extended tours in nature. In summer, take a refreshing dip in the cool water or go fishing, camping, pedal boating, surfing, sailing or diving.
Ohne die Sauerland-Seen wäre das Leben in Südwestfalen nur halb so schön und erholsam. Mit neuen Projekten innerhalb der REGIONALE 2025 sollen Bigge- und Listersee, Hennesee, Möhnesee und Sorpesee und deren Umfelder weiterentwickelt werden – zu Wohlfühlorten fürs Erholen, Wohnen und digitales Arbeiten.