Gummersbach: Hiking Trails, Reservoirs and Urban Culture

Hiking and Cycling in Gummersbach

Gummersbach has around 180 kilometres of hiking trails marked by the Sauerländischer Gebirgsverein (SGV). The town is located in the Bergisches Land Nature Park. On the local network of hiking trails, the SGV marks circular routes with an A and long-distance hiking trails with an X. The Gummersbach Trail starts at the Aggertalsperre and offers clear information about renewable energy.

Hiking is also possible around the Aggertalsperre and the Genkeltalsperre. The circular hiking trail around the Genkeltalsperre is 9.3 kilometres long. Another route option is the peninsula between the Genkel and Agger arms near Bredenbruch: a largely level walk there covers just under four kilometres. The different lengths and routes give you practical points of reference when choosing your tour. The Genkeltalsperre is protected as a drinking-water reservoir.

For a cycling trip, the Agger-Dörspe section of the Bergisches Panorama Cycle Route runs between Gummersbach-Vollmerhausen and Bergneustadt-Pernze along a former railway line. It therefore extends beyond Gummersbach; the places named indicate its route.

Water Activities at the Aggertalsperre

Various water sports are possible at the Aggertalsperre. The Freizeitcamp in Lantenbach rents out sailboats, canoes and pedal boats. Check with the operator for current availability. The NRW Diving Association uses the Aggertalsperre as a diving site; check conditions and permits with the responsible association.

Strandbad Bruch is located in the Aggertalsperre’s forebay. Its facilities include a large sunbathing lawn and a separate area for small children. Check the latest information about seasonal operations before your visit. Visits to the dam are also possible: groups can arrange these with the Aggerverband; the telephone number listed is 02261-360.

The Talsperren-Triathlon is organised annually by TV Dümmlinghausen-Hesselbach 1891 e.V. If you would like to plan your stay around the event, check the current dates separately.

Local History and Culture

The Alte Vogtei is the oldest secular building in Gummersbach town centre; its renovation began in 2021. A walk through the town centre links 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 slightly longer than one kilometre; allow around an hour.

With concerts, theatre and musical performances, readings, comedy and exhibitions, Halle32 is a hub of urban cultural life. If you are planning a visit, check the current programme.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Regional train 25 connects Cologne and Gummersbach. Bus route 318 runs from Gummersbach centre or bus station via Lantenbach, stopping at Genkeltalsperre, to Lieberhausen. Check whether the bus route is currently operating before travelling. By car, Gummersbach is connected to the Rhine and Ruhr metropolitan areas via the Sauerland line from Dortmund to Gießen and Frankfurt (A 45) and the Aachen–Cologne–Olpe motorway (A 4).

Also consider which mode of transport is most important for your plans; for the bus connection, current service information is relevant.

Regional Context: Oberbergischer Kreis

In the Oberbergischer Kreis, five Bergisches Land hiking maps show the complete current network of hiking trails in the Rheinisch-Bergischer and Oberbergischer districts. Check the edition before buying a map. As a regional cycling route, the Wasserquintett starts and ends at Marienheide station. Many sections follow disused railway lines, have gentle gradients and are suitable for e-bikes and touring bikes.

Discover more destinations: Morsbach, Lindlar, Wipperfürth, Radevormwald, Marienheide, Wiehl, Bergneustadt.

Go to the regional travel overview: Oberbergischer Kreis.