Biggesee Holiday: Water Sports, Wellness and Hiking – our recommendations
Biggesee Vacation – Beach vacation in NRW? You need a change from the typical holidays in France or Italy. One of the largest reservoirs in Germany makes it possible! The popular excursion destination in the Sauerland convinces with diverse leisure opportunities, untouched nature and events for the whole family. Whether mountain bike park, stalactite caves or pedal boat rides, the lake offers the perfect conditions for your next active vacation. In this article you will learn which highlights must not be missing from your short break.
Biggesee: Hot air balloons, untouched nature and stalactite cave
The Biggesee is no less than a seaside holiday at the beach . Soft sand, impressive nature and just one hour from Cologne. In addition, “the Bigge” impresses with open-air festivals, adventures, underground labyrinths and a sea of hot air balloons. Whether it’s a getaway with your partner or an exciting family holiday – the Biggesee offers the perfect holiday destination with seemingly endless attractions.
Biggesee Map: Location in Germany
Der Biggesee liegt, umgeben von Großstädten des Ruhrgebiets, im Südbergland im Bundesland Nordrhein-Westfalen in Deutschland. Etwa eine Stunde Autofahrt liegt das beliebte Ausflugsziel von Köln entfernt.
Der beliebte Stausee aus der Nähe. Auf 8,95 km² findest du zahlreiche Aussichtsplattformen, Liegewiesen und kleine, unbewohnte Inseln.
Drei Fakten über den Biggesee
- Is an artificially created reservoir
- Supplies the Ruhr area with water
- Measures 895 ha
The “Bigge” from above:
Here you get an impression of the idyllic nature, sailing boats, viewing platforms and the crystal clear water.
Relaxing on a relaxed beach holiday in the Sauerland – Tip 1
You don’t always need the big, wide ocean. At the Bigge, water lovers are sure to have a great time. Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts can work off energy while diving, sailing and fishing. At the four bathing shores, 1,500 tons of dumped sand create a real holiday feeling. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, you should definitely head for the uninhabited Gilberg Island and enjoy the beautiful nature undisturbed.
This you can experience at the Bigge Lake:
- Relax on the uninhabited Gilberg Island (known from the Krombacher advertisement)
- Endless sports and leisure activities
- 1,500 tons of dumped sand
The view awaits you at Biggesee:

Adrenaline kick in the Mountainbikepark Attendorn – Tip 2
You’re in the mood for action and adventure? Whether it’s a family outing or a bike tour, the Mountainbikepark in Attendorn offers the right challenge for both beginners and professionals. In addition to very narrow trails for experienced bikers, there are also well-developed paths for beginners. The park is freely accessible and open 24/7. Use at your own risk! Parking spaces are located immediately near the park. On countless additional cycling paths around Biggesee, you can admire the idyllic nature.
Here’s why you should visit the Mountainbikepark:
- Tracks for beginners and professionals (Pumptrack, Singletrail, Dirtline)
- Parking spaces in immediate vicinity
- Entry is free
Racing down the mountain – that much adrenaline awaits you in the Mountainbikepark Attendorn:

Change of perspective: Bigge in a different light – Tip 3
Once a captain. Whether canoe, catamaran, pedal or electric boat, the calming nature can be perfectly enjoyed from the water. Would you rather relax, soak up the sun and be spoiled with delicious cake? Numerous passenger boats offer sightseeing tours even in bad weather. Through the panoramic windows, you can enjoy the beautiful view.
For these reasons, you should explore the Biggesee by boat.
- Passenger boats make sightseeing tours possible even in bad weather
- Versatile options to rent boats
- Pedal boats from 15 euros
A trip on a pedal boat makes your vacation much more exciting!

Sinking into the balloon sea at the Montgolfiade in Warstein – Tip 4
At the beginning of September, hundreds of hot air balloons decorate the sky above the “Bigge”. A special, impressive event! Early risers can admire the balloon launches from 6:30. For night owls, the spectacle takes place again at 17:30. A small fair and musical accompaniment by live bands round off the event. Visits to a balloon envelope and ride opportunities can be booked online in advance. For 199 euros, it’s not a bargain, but certainly a unique experience.
These things await you at the Montgolfiade in Warstein:
- Opportunity to visit a balloon envelope
- Balloon ride from 199 euros
- Fair and live bands
Viele bunte Ballons am Himmel kannst du dir bei der Montgolfiade ansehen!

Dive into the underworld of the Attahöhle Attendorn – Tip 5
Ein echtes Naturwunder. Tauch ab in eine andere Welt und lass dich von der speziellen Atmosphäre der Attahöhle verzaubern. Musik- und Lichteffekte unterstreichen das einzigartige Erlebnis und bringen die glitzernden Steine zur Geltung. Die besondere Luft ist frei von jeglichen Verschmutzungen, weshalb viele Menschen mit Atemwegserkrankungen diesen besonderen Ort aufsuchen. Das Labyrinth erstreckt sich auf 1,2 km durch die Attendorner Unterwelt. Für 11,50 Euro werden 40-minütige Führungen durch eine der größten Tropfsteinhöhlen Deutschlands angeboten. Lass dir diese besondere Erfahrung keinen Fall entgehen!
- The air has a special healing effect on respiratory diseases
- Labyrinth erstreckt sich auf 1,2 km durch die Unterwelt
- For 11.50, 40-minute guided tours are offered
Geheimtipp Attahöhle
On a short trip to Bigge, you should definitely visit one of the largest stalactite caves in Germany. This impressive natural experience will surely enchant you. Here you will learn what makes the Attahöhle so special!
Attahöhle Secret Tip Biggesee
Especially impressive, the underground world of the Attahöhle:

Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the Attahöhle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09aeC0mDTls
Bigge in the Rain
Rainy days are not a rarity in the beautiful Sauerland. However, you shouldn’t let a few raindrops spoil your free days. You don’t even have to give up on swimming fun. Countless spas and leisure pools around Olpe and Attendorn guarantee a fun time.

More attractions in the surrounding area
The Biggesee is located in the Sauerland, thus in North Rhine-Westphalia, but just before the border to Hesse. If you want to go on a trip or are still looking for an exciting stopover on the way there, you should definitely look for more attractions in the two federal states.
In our article, we have compiled places that you should definitely add to your bucket list:






















