Jülich is built close to the water.
The city is located in the Rur floodplains, which means that everything is literally in or by the river.
The Barmener Baggersee, a free open-air bathing paradise, is just half an hour’s cycle ride away. It has a small sandy beach and a sunbathing lawn for swimming and relaxing. A long jetty offers anglers the opportunity to fish. A playground near the lake guarantees family-friendliness.
The area also offers natural spectacles: Outside the bathing zone, the lake is part of the Drieschlandschaft landscape conservation area and is a nature reserve for wild birds.
The Blausteinsee lake in Eschweiler can be reached in 20 minutes by car. This lake was created on the former site of the Rhenish lignite mining area as part of the recultivation process. The 1.8 square kilometer recreation and leisure area was opened in 2000 and partially opened for swimming in 2004. A large open-air music festival is held here every year.
The most extensive – commercial – leisure facilities are offered by the Dürener Badesee, which also originates from the aftermath of opencast lignite mining and has been in existence since 1976. The lake is known for its rapid heating and warm temperatures in spring. A small water spring supplies the lake with fresh water. During the bathing season from May 1 to September 15, the Düren bathing lake is open from 9 am to 9 pm. However, admission is only until 7.30 pm. There is paid parking and a guarded bicycle area. Out of season, swimming in the lake is at your own risk.
Pedal boats can be hired for recreational fun. There is an aqua park with play equipment for children and a 3-meter and 1-meter diving platform for fun at the lake. Diving is possible in the lake, where various species of fish can be observed. Outside the water, there are volleyball, badminton and basketball courts as well as table tennis tables.
