min Temp.: 7,7 °C max Temp.: 9,7 °C Fr 23.10.2026 Temp.: 9,8 °C
min Temp.: 7,5 °C max Temp.: 12,0 °C Sa 24.10.2026 Temp.: 7,0 °C
Biggesee & Listersee
In general one knows the Biggesee, the largest reservoir in Westphalia. In fact, however, it is two reservoirs – Biggesee and Listersee – The latter is the much older dam, which was inaugurated in 1912.
The Biggesee, on the other hand, was only inaugurated in 1965 and placed almost in front of the Listersee lake. Thus, the Listertalsperre now ends at the Biggesee and has the status of a forewater or side arm of the Biggesee. Both lakes together form the largest reservoir in the Sauerland.
The Biggesee extends between the cities Attendorn at the dam, and Olpe At the end of the lake. In Attendorn is the Atta Cave - Germany's most beautiful and largest stalactite cave.
Biggesee - Dam
The construction of the Bigge Valley Dam began in 1956 and was completed in 1965. The Lister Valley Dam, dating from 1912, became a reservoir of the newly created dam.
The total system has a volume of 171.7 million m3, of which 150.1 is attributable to the Bigge and 21.6 million m3 to the Lister Valley Dam. the fifth largest dam in GermanyThe reservoirs have a water surface of 8.76 km2 with a length of about 20 km. The greatest depth of the Biggese is about 52 m.
In the course of the Biggesee construction 18 villages and settlements sunk 68.4 km of roads and paths were laid or newly constructed, as well as the Finnentrop–Olpe railwayThe construction of eight large valley bridges and 24 smaller bridges was necessary for the new traffic routes.
The bigge valley dam is a 52m high rock-cast dam with an asphalt concrete outer seal. The crown length is 640m; the crown width is 10m; the base width is 220m.
The lister dam, on the other hand, has a classic dam. Height is 42m; crown length 264m; crown width 7.5m; base width is 31m.
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Views & activities at Lake Bigge
The REGIONALE 2013 has set many tourist highlights and created numerous viewpoints that offer a view of the hilly landscape of the Sauerland and the lakes surrounded by forest from very special perspectives. Enjoy the fantastic views!
Around the lake and in the surrounding area there are numerous Summer recreation facilities and Attractions, nevertheless it is quieter at the extensive Biggesee in the sum than for example at Möhnesee or Sorpesee. Therefore anglers and sailors feel very comfortable here.
The most beautiful and popular attractions are presented below.
Atta Cave
On a trip to Lake Bigge, a stop in the Atta Cave in Attendorn below the dam is definitely worth it, because of Germany's largest and most beautiful stalactite cave More than 40 million visitors from all over the world have already been captivated. 400,000 visitors descend annually to the colourful world of stalactites, stalagmites and stalagmites. The total length of the Atta Cave is 6,670 meters of which about 1,800 meters are accessible to the public. The cave was discovered in 1907 during blasting work in the neighboring quarry. The 1.4km long tour takes about 40 minutes; the temperature in the Atta Cave is constant 9°C - summer and winter. Hint: In the cave, the Atta cheese – a culinary specialty that can only be purchased there. Tip: click video HERE! Atta Cave Finnentroper Str. 39 57439 Attendorn Tel. +49 2722 93750 Email: info@atta-hoehle.de www.atta-hoehle.deShow more
Hanseatic City of Attendorn
Attendorn is located at the foot of the Biggesee dam. After visiting the Atta cave, a stroll through the old Hanseatic city offers itself. Attendorn is one of the economically and income-strongest cities in Southwestfalen due to its well-known and internationally strong medium-sized companies.
The typical sourish slate construction shapes the charm of the old town in its center of the Sauerland Cathedral. The attractive city centre with numerous owner-managed specialist shops is a popular meeting place and invites you to stroll and browse. Restaurants, cafés and pubs round off the city stroll.
Schnellenberg Castle
With its mighty walls and towering towers, the Schnellenberg Castle is majestically perched above the city of Attendorn and the green hills of the Sauerland. It is one of the largest preserved castles in Westphalia. Particularly worth seeing are the Renaissance Chapel, the Knight's Hall, the Courthouse as well as chapel and museum.
Burg & Burghotel Schnellenberg Schnellenberg 1 57439 Attendorn-SchnellenbergTel. +49 2722 6940
www.burg-schnellenberg.de
"Biggolino" - the Bimmelbahn at Lake Bigge
Biggesee-Attendorn Atta Cave - in the summer months, the Biggolino commutes from the Biggesee dam to the Atta Cave.
On his circular route from Attendorn to Lake Bigge, Biggolino drives from the Atta Cave through the city centre of Attendorn, past the Waldenburg beach resort to the dock at the Biggedamm. Special trips around the Biggesee Biggolino also explores the beautiful Repetal Valley, for example.
Travel times & prices see Homepage Biggolino! Further information: Atta Cave Finnentroper Str. 3957439 Attendorn Telefon +49 2722 / 9375–0
E-mail: info[at)atta-hoehle.de
Internet: www.atta-hoehle.de or Bigge Sea Shipping
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Bigge Sea Shipping
"MS Westfalen" and "MS Bigge" are the names of the two ships on Lake Bigge. From Easter to October (end of the NRW autumn holidays) the White Fleet crosses the reservoir. The big round trip takes about 1 1/2 hours. Piers the tour is: Lake Valley Bridge:View; Biggedamm; Lake Valley Bridge:View; But; Lake Valley Bridge:ViewOn the special days for children, small sea rats will go with them at reduced prices. They will also be trained as a "mini captain" on the tours.
Telephone: 0171-7208955 (Westphalia)
From the dam to the Atta Cave, the Bimmelbahn "Biggolino" during the summer months daily in an hourly period between Lake Bigge, the Atta Cave and the city centre of Attendorn. Info: www.biggolino.de, tel. 02722-937511
Personenschifffahrt Biggesee At port 1 57462 Olpe Phone: +49 2761-96590 info@biggesee.de Homepage
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But at the Biggesee
But it is the only place directly on Lake Bigge. It lies between Olpe and Attendorn. It is a newly built village, after the old one fell victim to the construction of the Biggetal dam. Its relaxed development is typical for the 60s. But it has the only Seaport In NRW - and through the railway station directly on the lake ( Finnentrop-Olpe line) the investor of the "White Fleet" is only 30m away from the station.
But has a small Sea promenade, which was redesigned in 2018, there are several restaurants, a bathing area, boat rental, children's playground and mini golf. The promenade is connected by an approximately 1km long asphalted sea path to the leisure centre Sonderkopf. Night's Eve at the promenade in August. The bigge sea cruise with a boat party is also part of the Seenachtsfest.
In the village is also located Antek's barn, one of the hottest event locations in the Biggesee region. There are also public events there for certain dates that are very popular.
Dates and more special info HERE
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Boat rental at Biggesee & Listersee
Pedestrians, bathing boats and electric boats want to sail with you. Stand-up paddling, see HERE.
Enjoy the clear sea air and the easy splashing of water away from crowded beach pools and explore bays that do not reach excursion steamers.
Relax with a comfortable turn with one of our electric boats or treat yourself to the luxury of immersing yourself in the cool water and dangle your legs as well as soul on the railing... Sunbathing included.
Pedestrian & rowing boat rentalKonrad Schürmann Strandweg 2 57462 Olpe-Sondern Tel.: +49 171 - 2848833 Homepage Pedestrian & rowing boat rental Boathouse Olpe
Seeweg 7 57462 Olpe Phone: +49 2761 9779156 Homepage Rowing boat rental Listersee Camping Gut Kalberschnacke Kalberschnacke 4 and 8 57489 Drolshagen-Kalberschnacke Phone: +49 2763-6171 camping@kalberschnacke.de Homepage
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Baths & Beaches at Lake Bigge
The water in Lake Bigge and in Lake Lister is excellent, and there are numerous beach pools spread over the two lakes. The large very popular - but partly also full - beach baths are located at the dam and at the Sonderkopf - who likes it a little quieter, choose the Listersee, where the bathing spots are also free of charge. Important note: Animals may not enter the lakebecause it is a drinking water reservoir! Bathing places at Lake Bigge Bathing place at Schnütgenhof"Attendorn"Free entrance, large lawn with changing rooms, toilet, no bathing supervision, gastronomy Waldenburger Bay "Bigge Beach Club, Attendorn,
fee, sandy beach, sunbathing area, kiosk, toilet, beach volleyball, small swimming pool, guarding by bather Strandbad Am Sonderner Kopf (No. 1 at Lake Bigge), Olpe Special
with large swimming island from 2,600 pontoon floats with a total area of 1,300 square meters one of the largest in Europe of this kind – thus also effortless water entrance for bathers with reduced mobility. Bathing island with integrated retractable ground (0-5 meters water depth) and diving training pool for beginners. Slides and the Blob Base (charged) make the visit an experience.Trampoline, climbing wall, action tower, large lawn, toilet, kiosk, no bathing supervision. Beach in Sonder Olpe special
fee with sunbathing area, WC, bath on your own, no dogs allowed Natural free bath at the pre-dust tank Kessenhammer, Olpe
fee, toilet, kiosk and restaurant
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Bathing places at the Listersee
Important note: Animals may not enter the lake'cause it's drinking water storage! Bathing point Calf's buckle, DrolshagenFree entrance, Sunbathing facilities, WC, kiosk, no bathing supervision, fishing boat rental, public dive site, mini golf course, restaurant Bathing point Hunswinkel, Myzhagen-Hunsangle
Free entrance, bathing pier, no bathing supervision, opposite the campsite Listersee on the L 707 Bathing point Windfall, Meinerzhagen Windfall
Free entrance, sunbathing area, toilet, kiosk opposite the campsite, no bathing supervision. Heiligenberg bathing area a.d. Seeuferstrasse, Meinerzhagen Windfall
Free entrance, sunbathing area, toilet, bathing supervision only Sat/So.
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Recreational area on the Sonderkopf
Bathing spot, bathing island & Blob Base
The private bathing area of the campsite is the most popular leisure facility at Lake Bigge.
It has a direct lake access to swimming, surfing, paddling and diving. On the beautiful, huge lawn you can relax well. A 1,300 sqm swimming island, consisting of swimming bodies, allows guests – even with reduced mobility – to easily enter the water via ladders and ramps. Swimming objects such as trampoline, climbing wall and action tower guarantee the fun of swimming in the beach pool. The island also has an integrated diving training pool equipped with retractable ground (0-5 meters water depth). Other recreational facilities include paintball, tennis, volleyball field,
The year-round open campsite offers tourist pitches for caravans, campers and tents as well as seasonal and permanent pitches and natural lodges.
AB 2020, the special head is also expected to become a Biggesee Open Air The program includes 6 big-name events, including Marc Forster, Silbermond, Santiano. The mix of music, bathing and warm summer nights sounds promising. More info: www.biggesee-open-air.de
Four seasons - Camping-Biggesee
On the special head 3
57462 Olpe special
Tel.: +49 2761-944111
biggesee@freizeit-oasen.de
www.biggesee.leisure-oasen.de
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Climbing forest Repetal
One of the largest forest rope gardens in Germany, with approx. 1.5 km via ferrata. Motivation and team training or just for fun.
In addition: archery, dove shooting, survival trainings, rafting and kayaking tours, Highland Games Outdoor & Adventure.
Climbing forest Repetal Repetalstr. 43 57439 Attendorn-Borghausen
Tel. +49 2721 10114
www.klimpfpark-repetal.de
Golf course at Lake Bigge
Repetal-Südsauerland e. V. Golfclub18-hole space plus 6-hole short place in a dreamlike location Degree of skiiness: sporty and demanding Repetalstraße 220
57439 Attendorn - Niederhelden
Tel. +49 2721-718032
info@golfclub-repetal.de www.golfclub-repetal.de
Bigge-Lister hiking trail
The Bigge-Lister-Way leads on 46km around both reservoirs, mostly at certain altitudes, which allows for magnificent views of the lake landscape and the low tide mountains at numerous viewpoints. The hiking trail is one of the tourist landmarks of the region.
In the hiking trail additional spanning paths were set up, so that the path can also be hiked in shorter stages and as a day tour.
More information about hikes at Lake Bigge/Listersee HERE
Purpose & Tourism Association
Lake Bigge
Schüldernhof 17
57439 Attendorn Tel. +49 2722 6579240 info@bigge-listersee.de
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Bigge-Lister Radrundweg
Cycling at Lake Bigge - a beautiful leisure activity. The cycle paths are mainly asphalted.
The rather flat Bigge-Lister-Radrundweg leads on 46km around both reservoirs - but you can also shorten at the bridges and at the Listersee and skip the latter. That saves km, The cycle path offers wonderful views at numerous viewpoints of the lake landscape. On the way there are numerous gastronomy on the roadside.
There are many other beautiful cycling routes around both lakes, which also include a climb.
More information about cycling/cycling routes at Lake Bigge/Listersee HERE
Olpe
Olpe At the rear end of the lake is district town and has a beautiful city center for strolling with pub mile, as well as a popular promenade at the lake of Biggesee.
The reservoir, which is above average for reservoirs, is well filled even with low water thanks to the Zwisch dam.
Recreational pool Olpe
Water - Wellness - Feel good - all year round
The most popular swimming pool on Lake Bigge is both Outdoor and indoor swimming poolIt is located directly at the Biggesee's front pool with a large lawn on the water and in summer you can either jump into the lake or into the outdoor swimming pool.
Indoor there is a 25m sports pool, an adventure pool with all imaginable bubbling facilities, 85m giant slide, a hyperthermal bath with 36 degrees water temperature. various pools for swimmers, non-swimmers and children, brine adventure pools, Kneipp tread pool, swimming bar, sauna landscape/sauna garden with seven saunas.
Recreational pool Olpe Seeweg 5 57462 Olpe Tel. +49 2761-93850 info@freizeitbad-olpe.de Homepage
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Aquamagis in Plettenberg - Erlebnisbad Nr.1 in NRW
25km from Lake Bigge: A WATER ACTION WELLNESS world of superlatives and one of the leading adventure pools in Germany: 6 adventure worlds, 13 water landscapes and a unique slide park offer adventure, relaxation and fun for the whole family. AquaMagis creates new slip dimensions: slides on the back, on the bottom of the pants or on the swim tire was yesterday! Here there are the most spectacular slides in Germany: two stand-up slides, aqualooping; black-hole; giant tyre slide; captains canyon = 120m tire rafting; pink jump free flight slide and adrenaline track on the turbo slide "Green-Kick" with catapult launch at 10 meters height; WorldNewness from 2018 - Storm Force 1 The only slide with 100km/h hurricane wind thrust and slide speed of 60km/h Furthermore, there are two different adventure pools, children's play areas, wave pool, brine area, 4 textile saunas as well as large stylish textile-free sauna world. AquaMagis Böddinghauser Feld 1 58840 Plettenberg Tel.: +49 2391 60550 Email: info@aquamagis.de www.aquamagis.deShow more
Karl May Festival Elspe
20km from Lake Bigge; 12 million visitors have seen one of the Karl May performances in Lennestadt-Elspe since 1958 on one of the largest open-air stages in Germany. Winnetou fans from all over Europe came in 1976-1986, when the movie Winnetou Pierre Brice In Elspe the main role played and the Elspe Festival with 400,000 visitors each year became Karl May Mecca. Spectacular is also the Western railway steaming since 1975, which still runs on its own track bed over the stage and through the festival grounds. Elspe has since been an institution among the major European festival stages. The open-air stage has 4000 covered seats. The impressive roof construction is the same style as that of the Olympiapark Munich. Around the open-air stage a western adventure park was created, however without rides, but with themed demonstrations. The approx. 2 hours performances start at about 2.30 pm (inlet from 10 am) and evening events at 8.15 pm (inlet from 5.15 pm). Before the performance, an extensive multi-hour programme of acrobatics, stunts, horses & rodeo show and country music is offered on the festival grounds with authentic Western Saloon both outdoors and in a separate festival hall starting at 10 a.m., giving the festival character and making an Elspe visit a full-day experience. There are also various dining facilities, including a typical "American BBQ" and a replica of "Sloppy Joe"s Coffee Bar". After the event, a guided tour is offered behind the scenes. Hint: If you want to take the whole program with you and want to have lunch there, the extra price for the Elspe-Erlebnis-Pass (EE-Pass) can be interesting for you, because food & drink at long events can go into the money. Included are "all you can eat an drink" in the BBQ and ELT lounge, VIP parking, Meet & Greet, free programme booklet, personal welcome with welcome drink, exclusive seating area. For details please refer to the homepage. It is played from the end of June to the beginning of September on usually 5 days a week. In August there are also evening performances. Program, dates and tickets see homepage Elspe FestivalTo the natural stage 1
57368 Lennestadt - Elspe
Telephone 02721-94440
Fax 02721-20478
tickets@elspe.de www.elspe.de
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Sauerland pyramids / Galileo Park
23km from Lake BiggeThe Sauerland pyramids, which are now even one of the secret landmarks of the Sauerland, are located high above the Lennetal and widely visible. In a total of four of the seven pyramids there is the GALILEO PARK, a knowledge and puzzle park with interesting and extraordinary exhibitions. In an entertaining yet demanding way, scientific knowledge including border sciences is taught – objectively, objectively, openly and free of evaluation. Playful learning and experimentation for young and old are at the heart of the park.The other pyramids serve as premises for seminars/congresses and events. Here, among others, scientific congresses take place and also those of mysticism. Open April to October Di-So. GALILEO PARK Sauerland Pyramiden 4-7 · 57368 Lennestadt-Meggen Tel. +49 2721 60077-10 Email: info@galileo-park.de www.galileo-park.de
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Viewpoints in the South Sauerland
Rhine-Weser Tower (684m above sea level); popular excursion destination with BergGasthaus at the watershed of Rein/Weser near the Panoramapark on the L553 between Kirchhundem and Bad Berleburg
High level with mountain restaurant (620m above sea level) – landmark of the Olpe district above Lennestadt. Hohe Bracht is one of the most popular observation towers and excursion destinations in the Sauerland region.
For more info click on the name...
Märkische Museums-Eisenbahn - Sauerländer Kleinbahn
27km from Lake Bigge: The Märkische Museum-Railway shows the typical narrow gauge railway features with original trains on the 1000 mm track. Until the 1960s there were a large number of such narrow gauge railways in the Sauerland. When the island railway Juist was shut down in 1982, some railway friends decided to set up a living monument to these narrow gauge small railways. In the train station there is a museum café and an info shop with interesting literature about the domestic railway history and other narrow gauge railways in Germany. Journey: Between May and October the trains of the "Sauerländer Kleinbahn" steam back and forth and convey a sense of travel from past decades. Children: The lantern trips in November and the Nikolaus trips in December are particularly popular – where St. Martin and Nikolaus are personally guests Märkische Museum RailwayElsetalstraße 46
58849 Herscheid - Hüinghausen
Telephone 02357-4637 or 02391-13035
info@sauerlaender-kleinbahn.de www.sauerlaender-kleinbahn.de
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Panorama Park Wildpark
35km from Lake Bigge; Almost picturesquely embedded in the original forest landscape of the Rothaargebirge near Kirchhundem/Kreis Olpe lies the Panorama-Park Wildpark. On 80,000 sqm the game and adventure park offers fun and entertainment for young and old.
In the realignment of the theme park, rapid rides were deliberately avoided - rather, such attractions are placed on which physical use and skill require.
Panorama Park Wildpark Rinsecker Str. 57399 Kirchhundem-Oberhundem
Tel. +49 2723 716220
www.panopark.de
Winter experience - Ski resort Olpe-Fahlenscheid
Snow-Fun pure - ... only 10 km from the A45 and A4 and the Biggesee.
The Fahlenscheid ski area with 2 Anchor towing lifts and one Conveyor belt with tobogganHere you can carve with floodlights, train technique and jumps on the board.
The Snowy Ski Resort with its extensive 600m long downhill slopes has a blue and red descent variant. The height difference between mountain and valley station is over 80 m. Other highlights is a snowboard funpark
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Webcams: Biggesee & Listersee
all 8 Biggesee & Listersee webcams as well as many other Sauerland webcams Click HERE
Webcam: Biggesee
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Webcam: Yachtclub Lister - Biggesee
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Videos from Biggesee
Biggesee - active at the lake
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