Baldeneysteig – Circular hiking trail Baldeneysee

The Baldeneysteig is a unique circular hiking trail in the south of Essen, which goes once around the Baldeneysee The route is approximately 26.7 kilometers long and offers impressive views of the lake and the rolling countryside. With a total elevation gain of 600 meters, the trail is challenging and requires good physical condition. Those who prefer a slower pace can complete the Baldeneysteig in two stages.

Particularly appealing are the four so-called "side views" along the trail – detours to cultural highlights such as the ruins of Neue Isenburg or Korte Klippe. Trail Baldeneysteig was created and signposted in 2017 as part of the "Essen – European Green Capital" project. The Sauerland Mountain Association, which maintains the trail, has to regularly replace the signs because they are scratched or painted over. Therefore, it's best to have a paper or digital map handy during your hike. Trail Baldeneysteig, along with the Kettwig Trail, is one of two hiking trails within the city limits of Essen and a popular destination for hikers.

The Baldeneysteig trail uniquely combines nature, culture, and sport. Numerous sights make this hike a special experience. Besides the unique views of the Baldeneysee, the trail leads past the Haus Scheppen, a historic manor house and a regionally renowned biker meeting point with snack bars and the Baldeney boat landing for the White Fleet. The Baldeney weir is also a hydroelectric power plant and features a unique fish lift that films the fish swimming by. The Neue Isenburg castle ruins and the Schellenberger Forest are perfect for a break along the way. And let's not forget the Korte Klippe, the Heisinger Bogen bird sanctuary and the Kupferdreh railway bridge as well as the Hespertalbahn.

The best time for a hike along the Baldeneysteigs is in spring or Autumn. In these Seasons The weather is usually pleasant, and nature reveals itself at its most beautiful – in spring with the awakening of nature, blossoming plants, and baby animals, and in autumn with the changing colors of the trees and unique light. Summer can certainly be appealing as well, but keep in mind that hot days are more strenuous and you'll need to carry more water. The trail is also accessible in winter – the views are the same, but the natural experiences are naturally less spectacular. The Baldeneysteig can also be explored in stages.