Photo: Stock image
Picnic ideas for the Baldeneysee
Great weather, the water is sparkling – who wouldn't want to relax on the meadows around the Baldeneysee To settle down on a blanket or use one of the many benches and simply enjoy life? Picnics have somewhat faded from our memory in recent years. Yet they are so much fun and, in times of rising prices, a cost-effective alternative for combining enjoyment and socializing. It's time to rediscover this ritual of relaxation, company, and enjoyment on "National Picnic Day.".
Picnic – Who invented it?
The cradle of the picnic – unsurprisingly – lies in France. The French word "pique-nique" is composed of "piquer" meaning "to pick" and "nique" meaning "little something." Originally a convivial meal to which everyone brought something, it wasn't until many decades later that it became held outdoors. It wasn't until the 18th century that the picnic, as we know it today, became popular in aristocratic circles in France and England.
Classic picnic on the meadow
A sunny afternoon, a large blanket in the shade of a tree, fresh strawberries, cool mint lemonade, a few muffins, and maybe even a small ball or a badminton set. The birds are chirping, children are laughing – the perfect scenario to simply leave everyday life behind and unwind.
themed picnic
A French picnic? Voilà: Camembert, baguette, madeleines, a checkered tablecloth, and a small carafe of rosé. Or Italian style with bruschetta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, tiramisu, and Aperol. Even the playlist can be tailored to the theme – Mediterranean holiday vibes right in the heart of the Ruhr region.
Sunset picnic
Grab a cozy blanket, some electric lanterns or, even better, battery-operated fairy lights, maybe some wine and savory snacks like cheese cubes, paper-thin slices of salami, olives, and crackers. Let your gaze wander across the water on the banks of the Ruhr or a lake as the sun sets – peaceful, romantic, and a mini-vacation right on your doorstep.
Picnic bike tour
As they say, the journey is the destination! You pack everything into a bicycle basket or backpack, cycle leisurely along bike paths and country lanes or through the forest to the Baldeneysee – perhaps along the Ruhr River to the Rhine, or in the other direction to the old town of Hattingen or to Lake Hemnader. You stop wherever the mood takes you. Melon slices with ham or flavored with port wine, fruit salad, wraps, homemade iced tea or lemonade in a thermos will refuel you and your fellow cyclists along the way and make the nature experience perfect.
VIEWPOINTS AT LAKE BALDENEY
Travel picnic
It used to be perfectly normal to stop for a picnic on the side of the highway or main road on the way to your holiday destination. The cooler would be unpacked, revealing potato salad, sausages, schnitzel sandwiches, and meatballs. Bringing your own food for the journey is certainly the most cost-effective, convenient, and healthiest way to travel. Whether stuck in traffic, at night, or early in the morning – you already have everything you need with you.
Mini picnic on the balcony, terrace or in the garden
Even in a small space, you can create a lot: a rug or woven mat, a few cushions, your favorite snacks, cocktails or wine, perhaps a small speaker and a potted palm for a touch of Mediterranean flair. You can also get cozy with a book on the balcony or host a movie night (until 10 pm out of consideration for the neighbors) with your tablet or laptop, complete with popcorn – completely spontaneous and without much preparation.
The picnic packing list
Food & Snacks
– Fresh bread, baguettes or wraps
– Cheese, sausage, antipasti (e.g. olives, sun-dried tomatoes)
– Fruit (e.g. grapes, strawberries, melon pieces)
– Small cakes, muffins or cookies
– Salads in a jar (e.g. couscous, pasta or potato salad)
– Dips & spreads (hummus, herb quark, pesto)
drinks
– Water with lemon or mint
– Fruit juices, iced tea or lemonade
– Coffee in a thermos flask
– (Optional) A bottle of wine or sparkling wine
– Drinking cups or glasses
Food accessories
– Plates, cutlery & napkins (preferably sustainable)
– Cutting board & knife
– Kitchen roll or wet wipes
– Garbage bags (for waste disposal!)
– Bottle opener or corkscrew
Comfort & Mood
– Large picnic blanket (possibly with a water-repellent underside)
– Cushions or seat pads
– Sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat, parasol)
– Insect spray
– String lights
Entertainment (optional)
– Card games, badminton, boules set
– A good book, newspaper, or magazine
– Small music box (Bluetooth), possibly a power bank
Camera | Smartphone for beautiful memories
