Kalscheurer Weiher
A man-made rectangular lake in Cologne's Outer Green Belt — with its own island, beer garden, and boat hire on the western shore.
Nestled in Cologne's Outer Green Belt, the Kalscheurer Weiher is an artificial lake with straight, geometric banks. It takes its name from Kalscheuren, a district belonging to the neighbouring town of Hürth.
At a Glance
- Type
- man-made rectangular basin with stepped eastern banks
- Location
- Zollstock district, Rodenkirchen borough, Outer Green Belt
- Surface area
- approx. 5.6 to 6.0 hectares
- Depth
- 1.10 metres
- Volume
- just under 70,000 cubic metres
- Feature
- rectangular island in the western section
- On the shore
- kiosk with toilets, beer garden, and hire of pedal and rowing boats
The Kalscheurer Weiher was created between 1928 and 1932 as part of the transformation of Cologne's former fortress ring – where military fortifications once defended the city, a popular recreational area with an artificial lake was built.
History
The lake was created between 1928 and 1932 under city architect Theodor Nußbaum, who headed the Cologne Parks Department's design office. It formed part of the ambitious plan to transform Cologne's old fortification ring into the Outer Green Belt. Since July 2020 the lake draws its water from a dedicated groundwater well, replacing a solar-powered circulation system that was subsequently dismantled.
Location and Surroundings
The lake sits within the Outer Green Belt landscape conservation area. Together with the nearby Decksteiner Weiher and the Adenauerweiher further west, it forms a trio of artificial lakes within the Green Belt. To the north, the Südfriedhof (South Cemetery) screens it from the Zollstock residential area, while the Eifeltor freight terminal adjoins it to the southwest. Across the Brühler Straße to the east lies the former Parkweiher, built at the same time but with a circular footprint.
Today
The lake is cared for by Unser Kalscheurer Weiher e.V., a registered non-profit dedicated to nature and environmental conservation around the water. Pedal and rowing boats are available for hire on the western shore. Volunteers organise events throughout the year for all ages — including an Easter egg hunt, open-air singing, a summer culture series, a St. Martin's lantern procession, and a Christmas carriage ride for children.
Did You Know?
The poet Bert Brune immortalised the lake in verse with his poem titled "Am Kalscheurer Weiher".
Timeline
- 1928–1932Construction of the pond by city architect Theodor Nußbaum in the Outer Green Belt
- Juli 2020Water supply switched to a dedicated groundwater well
Map
Blue dots: other places nearby — tap to explore.
Address
Zollstock
50997 Köln
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Sources & links
- Official website
- Official website (retrieved 2026-06-25)
- Wikidata (retrieved 2026-06-24)
- Wikipedia (retrieved 2026-06-24, rev 256396685)
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-06-26