Olpe is a fantastic place for those who love lakes, mountains, and a bit of laid-back boating. What makes Olpe special? For starters, it’s home to Biggesee, one of the largest reservoirs in North Rhine-Westphalia, offering a dramatic backdrop of Sauerland’s hills and forests. Exploring the lake from a boat is a great way to see its beauty up close, and fortunately, there are several options to choose from. Some tours include delectable food options, like cake buffets or hearty snacks, making the trip as enjoyable for the palate as for the eyes. We especially like the Biggesee Boat Tour with All-inclusive Cake Buffet for its combination of scenic views and sweet treats, detailed further below.
If you want a more relaxed, quiet experience, the Boat trip on the Biggesee: lake romance in the Sauerland mountains offers a peaceful, eco-friendly voyage in the middle of nature. Each of these tours provides a different flavor of what Olpe’s lakeside setting can offer, so whether you’re after a lively cruise with cake, a hearty snack, or a romantic escape, there’s something to match your style.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a summary of the top boat and cruise experiences available in Olpe:
- A 3-hour cruise on Europe’s largest electric passenger ship with an all-inclusive cake buffet, perfect for those who love sweet treats and panoramic views. Learn more here.
- A hearty snack buffet cruise on the same lakes with a focus on Sauerland specialties, ideal for food lovers. Check it out here.
- A romantic, tranquil boat trip emphasizing the peaceful, natural landscape of Sauerland, perfect for those seeking serenity and nature. See details here.
Now, let’s explore each of these options in detail.
1. Biggesee: Boat Tour with All-inclusive Cake Buffet
At number one, this 3-hour cruise on Europe’s largest electric passenger ship combines stunning mountain scenery with a delicious all-inclusive cake buffet. Departing from Talbrücke Sondern, the ship, EMS ‘Westfalen’, offers an eco-friendly way to explore the Biggesee, the largest Sauerland dam. This vessel is notable for being one of the biggest electric passenger ships in Europe, making for a quiet, emission-free journey.
The tour includes a spectacular view from the Biggeblick viewing platform and a chance to admire the lake’s contours and surrounding forests. The all-inclusive cake buffet features a variety of sweet options—perfect for those with a sweet tooth, and reviews praise the helpful staff and excellent selection. One reviewer mentions, “Das Buffet war lecker, aber ich hätte frisch Käse und Butter für die Brote hinzugefügt. Alles andere war einfach großartig.” It’s worth noting this experience ranks 4.6 out of 5 from 15 reviews, making it a popular choice.
This trip is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic cruises combined with indulgent treats. With a price of $45 per person, it offers good value considering the scenery, boat quality, and buffet included. The cruise’s length allows ample time to relax and take photos, making it ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a leisurely day on the water.
Bottom Line: A lively, tasty way to explore Biggesee, especially if you’re a fan of cake and scenic views. Book ahead to secure your spot.
2. Biggesee: boat tour with hearty snack buffet
For those who prefer a more savory experience, the Biggesee boat tour with hearty snack buffet is a standout. This 3-hour cruise on an all-electric ship offers a laid-back journey around North Rhine-Westphalia’s large reservoir, with a focus on local Sauerland specialties. It’s rated a perfect 5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, reflecting the high satisfaction among recent travelers.
The tour departs from Talbrücke Sondern and takes you around the lake, giving you a chance to enjoy the mountain vistas and water views without the noise typically associated with boats. The highlight? An onboard local Sauerland snack buffet, where you can sample regional dishes, making this cruise both a scenic and culinary adventure. The all-electric fleet guarantees a quiet environment, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural surroundings.
This experience is particularly good for those interested in regional food and sustainable travel. It’s priced at a reasonable rate, offering excellent value given the food quality and scenic immersion. If you’re looking for a relaxed, food-focused cruise, this is a perfect fit.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers and eco-conscious travelers wanting an authentic Sauerland experience. Early booking is recommended, given its popularity.
3. Boat trip on the Biggesee: lake romance in the Sauerland mountains!
If your idea of a day on the water involves serenity and natural beauty, the boat trip on Biggesee offers just that. This 3-hour cruise is designed to evoke a sense of peacefulness amid Sauerland’s mountains, with a focus on maritime lake air and quiet surroundings.
This trip uses all-electric ships, making it an environmentally friendly way to experience the lake. The emphasis is on discovering new perspectives of the landscape and enjoying some well-deserved relaxation. A recent reviewer called it, “Angenehm, ruhig und entspannt,” meaning pleasant, quiet, and relaxing.
While this cruise does not include food, it excels in providing a tranquil environment to disconnect and enjoy nature. Suitable for travelers who prefer a more contemplative outing, it’s perfect for couples seeking romance or anyone wanting to escape the hustle for a peaceful boat ride.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those wanting a quiet, eco-friendly cruise with beautiful scenery and no fuss. It’s an excellent option if you value calm and natural beauty.
How to Choose Your Olpe Boat Tour
When deciding between these cruises, consider your priorities: Do you want a lively experience with cake and socializing? Then the Biggesee Boat Tour with All-inclusive Cake Buffet is the way to go. Prefer regional flavors and sustainability? The Hearty Snack Buffet cruise fits perfectly. For a more peaceful, nature-focused day, the Lake Romance trip offers quiet reflection and fresh mountain air.
Think about your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend on the water. Book early, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date. Check availability for each experience, as times can vary.
Final Thoughts
Olpe’s boat tours offer a wonderful way to see the lake and the Sauerland mountains from a different perspective. Whether you’re after a tasty buffet on Europe’s largest electric ship, a regional snack adventure, or a tranquil, nature-focused cruise, there’s a suitable option. For a lively, indulgent experience, the cake buffet cruise is hard to beat. If you prefer local flavors and sustainability, the hearty snack cruise is ideal. And for those seeking peace and quiet, the lake romance cruise fits the bill.
Whatever your choice, booking early guarantees a spot on these popular trips. Taking a boat tour in Olpe is a relaxing way to connect with nature and enjoy Sauerland’s natural beauty—something you’ll remember long after your trip ends.