Best attractions and places to see around Herten offer a blend of industrial heritage, historical sites, and green spaces. This town in the Ruhr area of Germany features notable landmarks and extensive natural features. Visitors can explore a diverse range of sites, from moated castles to former industrial complexes now repurposed for recreation. The region provides opportunities for both cultural exploration and outdoor activities.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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Popular around Herten
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Hiking around Herten
Cycling around Herten
"... foot and cycle bridges in the Nordsternpark For more than a hundred years, the premises of the Nordstern colliery separated the Gelsenkirchen districts of Horst and Heßler. After the colliery was closed, the area was redesigned for the 1997 Federal Horticultural Show, and the expressively designed bridges created a connection between the parts of the city. A total of five bridges connect the individual parts of the Nordsternpark with each other and with the adjacent parts of the city. Three of them are designed as tubular steel arch bridges. The bridge over the Rhine-Herne Canal is the largest of these bridges and impresses with its asymmetrical design. From the pedestrian perspective it is hardly evident that the red-painted arches of the supporting steel pipes are actually arranged parallel to each other and at right angles to the river bank. The unusual shape of the bridge results from the arrangement of the main access axis of the park, in the direction of which the footpath of the bridge is arranged diagonally to the Rhine Herne Canal. The 110 meter long bridge is constructed entirely of steel, the arches protrude 36 meters into the air. ... " Awards: Renault Traffic Design Award 2001 (Deutsche Renault AG) Author: Redaktion baukunst-nrw / Last changed on March 18, 2021 https://www.baukunst-nrw.de/objekte/Fuss-und-Radwegbruecken-Nordsternpark--1164.htm
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We took a break here almost 20 years ago. I think a must 🍻
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The red arch serves the connection Hessler - Horst in the Nordsternpark over the canal. A must, so to speak.
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An extraordinary bridge over the Rhine-Herne Canal.
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A few meters from the bridge lies the Grimberg port. It opened in 1914, shortly after the completion of the Rhine-Herne Canal. Overseas ore landed at the port was transported via the ore railway for smelting at Schalke's club. Coal and coke from various mines were brought to the port in the opposite direction. More information: https://www.gelsenkirchener-geschichten.de/wiki/Hafen_Grimberg
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The junction 44 - Zoom Erlebniswelt is the point from which you go from the ore railway line to the bike and hiking trail to the Rhine-Herne Canal! Turn left - towards Oberhausen - directly along the canal and right around - towards Herne - over the Grimberger Sichel! The Erzbahntrasse and the Rhine-Herne Canal, a must for every cyclist who likes to cycle in the countryside!
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A look at one of the great bridges on the ore railway line in Gelsenkirchen.
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... a great engineering skill and a wonderful arch bridge - most beautiful when there is a lot of sunshine, because then the red of the arches really seems to shine.
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Herten boasts several significant historical landmarks. You can visit Schloss Herten, a moated castle first mentioned in 1376, set within an English landscape garden. Another impressive site is Schloss Westerholt, a classical castle, and the nearby Altes Dorf Westerholt, which features over 60 charming timber-framed houses. The Ewald Colliery (Zeche Ewald) stands as an iconic reminder of Herten's industrial past.
Herten offers extensive green spaces for relaxation and activity. The Schlosspark (Herten Castle Park) is an English landscape garden with tranquil ponds and paths. Landschaftspark Hoheward is one of Europe's largest spoil tip landscapes, providing panoramic views. Other natural areas include Backumer Tal with its paths along a stream, the ancient trees of Schlosswald in Herten, and the serene Telgenbusch nature reserve.
Yes, Herten has options for families. The Erzbahn Swing (Erzbahn Swing) and the general Ore railroad line (Ore railroad line) are popular for cycling and walking, and are marked as family-friendly. For water activities, Copa Ca Backum is a popular leisure and adventure pool. The extensive parks like Schlosspark and Landschaftspark Hoheward also offer great spaces for family outings.
Herten is excellent for cycling, especially along its repurposed industrial routes. The Ore railroad line (Ore railroad line) is a former railway line now a popular cycling path, featuring impressive bridge constructions like the Erzbahn Swing. You can find various cycling tours, including easy to moderate routes like the 'Marina Gelsenkirchen Harbor – Graf Bismarck Harbour Bridge loop' or the 'Rhine-Herne Canal - Start of the KLT – König Ludwig Trail loop'. Explore more cycling options on the Cycling around Herten guide.
Absolutely. Herten offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for different levels. You can enjoy easy hikes such as the 'Herten Castle – Herten Castle Chapel loop' or the 'Ewald Lake – View of Ewaldsee loop'. For more challenging routes, consider the 'Hoheward Sundial – Ewald Colliery loop'. Many trails are found within the Schlosspark, Backumer Tal, and the Telgenbusch nature reserve. Discover more hiking routes in the Easy hikes around Herten guide.
Schloss Herten serves as a significant cultural venue, hosting events like the international Klavierfestival Ruhr and the Herten castle concerts. An annual arts and crafts market is also held in its park during Whitsun. The Zeche Ewald, beyond its industrial heritage, also functions as a cultural site, hosting various events throughout the year.
Yes, for impressive views, head to Landschaftspark Hoheward. As one of Europe's largest spoil tip landscapes, it provides panoramic vistas across the entire Ruhr area. The Grimberg sickle bridge and the Nordsternpark Double-Arch Bridge also offer interesting perspectives of the Rhine-Herne Canal and surrounding areas.
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Herten, offering pleasant temperatures for cycling, hiking, and exploring the parks. The Schlosspark is particularly beautiful when in full bloom, and many cultural events at Schloss Herten and Zeche Ewald take place during this period. Autumn also provides scenic walks with colorful foliage.
Several attractions in Herten are noted for their accessibility. The Erzbahn Swing (Erzbahn Swing), the Ore railroad line (Ore railroad line), and the Nordsternpark Double-Arch Bridge are all listed as wheelchair accessible, making them suitable for visitors with mobility needs. These routes provide smooth paths for enjoying the landscape and industrial heritage.
You'll find several spots for refreshments. The Schloss Herten houses a café within its premises. Along the popular cycling and hiking routes, such as the Erzbahntrasse, you can find places like the Erzbahn Kiosk, which is a popular meeting point for hikers and bikers. Additionally, the Altes Dorf Westerholt offers charming settings where you might find local eateries.
Visitors frequently praise the blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty. The architectural uniqueness of bridges like the Erzbahn Swing and Grimberg sickle is often highlighted. The transformation of former railway lines into scenic cycling paths, like the Ore railroad line, is also a favorite, offering a unique way to explore the region's history and landscape.
Many of Herten's natural areas and trails are suitable for walking with dogs. The extensive paths within the Schlosspark, Backumer Tal, and the Schlosswald in Herten are popular choices for dog owners. The repurposed railway lines, such as the Erzbahn, also offer long, flat routes ideal for walks with your canine companion. Always remember to keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.


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