The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Witten

The Ruhr Viaduct in Witten (often also referred to as the Witten Ruhr Valley Viaduct) is a monumental, historic railway structure and is considered one of the region's most impressive landmarks. The imposing arch bridge winds in an elegant curve over the Ruhr River and has shaped the landscape of the Ruhr Valley for over a century. Origin and Architecture: The structure was built between 1913 and 1916 as part of the planned railway line from Witten to Schwelm. To preserve the landscape, citizens at the time successfully protested that the massive concrete structure should be completely clad with natural stone. The viaduct is characterized by an architectural mix of: + 17 stone arches dominate the majority of the route across the valley. + 3 striking steel truss arches interrupt the row of stone on the north side. This special construction was necessary because the ground conditions at the former millrace did not allow for heavy stone arches. Current Use: Although regular passenger traffic was discontinued here as early as the 1980s, the line is by no means dormant. Today, the bridge is still actively used for freight train traffic between Witten and Hagen. When construction takes place on the main lines, there is sometimes even diversion traffic for passenger trains here.

At the foot of the Hohenstein recreational area lies the Hammerteich🌊. Today a protected monument, a body of water for local model boaters🚤 and a popular recreational space, the pond was originally built for a hammer mill. In 1722, the Hammerteich was dammed on behalf of Peter Lange, a manufacturer from Remscheid, to supply energy for the forge. However, the mill went bankrupt as early as 1741. Several changes of ownership followed before operations ceased in 1892. The city of Witten bought the grounds around the Hammerteich and incorporated them into the planning of the new Hohenstein town forest.

At the foot of the Hohenstein recreational area lies the Hammerteich🌊. Today a listed monument, a body of water for local model boat builders🚤, and a popular recreational area, the pond was originally created for a forge. In 1722, the Hammerteich was dammed on behalf of Peter Lange, a manufacturer from Remscheid, to supply energy for the forge. However, the works went bankrupt as early as 1741. Several changes of ownership followed before operations ceased in 1892. The city of Witten bought the land around the Hammerteich and incorporated it into the planning of the new Hohenstein city forest.

At the foot of the Hohenstein recreational area lies the Hammerteich🌊. Today a listed monument, a waterway for local model boat builders🚤 and a popular recreational area, the pond was originally created for a hammer mill. In 1722, the Hammerteich was dammed on behalf of Peter Lange, a manufacturer from Remscheid, – to supply energy for the forge. However, the mill went bankrupt as early as 1741. There were several changes of ownership before operations ceased in 1892. The city of Witten bought the land around the Hammerteich and incorporated it into the planning of the new Hohenstein city forest.

🚂Ruhrviadukt🚂 A railway viaduct straight out of a picture book spans the Ruhr valley near Witten. With 20 arches, three of them made of steel, it connects the railway lines on both sides of the Ruhr. 🚂The approximately 600-meter-long arch bridge with an upper deck was built between 1913 and 1916 as part of the planned Witten - Schwelm railway line🚂. Three steel truss arches interrupt the calm line of the 17 sandstone arches as well as the long retaining wall, which is also faced with sandstone🚂. The three steel arches gave rise to speculation about structural defects. The rumor that the builder miscalculated and then compensated for the height difference with a steel structure has persisted stubbornly to this day. However, the ground conditions in the area of the Mühlengraben required a larger span for the arches, which was more easily realized with a steel structure. 📸A worthwhile photo motif & structure 🎨🖌

🚂Ruhrviadukt🚂 A railway viaduct straight out of a picture book spans the Ruhr valley near Witten. With 20 arches, three of them made of steel, it connects the railway lines on both sides of the Ruhr. 🚂The approximately 600-meter-long arch bridge with an overhead track was built in 1913-1916 as part of the planned Witten - Schwelm railway line🚂. Three steel trusses interrupt the calm line of the 17 sandstone arches as well as the long retaining wall, which is also faced with sandstone🚂. The three steel arches gave rise to speculation about structural defects. The rumor that the builder had miscalculated and then compensated for the height difference with a steel structure stubbornly persists to this day. However, the soil conditions in the area of the Mühlengraben required a larger span for the arches, which could be more economically realized with a steel structure. 📸A worthwhile photo motif & structure 🎨🖌

impressive architecture

The Hammerteich pond is a beautiful spot for a picnic any time of year. There's a lovely playground for children, and you can watch herons, cormorants, and ducks. Currently, it's an interesting place because the city of Witten is removing the pond's heavy siltation. First, all the fish were removed and relocated to other bodies of water. Now, the pond is being pumped out.