Hagen: Archaeology, a Planetary Model and Waterside Routes

If you’re looking for a hotel in Hagen, the themes of your stay can help you decide where to go: archaeology and early industrial history, a walkable planetary model, or routes and activities by the water. Hagen brings together these different reasons to visit. You can first consider which places and experiences you want to shape your trip, then compare specific hotel offers.

Archaeology and geology in Hagen

The Hagen Archaeology Museum at Werdringen Moated Castle displays the oldest known remains of modern humans from the post-Ice Age in Europe. The finds, over 11,000 years old, were discovered in Hagen’s Blätter Cave. The moated castle itself was first mentioned in the 13th century and is now used as a museum and event venue. Here, a focus on archaeology meets the castle’s long history.

Starting at Werdringen Moated Castle, the Kaisberg Geotrail leads to the earliest coal seams in the Ruhr region that were worth mining. The trail thus provides a geological link to the region’s early use. The castle café serves coffee, cake and waffles, as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Planetary model and waterside routes

A special way to experience the city is the world’s first walkable planetary model. Large bronze plaques guide you through several stops across the city. The model combines an astronomical theme with a route through Hagen: you encounter the stops not in a single place, but along the route through the city.

SeeBad Hengstey is located right on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route. Its history as a destination for day-trippers from Hagen and bathers from the region dates back to 1929. Within the wider travel destination of Hagen, SeeBad is not only a summer swimming spot but also a year-round destination for walkers, cyclists, water tourists and other visitors. Its combination of summer activities and a year-round role as an excursion destination makes Lake Hengstey appealing for a range of trips.

Cultural attractions in the wider travel destination of Hagen

Hagen itself also offers more for culture lovers. The Hagen City Museum forms part of the Museum Quarter, together with the Osthaus Museum Hagen and the Emil Schumacher Museum Hagen. The City Museum offers guided tours, workshops and activity days for visitors of all ages. Families can use a museum backpack to explore independently.

The Hagen Bunker offers a different way to explore the city’s history: in a faithfully reconstructed basement, visitors can experience what life was like during the bombing raids of the Second World War. The Volkshochschule Hagen adult education centre, the City Archives and the City Museum jointly offer regular guided tours of the bunker and other surviving air-raid shelters. The shelters date from the Second World War and the Cold War; the guided tours provide the framework for the visit.

Routes and activities for a longer stay

Those who want to explore Hagen on foot can follow the 3 Türme Weg in the wider travel destination: this circular hiking trail, just under twelve kilometres long, passes the Bismarck Tower, the Kaiser Friedrich Tower and the Eugen Richter Tower. Its approximate length and the three named stops give a concrete idea of the route, without equating it with the shorter route associated with the planetary model.

The rivers Ruhr, Volme, Lenne and Ennepe also shape Hagen’s leisure activities. Fishing, pedal boating and canoeing offer ways to enjoy the water and its banks. The Lenne Whitewater Park adds another option: it hosts international races and is suitable for both recreational paddlers and elite athletes. The Hagen travel destination therefore offers both gentler water activities and whitewater sports.

Which activities suit your trip depends on which of these sides of Hagen interests you most during your stay.

For the wider travel overview: Hagen.