Fossils are exceptionally well preserved on the walls of Kluterthöhle Cave in Ennepetal. Its designation as a National Natural Monument and National Geotope makes the cave a special place to see geological traces up close. Guided tours introduce visitors to the cave and are offered several times a day. On some days, physically challenging adventure tours are also on the program. There is a fossil workshop and a cave visit for children's groups. Available public tours and events can be booked online.
Kluterthöhle Cave and Trails Through the Karst
Several distances are given to help you find your way to the cave: it is 1 km from Ennepetal (Gevelsberg) railway station, 300 m from Ennepetal bus station and 150 m from the Esbecke bus stop. If you are considering a hike with the cave as your destination, the Ennepe-Steig provides a specific route connection: its third stage runs for about 14 km from Ennepetalsperre Dam to Kluterthöhle Cave. The approximate length and the two named endpoints give this stage a clear outline.
The Ennepetal Karst Hiking Trail has different key figures: it is 11.5 km long, has an elevation difference of 330 m and features 49 stations. Five stations have information boards. This makes it possible to distinguish the Ennepe-Steig stage, with its stated endpoints, from the measurable length, elevation difference and stations of the Karst Hiking Trail. Both descriptions give you specific points of reference if you are interested in a route in the Ennepetal area.
Water and Woods at Glörtalsperre Dam
Hiking and jogging are possible at Glörtalsperre Dam in the Breckerfeld area. During the warm summer months, you can also swim in clean, natural water. This makes it a different kind of nature experience from cave tours and karst trails: the focus here is on outdoor exercise and seasonal swimming. For a precise geographical picture, it is worth noting that the 30-hectare reservoir includes adjacent woodland in the catchment area between Breckerfeld in the Ennepe-Ruhr District and Halver and Schalksmühle in the Märkischer Kreis.
Industrial History and Views in Hattingen
At Henrichshütte Hattingen, a visit along the “Path of Iron” follows the flow of materials from ore, coke and limestone to molten pig iron. A glass elevator takes you up to the 55-meter-high “Giant.” From the top, you can look out over the region's past and present. The visit thus combines an easy-to-follow industrial process with views of the region.
The Hattingen City Museum offers further perspectives on history and design: during museum talks, workshops and activities, visitors can explore historical topics and try out artistic techniques for themselves. At Blankenstein Castle, by contrast, the view turns outdoors. From the castle tower's platform, you can look out over the Ruhr Valley and Blankenstein's historic town center. Hattingen thus offers different experiences side by side: a look at the processing of raw materials, personal engagement with historical subjects and views from the tower.
Each place has its own focus: Kluterthöhle Cave brings together fossils, guided tours and karst trails; Glörtalsperre Dam offers opportunities for hiking, jogging and seasonal swimming; and Henrichshütte brings to life the journey from ore to pig iron. When planning your trip, you can therefore focus on the experiences that interest you most and explore the relevant places in the Ennepe-Ruhr District.
Discover more destinations: Witten, Schwelm, Herdecke, Gevelsberg, Hattingen, Breckerfeld, Sprockhövel, Ennepetal, Wetter.
See the overarching travel guide: North Rhine-Westphalia.
