Witten brings together traces of history, paths by the water and a range of cycling options. To help you plan, consider a simple question: should your stay focus mainly on culture and castles, walks or cycling?

Scenery and relaxation by the water

The Muttental is part of the Ruhr Area UNESCO Global Geopark and is one of Germany’s 77 most significant geotopes. This makes it a geological highlight among Witten’s attractions. At the listed Hammerteich pond, relaxation meets an unusual local interest: the pond is also used by local model boat builders. Visitors can go for a walk, hike to Hohenstein or use the children’s playground. The same place therefore offers several options, from a stroll to a hike.

Haus Herbede and Witten’s castle sites

The history of Haus Herbede can be traced back to the year 1019. Today, the listed building is a public cultural and community center. Schloss Steinhausen was first mentioned in 1297 and is the only hilltop castle in the city. Along with Haus Witten, it is considered the most important castle site in the Witten area. Both places offer different ways to explore Witten’s history.

The Hardenstein castle ruins are a late medieval castle site. Finds indicate that a castle already stood there in the 14th century. Visitors can explore the legend featuring virtual figures of the dwarf king Goldemar and the knight Neveling at the ruins. Alongside the castle site, this historic place also offers a way to discover the legend.

Cycling routes and finding your way around

There are several routes to choose from for bike rides, each covering a different area. The Rheinischer Esel cycle path follows a former railway line from Dortmund through Witten to Bochum. The 57-kilometer “Von Ruhr zur Ruhr” cycle route forms a loop through Hattingen, Sprockhövel, Gevelsberg, Wetter and Witten. The 9-kilometer stretch of the RuhrtalRadweg that runs through Witten is a different route: the nine kilometers refer to the section within the city, while the 57 kilometers refer to the entire loop.

If you want to plan for bike rental or service on your ride, you’ll find the bike station in downtown Witten at Bahnhofstraße 61. It offers bike rentals as well as cleaning and repair services. In Witten-Bommern, visitors can cross the Ruhr on the Hardenstein ferry. There are also stops for the RuhrtalBahn and the MS Schwalbe at the Hardenstein castle ruins. If your plans depend on taking the ferry, train or MS Schwalbe, check the current schedule in advance.

More destinations in the Ennepe-Ruhr district

The wider Ennepe-Ruhr district offers other distinct experiences. Hiking and jogging are possible at the Glörtalsperre reservoir; in the warm summer months, you can also swim there in clean, natural water. In Hattingen, the “Path of Iron” at the LWL Industrial Museum Henrichshütte traces the journey from ore, coke and limestone to molten iron. A glass elevator takes visitors to the 55-meter-high “Giant”; from the top, you can look out over the region’s past and present.

When choosing a hotel in Witten, consider the focus of your stay: culture and history, walks or cycling. First decide which of these themes matters for your trip, then choose your accommodation to suit your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Herbede, Wetter, Sprockhövel, Ennepetal, Hattingen, Gevelsberg, Schwelm, Herdecke.

Go to the regional travel overview: Ennepe-Ruhr district.