Rüthen can be explored in two different ways: through buildings dating from several centuries and trails that draw the eye to views and landscapes. The buildings reveal different eras; for outdoor activity, there is a hiking route rated easy and approximately two kilometers long, as well as the MöhnetalRadweg, which runs through Rüthen. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between architectural history, views and a short hike or cycling.
Defensive Tower, City Gate and Town Hall
The Hexenturm is the only fully preserved defensive tower in Rüthen’s fortifications. Inside the tower is a small exhibition documenting the witch trials. It can be visited as part of a guided city tour; check the current visiting arrangements in advance if you plan to visit it specifically.
Hachtor city gate offers a glimpse of another part of the fortifications’ history: it was built around 1300 from Rüthen green sandstone and is the last surviving one of the four city gates. Haus Buuck is considered probably Rüthen’s oldest residence and a typical Hanseatic merchant’s house. Its three-story attic dates from 1609.
The historic town hall can also be dated: it was built in the Baroque style from 1726 to 1730. Its preserved interiors are used for cultural purposes and civil wedding ceremonies. If you plan to attend one of these activities, it is advisable to check the current arrangements.
Views and Trails
The water tower is 35 meters high, and its accessible viewing platform is 29 meters above the ground. From there, the view takes in the Haarstrang ridge, the heights of the Brilon Forest and Arnsberger Wald Nature Park. The tower and platform heights provide two different points of reference: the viewing platform is below the top, but offers the described views of the named landscapes.
For a shorter hike, the Erlebniswanderweg trail starts at the Hachtor parking lot. Route I, marked blue, is rated easy and is approximately two kilometers long. Since local conditions may change, it is a good idea to check route information again before setting out. The MöhnetalRadweg, which runs through Rüthen, offers a different way to get active. Meadows, green forests and gentle hills shape the landscape along the cycle route. This gives you a choice between a short, easy-rated hiking route and a cycle route when planning your trip.
Kallenhardt: Cave and Disc Golf
In Rüthen-Kallenhardt, the Hohler Stein cultural cave is located in a nature reserve named after the Lörmecke stream. The disc golf course in Kallenhardt is promoted as an outdoor activity for families and groups in Arnsberger Wald Nature Park. Since availability and operating conditions may change, check them before your visit.
Culture in the wider Soest destination
The museums in the wider Soest destination offer further options for planning a culture-focused trip. With information panels, large-format texts, photos, graphics and a city model, the Osthofentormuseum gives an overview of more than 1,000 years of history and the topographical development of the city of Soest. The Burghofmuseum covers the history of the city and church, displays engravings by Heinrich Aldegrever (1502 to around 1555) and features the exhibition “Everyday Life in the Middle Ages.” The Museum Wilhelm Morgner with RAUM SCHROTH hosts changing exhibitions as well as a permanent exhibition of Soest Expressionist Wilhelm Morgner; the program of changing exhibitions may vary.
Discover more destinations: Vellinghausen, Werl, Warstein, Soest, Ense, Möhnesee, Welver.
Go to the main travel overview: Soest.
