Emscher Source and Farm History

Discover Holzwickede through two closely connected themes: the Emscher source and the history of its farm landscape. The historic Emscherquellhof in Holzwickede is a half-timbered farmstead at the Emscher source and on the Emscher Route. Its grounds include a spring-fed pond where water from five spring basins comes together. The Emscher’s natural source is in Hixterwald, a few hundred metres southwest of the farmstead. The farmstead was built in 1801 in the regional Westhellweg farmstead style and restored in 2005 using historic drawings and details from original models. The complex includes beehives from Emscherkunst 2016. They are part of the Emscherkunst Trail and provide a home for wild bees. The approximately 100-kilometre-long Emscher Route begins right outside the Emscherquellhof and can be cycled along the Emscher to Dinslaken.

Culture and a Walk in Opherdicke

Haus Opherdicke adds a distinct cultural and historical dimension. Its foundations date back to the 12th century; the house combines heritage conservation with contemporary use. The Haus Opherdicke Museum offers exhibitions, guided tours, programmes for seniors and school classes, and hands-on workshops. Haus Opherdicke also hosts musical events, including chamber concerts in the Hall of Mirrors. The bistro serves coffee, cake and savoury dishes, with views of the moat or the Ruhr Valley. If you want to attend a particular concert, check the event dates before your trip.

The Opherdicke Historical Circular Trail starts at Haus Opherdicke and passes two churches, the former Opherdicke educational institution and Regenbogensee. Six stops with short texts and photographs explain the history of the district. Along the way, there are views across the Ruhr Valley and the Hellweg Plain. The circular trail is six kilometres long; walking time is about an hour and a half, not including breaks. Allow extra time if you plan to linger at the stops.

Cycling, Trails and Breaks

There are different routes to choose from for cycling or walking: the Emscher Route follows the Emscher as a cycling route to Dinslaken, while the circular trail covers six kilometres and takes around an hour and a half on foot, without breaks. This makes it easy to distinguish a longer bike ride from a clearly measured walking route.

For a break at the Emscherquellhof, its café serves coffee and cake on weekends and public holidays. Opening arrangements may change, so check before your visit. After a bike ride, visitors can rest in the 30,000-square-metre park of the moated castle, Haus Opherdicke, or visit its café. Holzwickede’s town centre has places to eat near the historic town hall and market square.

More Traces of Local History

The Hilgenbaum is a local landmark and appears on Holzwickede’s coat of arms. In the past, justice was administered there; the tree also served as a signpost and public noticeboard. The combination of local history, a half-timbered farmstead and named trails gives your trip several thematic focuses, without requiring you to make a single attraction its centrepiece.

When choosing a hotel in Holzwickede, you can focus on cycling along the Emscher Route or on historical and cultural visits. Then check which accommodation address is convenient for the places you want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Unna, Fröndenberg/Ruhr, Lünen, Bergkamen, Kamen, Selm, Werne, Bönen.

Go to the main travel overview: Unna.