Best historic site trails in Herdecke

Popular loop trail at Hengsteysee, North Rhine-Westphalia. This loop trail offers a delightful mix of nature and history. Most of the trail leads directly along the shore of the Hengsteysee. After about half of the route has been completed, you reach the well-preserved ruins of Hohensyburg Castle, built around 700. Highlights of the hike: - Hengsteysee - Hohensyburg ruins - several vantage points - Ruhr valley - ridge trail

The hiking sign for the path is H2, a yellow background for the feeder and a black background for the hiking trail. You can walk south from Herdecke station and follow the signs along the Ruhr. Sometimes it is quite steep up the mountain; one follows the former road of charcoal burners and forest workers. Depending on your fitness level and breaks, you can calculate 3 to 4 hours for the round.

The circular route H4 requires a walking time of around 4 hours. In principle, the hike can be started at any point. Part of the route is relaxed on level paths along the Ruhr to the southern end of the Hengstesees lake. Highlights along the route are the Schiffswinkel, the Hengsteysee, the Mühlenteich, the Harkortsee and the Koepchenwerk. The viaduct, which marks the landmark of the city of Herdecke and was completed in 1878, can also be admired.

Accessible by train / bus