Best attractions and places to see around Wetter (Ruhr) include a diverse range of natural and historical sites along the Ruhr River in North Rhine-Westphalia. The area features several lakes, such as Harkortsee and Kemnade, alongside the Ardeygebirge hills, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Historical landmarks like the Burgruine Alt-Wetter and Harkort-Tower offer insights into the region's past and panoramic views. Wetter (Ruhr) combines natural landscapes with historical significance, making it suitable for exploration.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
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The only Ruhr ferry. There is no fare, just a donation box. You can even use PayPal. Is a great project. So don't be stingy.
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It's simply wonderful there. The water levels are beautiful to look at and the sound is incredibly calming. It's also a bit cooler there than in the surrounding area because of the spray.
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We parked our car above the Schulenberg tunnel, after which we had a little trouble finding the entrance to the Schulenberg tunnel. We had to go through the forest above the tunnel to get to the tunnel. I therefore recommend driving through the residential area onto the route and then driving through the tunnel 😅.
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If the cattle are in the way, it is better to turn off the gas, especially if there are calves around ...
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It's great that the old railway lines are being expanded and the tunnels are also being used. This saves you a number of extensive bypasses, especially in the hilly Wuppertal.
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The Hardenstein Ruhr Valley Ferry also crosses the Ruhr at the castle ruins of the same name. The crossing takes only a few minutes, but is still a highlight for any cyclist. The crossing is technically free. However, there are money boxes on the ferry itself, and you can deposit some change. The motto: Pay what it's worth to you.
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The ferry is funded by donations and takes you comfortably and quickly from one side of the bank to the other (what a surprise!). The way around is something around 2 kilometers along a main road. Well, now it's clear why the ferry is a highlight, right?
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Lake Kemnader lies between Witten and Bochum and is a popular local recreation area. Unfortunately, when the weather is nice, it is completely overflowing, which has led to the fact that there are now three paved lanes: for pedestrians, for inline skaters and for cyclists. In the area of gastronomy there are two or three good places to stop. A lap around the reservoir is about 10-12 km.
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Wetter (Ruhr) offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly around its lakes and rivers. You can enjoy walking, cycling, inline skating, and water sports like canoeing and sailing on Harkortsee. The Lake Kemnade is also popular for its paved paths, ideal for pedestrians, inline skaters, and cyclists, with a loop of approximately 10 km. The Ruhr weir and towpath in Hattingen provides a flat, scenic route perfect for cycling and walking, connecting to larger lakes.
Yes, Wetter (Ruhr) is rich in historical sites. You can visit the Hardenstein Ruhr Valley Ferry, which crosses the Ruhr near the ruins of Hardenstein Castle, and explore the nearby Muttental valley, an early coal mining area. Other notable historical sites include the Burgruine Alt-Wetter, dating back to the 13th century, and the Burgruine Volmarstein, a hilltop castle from around 1100 overlooking the Ruhr Valley. The Harkort-Tower on Harkortberg also offers panoramic views and commemorates industrial pioneer Friedrich Harkort.
Many attractions in Wetter (Ruhr) are suitable for families. The paved paths around Lake Kemnade and the Ruhr weir and towpath in Hattingen are excellent for family walks and bike rides. The passenger ship MS Harkort on Harkortsee is also a fun experience for all ages. Additionally, the Schulenberg Tunnel, part of a cycle route, offers an interesting and easy path for cyclists.
For excellent views, head to Harkortberg, where the Harkort-Tower provides panoramic vistas over Harkortsee and towards the Sauerland. The Ardeygebirge also offers extensive walking tours with scenic outlooks. The Ruhr Waterfalls at Hattingen, while not a viewpoint in the traditional sense, offer a beautiful backdrop and a peaceful spot to enjoy the rushing water.
Absolutely. The region around Wetter (Ruhr) is crisscrossed with trails. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Coal Railway Trail' or the 'Ruhr floodplains near Wetter (Ruhr) – View of the Elbsche Valley loop'. Hikers can enjoy trails such as 'View of Lake Harkort – Herdecke Railway Viaduct loop'. You can find more detailed routes and guides for cycling and running around Wetter (Ruhr) on komoot.
The summer months are particularly well-suited for outdoor activities in Wetter (Ruhr), especially for water sports on Harkortsee and cycling along the Ruhr River. However, the extensive walking and cycling trails, such as those around Lake Kemnade, are enjoyable throughout spring and autumn as well, offering beautiful seasonal scenery.
Yes, Wetter (Ruhr) has unique cultural offerings. The Henriette Davidis Museum in Wengern is dedicated to Germany's most famous cookbook author. The Bürgerhaus "Villa Vorsteher," a stately home from the 1890s, now hosts public events and its park-like garden is freely accessible. You can also experience a historical train journey through the "cradle of the Ruhr area" on the Ruhrtalbahn.
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and the well-maintained paths for outdoor activities. The flat and scenic routes along the Ruhr, like the Ruhr weir and towpath in Hattingen, are highly appreciated for their ease of access and connection to other lakes. The peaceful mornings around Lake Kemnade are often highlighted for their tranquility and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Yes, the region offers several easy and flat walking options. The Ruhr weir and towpath in Hattingen is particularly suitable, offering a flat route with places to rest. The paved paths around Harkortsee and Lake Kemnade are also excellent for easy strolls, providing accessible surfaces for pedestrians and inline skaters.
Wetter (Ruhr) has strong ties to industrial heritage. The Harkort-Tower, while offering views, also commemorates Friedrich Harkort, an industrial pioneer. The Burgruine Alt-Wetter was even used by Harkort for his mechanical workshops. The Schulenberg Tunnel is an old railway tunnel that was part of the coal railway, showcasing the region's mining past. The Ruhrtalbahn also provides a historical train journey through the industrial heartland.
Yes, a unique way to cross the Ruhr River is by taking the Hardenstein Ruhr Valley Ferry. This electric ferry operates near the Hardenstein Castle ruins and offers a quick and distinctive river crossing experience, connecting different parts of the river's trail network.


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