Things To Do in Hagen

About

Hagen is the 4th largest city in Germany, with a population of over 180,000 with nearly 70,000 being university students.  The University of Hagen, the largest and only state-funded distance education university in Germany can be found here in Hagen. If you are a college student, Hagen, Germany is one of the best solo travel destinations. Located in the North Rhine-Westphalia, Hagen, Germany, is characterized by its rolling green hills, lush forests, and sprawling public gardens and parks. There are also several rivers that run through the city giving it the perfect mixture of big city feel and natural beauty. Anyone who finds themselves in Hagen, Germany is in for a special experience. Museums, good food, more nature than most cities, for example, Hagen is almost 50% covered in forest and trees, with some gorgeous hiking trails. Hagen is known for its delicious fresh bread, so follow your nose to one of the many bakeries that make fresh bread daily. Bite into some fresh german bread as you meander through the streets.

History and Culture

The area of Hagen has been populated as early as 1200 and was originally thought to have been the name of a single-family farm set on the corner of the Volme and the Ennepe Rivers. The farm grew to include more homes and farms. As the area began to grow more, it changed hands a couple of times before becoming part of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1701.  Under the Prussian rule, Hagen experienced a boom during an industrial rise of coal and steel during the 19th century. In 1920, a far-right group tried to overthrow the government and restore the monarchy. In response, thousands of leftists and workers got involved and were called the Red Ruhr Army and nearly 1,000 of these workers were killed by the end of the protest. However, by the end of the 1920s, the area had developed into a city with a population of nearly 100,000. During WWll, Hagen was bombed and raided and suffered extensive damage. After the war, Hagen was adopted into Germany. Officially known as North Rhine-Westphalia in the Federal Republic of Germany, it is now typically referred to as West Germany.  After the war, the city was rebuilt in a more modern style, taking advantage of the landscape by adding various natural parks, theaters, museums, and recreation areas. There are historical monuments, castles, museums, and even some ancient ruins scattered throughout the city and surrounding countryside, making it one of the best solo trips you can have in Germany.

Today, the city still has a huge part in industrial engineering, textiles, agriculture as well as technology, education, and banking. Since it was founded, Hagen has had numerous famous musicians, artists, architects, writers, and explorers contribute to the world we all now live in. There are also 4 UNESCO world heritage sites within the city and surrounding area. Hagen is home to amazing restaurants, pubs, and various museums and is one of the best solo travel destinations.

Things To Do in Hagen

Westphalian Open-Air Museum

One of the biggest historical attractions in the city is the Hagen Westphalian Open-Air Museum. The museum has been open to the public since 1970 and during the summer months, you can take a step back in time and experience what Hagen used to be like. The museum acts as a traditional style working village where you can watch blacksmiths, bakers, and leather tanners working in classic half-timbered workshops. At times you can even try your hand at one of these skills trades. You can even have a traditional meal as well as buy the goods that you have watched being made. If you are in Hagen during Christmas, this is the site of an epic Christmas market. Locals and visitors from the surrounding towns as well as other countries mingle and celebrate the Christmas holiday.

Hagen Theatre

Standing since 1911, this theater is an impressive, beautiful building in the Art Nouveau style. Over 180,000 people a year, from near and far, come to enjoy a show in the famous Hagen Theater. They have a diversity of shows throughout the year including plays, concerts, operas, dance recitals, and ballets. The theater is popular with tourists and locals, especially during Christmas where they put on a lot of family-friendly shows. Another popular sight at the Hagen Theater is the four statues that overlook the entrance. These statues were modeled after favorite people of the infamous sculptor Mlly Steger.

Hengsteysee

Along the Ruhr River is a water reservoir called Hengsteysee, also known as Lake Hengstey. It was built in 1929 and is 1 of 5 reservoirs along the river used as a treatment plant to clean the river.  The reservoir still serves an important function today and has made the area a popular spot to visit during warmer months and on sunny days. Watersports are super popular and you can do such things as kayaking and paddleboarding, fishing, sailing and you can even rent paddle boats! The surrounding area is perfect for families, couples or anyone who loves solo trips. The gorgeous Ardey Mountains surround the lake on one side and there is a path that goes around the lake and is perfect for bikers and walkers where you can find a quiet bench or a quaint cafe to stop and relax at.

Wasserschloss Werdringen

This moated castle was built in the 13th century and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and historical monuments. It is now a museum that is open to the public featuring local artifacts like stone-age tools, fossils, and super ancient human remains. The moat around Wasserschloss Werdringen is home to various rare and exotic amphibious plants and animals like various species of dragonflies including some of the largest in Central Europe. The area surrounding the castle is historically important and several fossils and ancient tools and swords have been found in the area and are on display in the museum.

Hohensyburg

The Sigiburg ruins were once part of the Hohensyburg Castle which was strategically placed on a high hill overlooking the river and surrounding areas. The site of the ruins now provides an excellent view of the surrounding area as well as across the river. The original fort that was built here played a huge role in the Saxon Wars and switched hands when it was taken by Charlemagne, back to the Saxons and once again back to Chalemagne in 775.

The ruins and statues that stand there today is a monument to the brutal past of this area. Throughout the site you can see different testaments to the different time periods. Hohensyburg is a popular destination with tourists, both for its historical significance as well as its beautiful lookout.

Hohelimburg Castle

Hohelimburg Castle is a lovely place to stop if you have any interest in history. The castle dates back to 1225 and has suffered some damages due to wars and even a lighting strike but has been restored several times. As you walk around the castle you will get a good feel of what it was like to live in the 17th century. The castle today has been converted into a museum with interesting artifacts, and tools found or made in the local town. The castle even reportedly is home to a few different ghosts and spirits that have died or been murdered on the property. One of the most popular things to see in the castle is a mummified black hand. The legend behind the hand is that a little boy had stolen something and thus had his hand chopped off and displayed as a reminder for everyone to see. From the castle you can see a birds eye view of the beautiful countryside.

Osthaus Museum

The Osthaus Museum is a gorgeous art museum open to the public for many years and the building has been restored to a beautiful example of architecture. The art museum is open 6 days a week and features Art Nouveau and expressionism art. Osthaus Museum also has collections by local artists like Christian Rohlfs, Emil Schumacher and Hernam de Vries. Osthaus Museum is also home to a section of the museum of Jurassic Technology.

Hohenhof

This beautiful family home was built in 1908 in a Art Nouveau style and has since been turned into a museum after the original owner passed away. Sometimes referred to as The Grand Tour of Modernism, the walls of this museum are covered in paintings and the home was designed by room for the entire house to be seen as one big piece of art.

How to get to Hagen

By Air: The closest major airport to Hagen is Dusseldorf (DUS). The airport has international arrivals and departures and just like other major airports, once you’ve landed you can find cabs, buses, private transportation, or Uber to your final destination.

By Train: While there is no direct train into Hagen, you can get there with several transfers via the Dortmund central station.