The best walks and hikes in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis

Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque river valleys. You'll find varied terrain, from gentle paths along waterways like the Ruhr to more challenging routes through wooded, hilly areas. The region's natural features include idyllic river landscapes, extensive forests such as the Homert Nature Park, and several reservoirs like the Glör reservoir and Lake Kemnade.

Yes, Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis caters to hikers of all abilities. The region offers a wide range of trails, from easy walks suitable for families to more challenging moderate routes. For instance, the Bergbauwanderweg Muttental M2 is an easy trail exploring historic mining landscapes, while routes like the View of the Ruhr Valley – View of Deibachtal loop from Am Nockenberg offer a more moderate challenge with significant elevation changes.

Hikers can enjoy a variety of natural features, including the idyllic Ruhr River landscapes, such as the Ruhr Waterfalls at Hattingen and the Ruhr weir and towpath in Hattingen. The region also boasts dense forests, rolling hills, and beautiful bodies of water like the Glör reservoir and Lake Kemnade.

Yes, several trails pass by interesting landmarks. You can explore historic industrial monuments, such as those along the RuhrtalRadweg, or discover the majestic Ruhr Viaduct in Herdecke. The Bergbauwanderweg Muttental M2 specifically highlights historic mining landscapes. Additionally, you might encounter the Schulenberg Tunnel on rail trails or enjoy views of the Hasper Dam on routes like the Hasper Dam – View of the Hasper Reservoir loop from Bilstein.

Spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons for hiking in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis. During these times, the weather is mild, and the natural colors are particularly vibrant, offering a picturesque backdrop for your adventures. However, the diverse trails can be enjoyed year-round, with winter offering its own unique charm.

While spring and autumn are popular, Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis also offers opportunities for winter hiking. The region's dense forests and rolling hills can be particularly beautiful under a blanket of snow. Trails like the Herdecke Promenade on the Ruhr River – Lake Harkort loop from Wetter (Ruhr), which are relatively flat, can be pleasant for winter walks, but always check local conditions before heading out.

Yes, many of the hiking routes in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis are designed as circular paths, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Felderbachtal Nature Reserve – Felderbach Valley Nature Reserve loop from Felderbachtal and the Muttenbach Trail – Muttenbach Stream loop from Witten Hbf, which are popular choices among local hikers.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 41,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, the blend of natural beauty with historic sites, and the variety of trails suitable for different fitness levels. The idyllic river landscapes and dense forests are frequently highlighted as favorite aspects.

Yes, the forested areas and natural reserves of Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis are home to a variety of wildlife. Hikers might spot deer, boars, and foxes, as well as various bird species including eagles, owls, and woodpeckers, especially in quieter, more secluded parts of the trails.

Absolutely. The region is dotted with beautiful bodies of water. For example, the Hasper Dam – View of the Hasper Reservoir loop from Bilstein offers views of the Hasper Reservoir. The Glör reservoir is another highlight where bathing is permitted, and Lake Kemnade is a popular destination with scenic paths.

While many routes are shorter, the Ennepe-Ruhr Panorama Trail is an approximately 70-kilometer trail that winds through the district's charming landscape, allowing hikers to explore historic towns such as Hattingen and Schwelm. This offers a great option for those looking for a multi-day or longer-distance hiking experience.

Yes, several trails offer stunning vistas of the Ruhr Valley. The View of the Ruhr Valley – View of Deibachtal loop from Am Nockenberg is specifically named for its views. Another excellent option is the View of the Ruhr Valley – Elfringhauser Schweiz Meadow loop from Deilbachtal, which provides picturesque scenery.