Summary of Attractions in Herne
In the heart of the Ruhr region, situated between Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, Herne may initially appear as an ordinary city. However, there is significantly more to explore than meets the eye. The timing of your visit plays a crucial role; for instance, if you arrive at the beginning of August, you will find yourself immersed in the festivities and excitement of the Cranger Kirmes, recognized as the largest Volksfest in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Throughout the year, cultural activities thrive at venues that were once industrial sites, and a remarkable museum dedicated to the science of archaeology awaits visitors. The most ancient structure in Herne is the Renaissance moated castle, housing two museums—one focused on art and the other detailing the city’s history.
Below are some of the top attractions in Herne:
1. Cranger Kirmes
Drawing approximately four million visitors annually, North Rhine-Westphalia’s premier folk festival takes place in Herne over a span of ten days each August.
This long-standing tradition, with origins dating back 600 years, initially served as a fair for selling horses bred in the Riparian forest along the Emscher River.
As time progressed, the horse market integrated a variety of entertainment options, including jesters and fortune-tellers.
Ultimately, the entertainment eclipsed the horse sales, with the last horse sold over 150 years ago.
With 500 attractions, the festival features beer halls and a myriad of amusement rides, such as Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and carousels.
Food plays a central role in the celebrations, showcasing an abundance of stalls offering roasted almonds and grilled bratwurst.
2. LWL-Museum für Archäologie
This regional museum chronicles daily life spanning 250,000 years up to the present day, allowing visitors to step into the role of an archaeologist.
The permanent exhibition features a footbridge guiding a chronological journey as if one is observing a dig.
The exhibit includes reconstructed Neanderthal caves, Bronze Age burial sites, and Egyptian tombs.
Utilizing environmental effects, the museum enables guests to experience the coldness of the Ice Age, listen to the chaos of battles between Franconia and Saxony, and detect the odors associated with the Middle Ages.
The research laboratory demonstrates how scientists analyze and interpret historical clues, utilizing a combination of chemistry, medical knowledge, and historical context to examine burial practices.
3. Künstlerzeche Unser Fritz 2/3
From 1871 to 1929, this ensemble of historic brick buildings served as a colliery and washery.
In 1972, an artists’ collective acquired the mine and repurposed the structures into studios, exhibition spaces, and a venue for live music.
The center remains vibrant today, welcoming visitors on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Even if there isn’t a specific event of interest, the site is worth a visit for its stunning industrial architecture.
4. Schloss Strünkede
This magnificent moated castle, located near the city center, was first documented in 1243 and served as the residence of the von Strünkede family for 600 years.
The castle functioned defensively until the close of the 16th century when it was transformed into a Renaissance palace.
Today, it stands as one of the most beautiful historic properties in the Ruhr, enhanced by a Gothic chapel constructed by Bernd von Strünkede in 1272. Since 1944, the castle has belonged to Herne, with an exhibition inside as part of the Emschertal Museum illustrating the city’s history from the era of the Neanderthals to industrialization.
Notable curiosities on display include a mammoth bone and Renaissance sculptures from the tombs of Jobst and Hendrika von Strünkede, who lived in the 16th century.
5. Städtische Galerie im Schlosspark Strünkede
Housed in an elegant Wilhelmine villa located on the castle grounds, this branch of the Emschertal Museum features remarkable prints and drawings, showcasing works by some of the 20th century’s most notable artists.
The gallery boasts 100 lithographs by Salvador Dalí, alongside prints and drawings from renowned figures like Max Ernst, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Georges Braque, and Pierre Soulages.
In the 1990s, the museum also acquired a selection of drawings by distinguished contemporary artists, including Joseph Beuys, Emil Schumacher, Georg Meistermann, and the ZERO Group.
6. Gysenbergpark
For families in Herne seeking to unwind and enjoy the outdoors, Gysenbergpark is an expansive 31-hectare green space inaugurated in 1970. Located in the southern district of Sodingen, this park was previously utilized for agricultural purposes.
The park features a small animal enclosure with Central European species, a petting zoo, a miniature golf course, a miniature railway operating throughout the year, an ice-skating rink, and the LAGO pool complex.
The vast array of sports activities available is substantial, and visitors can also hire pedal boats on the park’s pond during the summer months.
7. LAGO
Regardless of the season, the LAGO bathing and spa center is an attractive destination.
LAGO comprises three distinct “worlds”: Wasserwelt, Solewelt, and Saunawelt.
The family-friendly Wasserwelt features an indoor wave pool maintained at 27°C, in addition to an outdoor pool and a 112-meter-long slide.
Solewelt, or Salt World, provides a more soothing atmosphere with an indoor brine pool maintained at 34°C, a 3% salt concentration, and smaller outdoor pools and jacuzzis equipped with massage jets.
Lastly, Saunawelt encompasses 10,000 square meters dedicated to saunas and steam rooms, with gender-segregated areas complemented by a communal space.
8. Flottmann Hallen
This row of Art Nouveau halls represents another facet of Herne’s mining history.
Between 1908 and 1983, this site was where the first compressed air hammer drills were fabricated for use in mines.
Following the factory’s closure in 1983, most of its buildings were razed, leaving only the exhibition halls and the blacksmith and locksmith workshops.
What was once an industrial pioneer has evolved into a venue for art exhibitions, while the surrounding 11 hectares of rolling meadows have gradually transformed into a contemporary sculpture garden.
9. Opel Museum Herne
Located in a 2,500-square-meter facility at Riemker Straße 22, this museum is dedicated to the German automotive manufacturer Opel.
Although not an official heritage site, the collection was initiated in 1990 by mechanical engineer Hilmar Born.
While Opel is historically linked to automobile production, for the initial decades of the 20th century, the brand also manufactured baby strollers, refrigerators, sewing machines, and bicycles.
These items, alongside approximately 50 vintage cars, are meticulously preserved for visitors to explore.
Guests can observe the museum’s mechanic at work, ensuring the vehicles remain in excellent condition.
10. Zechensiedlung Teutoburgia
One fascinating aspect of the Ruhr’s industrial heritage is how the region addressed the influx of workers during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Settlements such as Teutoburgia, located in Herne’s Börnig district, emerged as a solution.
Designed according to Ebenezer Howard’s garden city concept, these neighborhoods featured expansive gardens both front and back, along with accessible public parks.
The homes exhibit a Romantic historical style, characterized by mock timbering, with many still inhabited by descendants of miners.
Situated on the northern edge of the settlement are the remnants of the local colliery, which now serve as a park featuring a headframe that stands as a monument, visible for miles, especially when illuminated at night.
11. Mondpalast
Referred to as Germany’s largest folk theater, the Mondpalast specializes in comedies and was established in 2005. The venue, constructed in 1911, is an exemplary representation of Wilhelmine architectural style.
The Mondpalast is an ideal location for those wishing to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the Ruhr, especially if you have proficiency in the German language and local expressions.
With an extensive repertoire of performances, the most popular and long-running show is “Ronaldo & Julia.”
This comedic interpretation of “Romeo and Juliet” features star-crossed lovers from rival families, one supporting Borussia Dortmund and the other championing their adversaries, Schalke 04.
12. Halde Pluto
Across the Ruhr area, slag heaps adjacent to former mines have been reclaimed by nature, transforming into areas for fresh air and recreation.
In September 2014, a new set of stairs and an observation platform were established on Halde Pluto.
This vantage point allows guests to ascend 40 steps for a panoramic view of the Ruhr region from a height of 75 meters.
One notable sight is the mine that produced this heap, providing a clear view of the mine’s enormous headframe.
Moreover, further afield, one can spot Essen’s town hall and the Zeche Consol in Gelsenkirchen.
13. Bahnhofstrasse
Running through the center of Herne’s pedestrian zone and extending to Schloss Strünkede, Bahnhofstrasse is the city’s most vibrant thoroughfare.
Numerous international fashion retailers, including H&M and C&A, line the street, interspersed with cafes, fast-food outlets, and more upscale dining establishments.
A branch of the German department store Karstadt and a small shopping center, City Center, are also located along this bustling street.
Notably, the buildings along Bahnhofstrasse feature original Art Nouveau or Historicist architecture that survived the war.
14. Day Trips
A significant advantage of being situated within the densely populated Ruhr area is the abundance of sights and activities in virtually any direction.
In approximately 15 minutes, one can reach Dortmund, home to the massive Signal Iduna Park football stadium, an unparalleled sporting venue.
For those interested in football, the newly established German Football Museum provides comprehensive insights into the German national team and domestic giants.
Additionally, a substantial industrial museum awaits exploration: The Ruhr’s most renowned monument is the UNESCO-listed mining complex at Zeche Zollverein, located approximately 15 kilometers west of Herne, beyond Gelsenkirchen.
15. Christmas Market
Herne’s Christmas market imbues the cold winter months with joyous festivities.
Located on Robert-Brauner-Platz, Herne’s market opens earlier than most in Germany, running from mid-November until December 23rd.
A charming collection of wooden stalls appears on the square, highlighted by an eight-meter-tall tree made of 150 pines, adorned with a magical canopy of lights.
Two large tents in the market offer handcrafted goods, jams, and pastries, with proceeds benefiting charities in the Amazon region.
As is tradition, one of the market’s highlights is its delectable food offerings, featuring popular treats such as roasted almonds, bratwurst, and chocolate-covered fruits.
