Summary
In the earlier stages of industrialization, Iserlohn emerged as the largest city in Westphalia. The city experienced significant growth due to a flourishing metalworking industry that dates back to its founding in the Middle Ages, where wire-drawing techniques were utilized by armament craftsmen to produce chainmail. However, it truly gained traction in the 1700s, and today, several historical workshops invite visitors to explore this time-honored craft.
The picturesque landscape surrounding Iserlohn is located in the northwestern section of the Sauerland region. There is a hiking trail themed around metalworking, as well as one of Germany’s most frequented show caves, notable for its extravagant stalagmites and stalactites.
Let us delve into the premier activities available in Iserlohn:
1. Dechen Cave
Recognized as one of Germany’s leading show caves, the Dechen Cave was uncovered in 1868 by two railway workers who discovered the site after one of them dropped a hammer into a fissure and ventured to retrieve it.
Visitors can traverse over 400 meters of pathways that introduce them to an extraordinary realm filled with towering stalagmites, stalactites, and other limestone formations.
A decade ago, a German Cave Museum was inaugurated within the historic railway station structure, featuring cave fish in aquariums, reproductions of cave paintings from around Europe, along with significant artifacts from Dechen Cave, such as the skull of a prehistoric rhinoceros.
Since the Dechen Cave was under the ownership of the railway company for its first century, a station was constructed at the entrance, facilitating access via line RE 16 or RB 91.
2. Danzturm
Situated in the Iserlohner Stadtwald (City Forest) in the southern part of the Sauerland region, this telegraph station, constructed in 1909, is positioned atop the 385-meter Fröndenberg hill.
Designed in a captivating Neo-Renaissance architectural style, the tower swiftly became one of Iserlohn’s landmarks, enduring both World Wars without sustaining damage.
A restaurant located in the newer building below grants access to the observation platform of the tower when it is operational.
This platform is 28 meters above ground and requires climbing 100 steps; on clear days, you can view the skylines of Dortmund, Unna, and Hamm on the horizon.
3. Historische Fabrikanlage Maste-Barendorf
Located just north of Iserlohn, this charming early industrial settlement features a historical needle factory composed of ten half-timbered structures dating back to the early 19th century, built around a brass rolling mill established by the manufacturers Duncker und Maste.
The inaugural facility here was the water-powered rolling mill, which was subsequently augmented by workshops for casting, tamping, soldering, wire-drawing, and an iron foundry.
Among the items manufactured at Maste-Barendorf were needles, nails, furniture and door fittings, candlesticks, and small bells for tables and sleighs.
In 1987, the site was transformed into a museum that preserves the rich metalworking legacy of Iserlohn.
4. Sauerlandpark Hemer
A brief ten-minute journey leads to this family-oriented park in the neighboring town of Hemer, which hosted the Landesgartenschau (State Garden Show) in 2010. Most of the attractions established for the event have been maintained, including a “garden of the senses” featuring various scents, a maze, an expansive formal themed garden, and a rose garden.
Visitors should also make the ascent to Jübergturm, a striking 23.5-meter observation tower, which has become a new emblem for the town.
Adjacent to the new Grohe Forum event hall is the “Himmelsspiegel” (Sky Mirror), an 850-square meter water basin reflecting the sky, where children can enjoy splashing around on warm days.
5. Marienkirche
This beloved 14th-century church in Iserlohn is characterized by its pristine whitewashed exterior.
As the largest Protestant church in the city, this multi-nave hall church houses historic artwork that warrants closer examination.
Inside the choir, you will find intricately carved Gothic wooden stalls, complemented by a magnificent sedilia (row of stone seats) adorned with tracery on the south side.
However, the standout feature is the 15th-century Flemish winged altarpiece, which includes figures of 18 saints within small niches and eight painted panels that depict scenes from the life of Mary.
6. Seilersee
This reservoir located just outside the city serves as a popular recreational area throughout both summer and winter.
During warmer months, visitors can rent pedal or row boats from the small boathouse, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore path, which includes a visit to the aviary featuring exotic birds.
In winter, the lake often freezes over for extended periods, offering families the opportunity to ice skate during weekends.
From the water’s edge, you can access a hiking trail that leads into the Seilerwald forest, stretching several kilometers to the north and east.
A notable route is A1, which has been plotted and maintained by the Sauerländischer Gebirgsverein (Sauerland Mountain Association).
7. Bismarckturm
A potential walking route in the Seilerwald includes the invigorating climb to the memorial tower dedicated to Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of Germany and a pivotal figure in the nation’s unification.
This tower is located at the summit of the Seilerkuppe hill, over 130 meters above the reservoir.
Construction of the Bismarckturm commenced shortly after the onset of the First World War, culminating in its inauguration in 1915, which coincided with Bismarck’s centenary.
The city owns the tower, and visitors can ascend the 57 steps to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Seilerwald.
8. St.-Pankratius-Kirche
Iserlohn’s oldest surviving structure is rooted in a 10th-century Romanesque basilica.
Initially, the church’s 60-meter tower served a defensive function, explaining its lack of decorative features.
During the Late Middle Ages, the church was redesigned in a Gothic manner, expanding the choir and installing tracery windows.
On the tower and within the north aisle, you can observe the older semi-circular windows, which are remnants of the original basilica.
The altar piece and tabernacle are characteristic of the Gothic style, while the pulpit reflects Baroque influences and dates back to the 1700s.
9. Stadtmuseum Iserlohn
Housed in an 18th-century Baroque townhouse, the city museum is renowned in the region and is part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage, focusing on Iserlohn’s early metalworking history.
Within the basement vaults, visitors can explore artifacts from prehistoric eras, including stone tools and bones of ancient creatures.
Additionally, the museum features a captivating exhibition on medieval wire-drawing, which was vital for crafting chainmail.
Visitors can also experience wearing a coat of chainmail to understand the challenges faced by medieval soldiers.
Other exhibits include examples of Iserlohn boxes, engraved copper or brass tobacco containers, and insights into the iron and zinc ore that fueled Iserlohn’s mills.
Lastly, there is a display regarding the Iserlohner Rebellion of 1849, which saw a democratic uprising suppressed by Prussian forces, resulting in approximately 100 fatalities.
10. Villa Wessel
For those inclined to take a stroll, following Gartenstraße will lead you from the old city center to an upscale suburb that once catered to Iserlohn’s 19th-century bourgeoisie.
Among the rows of impressive historicist mansions lies Villa Wessel, which was constructed on a balustraded terrace in the 1890s for industrialist Otto Auer.
In the 20th century, it became the residence of artist couple Wilhelm Wessel and Irmgart Wessel-Zemloh.
Upon their passing, the villa transitioned to an art association that organizes temporary exhibitions focused on modern and contemporary art.
Since 1991, renowned works from esteemed artists of the last century have been showcased on the ground floor, featuring names such as Käthe Kollwitz, Otto Dix, Georg Baselitz, Alexej von Jawlensky, Jaume Plensa, and Pablo Picasso.
11. Schillerplatz
To establish your bearings in Iserlohn, Schillerplatz is the optimal location to visit as it houses the town hall.
From this central point, you will find yourself mere moments away from the high-street shops in Iserlohn, including a branch of the department store Karstadt conveniently situated right on the square.
The Sparkasse savings bank building to the west also regularly hosts art exhibitions.
The most favorable times to visit Schillerplatz are Wednesday or Saturday mornings when the market is bustling with vendors selling flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheese, and handmade textiles.
If you are seeking authentic local fare in Iserlohn, consider purchasing some local mustard (Thomas Senf).
12. Drahthandelsweg
Beginning in Iserlohn, a 32-kilometer hiking trail winds southward toward the town of Lüdenscheid.
This path is rich in historical significance, as it traces a medieval trade route across the Sauerland mountains that was utilized for the transport of wire and other metallic items.
This undulating trail guides you past old rolling mills and ore mines.
Throughout the route, there are 25 informative panels detailing the legacy of the wire trade and the history of various sites.
Dedicated hikers may choose to acquire a hiking book that can be stamped at inns along the way to earn a commemorative pin upon completion of the hike in Lüdenscheid.
13. Iserlohner Museum für Handwerk und Postgeschichte
This intimate museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday afternoons, offering further insight into traditional crafts from Iserlohn.
The establishment itself is a charming half-timbered rolling mill from the 1800s.
Exhibits include tools, photographs, and documents, alongside products from 20 distinct trades in Iserlohn, spanning from armorers who crafted chainmail to masons, carpenters, and goldsmiths producing intricate filigree.
In the late 90s, Iserlohn’s historic postal collection was relocated to this site.
This collection chronicles 250 years of postal service in Iserlohn, featuring six rooms filled with artifacts that document the service’s technological progress.
A number of in-depth displays focus on prominent figures such as Heinrich von Stephan, who served as the general post director for the German Empire.
14. Radweg Menden-Hemer
In the wake of urban revitalization initiatives during Hemer’s hosting of the Landesgartenschau in 2010, one notable project involved transforming an old, unused railway line connecting Iserlohn, Hemer, and Menden into a paved pathway.
This now allows for a scenic three-kilometer ride into Hemer, immersing riders in the captivating Sauerland countryside along the way.
Along the route, you will encounter impressive industrial monuments, lush gardens, forests, and meadows.
The most picturesque section is near the Obere Mühle (Upper Mill), where one can enjoy breathtaking views of Iserlohn.
15. Schützenfest
Iserlohn proudly upholds a long-standing tradition of Schützenvereinen, or competitive shooting clubs.
These organizations are prevalent across Germany, many having originated centuries ago as local militias.
Every July, the Iserlohner Bürgerschützenverein (IBSV) organizes the largest folk festival in South Westphalia, which spans a long weekend filled with ceremonies, parades in full regalia, and target shooting competitions, drawing up to 50,000 spectators.
The festival also features live music and activities at the fairgrounds in Alexanderhöhe, along with a solemn procession through the city on Saturday morning.
