Hagen Travel Guide (Ruhr/North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany/Central Europe/Europe)

Introduction to Hagen

Hagen is a city located in the region of Ruhr in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The city, which has a population of around 200,000, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Hagen offers visitors a variety of attractions, including museums, galleries, and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore some of the best things to do in Hagen, as well as the city’s rich culture and customs.

List of Places to Visit in Hagen

Hagen has a lot to offer visitors, ranging from culturally significant attractions to natural wonders. Here are some of the must-visit places in the city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Osthaus Museum - This museum, which features modern art and design, was named after its founder, Karl Ernst Osthaus, and is one of the most popular cultural institutions in the city.
Emil Schumacher Museum - This museum contains a collection of works by the artist Emil Schumacher, a native of Hagen known for his abstract expressionist style.
Hagen Open-Air Museum - This museum offers a glimpse into the region’s rural history, with reconstructed houses and buildings from different historical periods.
Hohenhof Villa - Built by Heinrich Ernst in the Art Nouveau style, this villa is a fine example of early 20th-century architecture.

Natural Attractions of Hagen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hagen Westfalenpark - This park is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as jogging, picnicking, and relaxing in the greenery.
Lenne River - The Lenne River, which runs through Hagen, offers visitors the chance to enjoy scenic views while walking, hiking, or biking along its trails.
Ischeland Lake - This lake is located in Hagen’s western suburbs and offers opportunities for water sports and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hagen

Hagen is known for its scenic hiking and biking trails. Some of the popular routes include:

Kohlenbahntrasse - This 14-kilometer trail follows the former tracks of the city’s coal train routes.
RuhrtalRadweg - This 240-kilometer trail follows the banks of the Ruhr River and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Harkortsee-Runde - This 10-kilometer circular trail takes visitors around Harkortsee Lake and provides stunning views of the city.

Best Things to Do in Hagen: Activities and Tours

Explore Hagen’s Street Art Scene - Hagen has a thriving street art scene, with murals and graffiti decorating the city’s walls. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of some of the most impressive works.
Visit the Hagen Zoo - The Hagen Zoo is home to a wide variety of exotic and domestic animals and is a popular destination for families.
Attend a Concert at the Stadttheater Hagen - This historic theater hosts a wide variety of concerts, plays, and operas throughout the year.
Shop at the Wochenmarkt - This weekly market, held on Saturdays in Hagen’s city center, offers a range of local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hagen

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Hagen, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit the Osthaus Museum
Day 2	Take a hike along the Kohlenbahntrasse
Day 3	Explore the Hagen Open-Air Museum
Day 4	Visit the Emil Schumacher Museum
Day 5	Go for a bike ride along the RuhrtalRadweg
Day 6	Relax at Hagen Westfalenpark
Day 7	Visit the Hohenhof Villa

Food and Drink Scene of Hagen

Hagen’s food and drink scene offers a range of traditional and modern offerings. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

Himmel und Erde - This dish, which translates to “Heaven and Earth,” is made with mashed potatoes, apples, and black pudding.
Rindfleisch Eintopf - This hearty stew, made with beef and vegetables, is a popular dish in the region.
Pfefferpotthast - This spicy beef stew is a traditional dish of the Ruhr region.

Local Beverages

Altbier - Altbier is a dark, malty beer that originated in the neighboring city of Dusseldorf and is popular in Hagen.
Korn - This distilled spirit is made from rye and is a popular local drink.

Where to Stay in Hagen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hagen offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city.

Arcadeon Hotel Hagen - This modern hotel is located near the city center and offers free Wi-Fi and a fitness center.
Gasthof Gladbeck - This family-run guesthouse is located in Hagen’s western suburbs and offers traditional German hospitality.
DJH Jugendherberge Hagen - This youth hostel is located near Hagen’s city center and offers affordable accommodation for travelers on a budget.

What to Buy in Hagen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Hagen can bring home a range of souvenirs and local products, including:

Beer Steins - Traditional German beer steins are a popular souvenir choice.
Schnapps - Locally produced schnapps can be found at specialty shops and markets in the city.
Crafts and Artwork - Hagen’s local artists and craftspeople produce a range of unique items, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Hagen

Hagen’s culture and customs are shaped by its history and geography. Visitors to the city should be aware of the following:

Punctuality - Germans value punctuality and expect others to be on time for appointments and meetings.
Recycling - Recycling is taken seriously in Germany, and visitors should be sure to sort their waste accordingly.
Silence in Public Spaces - Germans value quiet in public spaces, and loud or boisterous behavior may be viewed as rude.

Best Time to Visit Hagen

The best time to visit Hagen is between May and September, when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are at their best. However, visitors should be aware that summer is peak tourist season and accommodation prices may be higher during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hagen

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Hagen:

Do:

Treat Others with Respect - Germans value politeness and respectfulness, and visitors should be sure to behave accordingly.
Try Local Food and Drink - Germany has a rich culinary history, and visitors should be sure to sample some of the local cuisine and drink.
Learn Basic German Phrases - While many Germans speak English, visitors should make an effort to learn some basic German phrases.

Don’t:

Litter - Germans take cleanliness seriously, and littering is considered rude.
Block the Bike Lanes - Biking is a popular form of transportation in Hagen, and visitors should be sure not to block bike lanes with cars or other obstructions.
Smoke in Public - Smoking in public spaces is prohibited in Germany, and violators may be subject to fines.

Safety and Health

Hagen is a safe destination for visitors. However, visitors should be aware of the following safety and health considerations.

Safety in Hagen

Pickpockets - As in any city, visitors should be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation.
Traffic Safety - Visitors should be aware of traffic rules and signals when crossing streets, as drivers in Germany can be aggressive.
Emergency Services - In case of an emergency, visitors can dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance.

Health in Hagen

Health Insurance - Visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance before traveling to Germany.
Sun Protection - Visitors should protect themselves from the sun by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, especially during the summer months.
Tick-Borne Illnesses - Visitors who plan to spend time outdoors should be aware of the risk of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, and take appropriate precautions.

Getting to Hagen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hagen is located in the heart of the Ruhr region and is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options. Here are some of the most popular ways to get to Hagen.

Airports Near Hagen

Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) - This airport is located approximately 56 kilometers from Hagen and is the closest international airport.
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - This airport is located approximately 85 kilometers from Hagen and offers a range of domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Hagen

Hagen Hauptbahnhof - This station is located in the city center and offers connections to regional and national bus lines.
Hagen-Vorhalle Station - This station is located in the western suburbs of Hagen and offers connections to regional bus lines.

Other Options

Train - Hagen is well-connected to the German national rail network, with frequent connections to cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Car - Hagen can be easily reached by car via the A1, A45, and A46 autobahns.

How to Get Around in Hagen

Hagen is a compact city and can be easily explored on foot or by bike. However, for longer journeys or those with mobility issues, the following transportation options are available:

Bus - Hagen has an extensive public bus network that serves the city and surrounding suburbs.
Train - Hagen is served by several local and regional train lines that connect the city to other destinations in the region.
Car Rental - Several car rental companies have branches in Hagen and can provide visitors with a vehicle for exploring the region.

Where to Go Next from Hagen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hagen is located in the heart of the Ruhr region and makes an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations. Some popular excursions from Hagen include:

Dusseldorf - This cosmopolitan city is known for its fashion, art, and nightlife scenes and is located approximately 60 kilometers from Hagen.
Essen - Essen, located approximately 25 kilometers from Hagen, is known for its industrial heritage and cultural institutions, including the Museum Folkwang and the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex.
Cologne - Cologne, located approximately 90 kilometers from Hagen, is famous for its Gothic cathedral, historic Old Town, and vibrant cultural scene.

Conclusion

Hagen is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. With its rich museum scene, scenic biking and hiking trails, and vibrant food and drink culture, Hagen is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Germany.

Hagen Image Gallery

Friedrich Ebert square with town hall tower and Volme shopping mall