Hattingen
Hattingen – Where history meets nature
With its three castles, medieval town centre and idyllic surroundings, Hattingen is one of the most beautiful towns in the Ruhr region. Particularly worth seeing is the historic church square with St. George's Church, which is surrounded by 143 listed buildings and has a unique sense of unity.
Lovingly restored half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages give the town an unmistakable atmosphere – charming, lively and inviting. Strolling through the narrow streets of the former Hanseatic town is like taking a journey into the past, where history comes to life.
Cosy restaurants, often located in historic half-timbered houses, invite you to linger in the old town as well as in the outskirts.
As early as 1396, Hattingen was granted fortification rights by Count Friedrich von der Mark – the beginning of its development into a town. Today, around 60,000 people live here. Around three quarters of the urban area consists of woodland and green spaces with an extensive network of cycle paths and hiking trails. This makes Hattingen a popular local recreation destination for people from the surrounding cities of the Ruhr area.
It is not without reason that people say:
‘Hattingen is where the forest meets the town – and the town meets the forest.’
The town centre is largely car-free and invites visitors to stroll around at their leisure. Numerous shops and boutiques offer a wide range of products and ensure a lively townscape. There are plenty of parking spaces and car parks in the immediate vicinity.
Anyone visiting Hattingen should take their time – for a stroll through the old town, for a trip into nature and for moments when everyday life fades into the background.
Die Altstadt des Ruhrgebiets
A place steeped in history that touches the heart.
Anyone strolling through Hattingen's old town immediately senses that history lives here. It is more than 600 years old – and yet as alive as ever. Narrow, winding alleys, ancient walls and around 150 lovingly restored half-timbered houses tell of times gone by and invite you to experience the magic of the past with all your senses.
A special story began here as early as 1396 – with a treaty that made Hattingen a town. Merchants and craftsmen, citizens and travellers shaped this place over the centuries, and today it is one of the most beautiful old towns in the Ruhr area.
The church square, the heart of the old town, is like a little fairy tale: St. George's Church with its leaning tower, the old half-timbered houses all around, cobblestones underfoot – a place where you forget the passage of time.
In winter, a special magic fills the square: every day, Frau Holle opens a window in the old town hall, tells stories and lets snow and gold coins fall – a shining Advent dream for young and old alike.
And there are wonders waiting inside the church too: a heavenly starry sky, the magnificent Roetzel organ and an atmosphere that makes every concert, every wedding and every quiet moment unforgettable
🕰️ Spaziergang durch die Zeit
Every street here has its own story.Kirchstraße, once known as ‘Kuhgasse’ (Cow Lane), reminds us that cattle used to be driven through the old town here.
At Steinhagen, the last remaining farmhouse tells of centuries of change – today it is a cosy inn that warmly welcomes guests.
The Bruchtorturm tower still watches over the city walls, the Bügeleisenhaus with its unique shape attracts everyone's attention, and the small customs house enchants with its charm.
Walking through these alleys, you encounter history at every turn – in every stone, every house, every corner
🍷 Genuss & Atmosphäre
Nestled between the city wall, Johannisturm tower and Krämersdorf, you will find small boutiques, lovingly run shops and cosy cafés where time stands still.
Amidst half-timbered houses and floral decorations, you can browse, discover and enjoy – perhaps with a glass of wine under the open sky or a fragrant coffee in the sun.
And when celebrations are held – at the spring market, the atmospheric autumn market or during the Christmas season – the old town is transformed into a sea of lights full of scents, sounds and joy.
🧭 Entdecken & Erleben
Whether on an exciting guided tour of the town, accompanied by the night watchman with his lantern and songs, or on your own, Hattingen's old town is an experience.
The tourist information office at Haldenplatz 3 offers free city maps, lots of tips and little secrets.
And if you want to continue dreaming after your exploration, take the old town tour brochure home with you – a piece of history to leaf through, marvel at and remember.
✨ Hattingen – Wo Geschichte lebendig bleibt.
A place to arrive, marvel, discover – and fall in love. 💛
