Iserlohn between caves, lakes and industrial heritage

Iserlohn offers a range of highlights for a stay: the Dechen Cave in the Letmathe district, paths around Seilersee, industrial heritage at Maste-Barendorf and a cycling route. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you decide whether Iserlohn is a destination that suits your interests. Nature, physical activity and historic production represent different sides of the city.

Caves and plant life in Letmathe

The Dechen Cave in Iserlohn’s Letmathe district is one of Germany’s largest stalactite caves. Above the cave, the forest nature trail provides information about rare plants growing on limestone. This gives you two distinct nature-related themes to consider when planning your trip: the stalactite cave and the plant life of the limestone site. If you are particularly interested in geological formations, the cave is the right choice; the nature trail focuses on plants.

Getting active at Seilersee

Seilersee is a local recreation area in Iserlohn. Its paved paths are suitable for strolling, hiking and jogging. Families with strollers, as well as older people and people with limited mobility, can also explore the natural surroundings of the lake. The path surfaces and activities described give you a concrete point of reference if you want to combine your stay with outdoor exercise. The lake can also be reached via several roads: from Iserlohn via the A46, from the north via the B233 and from the south via the B236. After leaving the main road, follow the signs for the rest of the way. There is a parking area on site, which can also serve as a starting point for a cycling tour. As road conditions and signage may change, check the current route before setting out.

Industrial heritage at Maste-Barendorf

The Historic Factory Complex at Maste-Barendorf is an industrial heritage site dating from the 19th century and is now a museum and artists’ village. At the Needle Museum, which includes a hairpin factory and brass foundry, visitors can watch demonstrations of how hairpins are made. Demonstrations also offer the chance to see brass components cast using historic methods. At Maste-Barendorf, the industrial heritage site and specific manufacturing processes can therefore be experienced side by side. This is a particular draw for culture enthusiasts: the history of the factory complex is complemented by insights into traditional crafts.

The western loop of the Ruhr-Lenne-Eight

The Ruhr-Lenne-Eight combines ambitious cycling with natural, idyllic scenery and industrial charm, and is suitable for all ages. The western loop runs from the hiking station in Iserlohn via Hagen-Hohenlimburg and Schwerte, returning to Iserlohn at Barendorf. The starting point, places along the route and return to Barendorf are all specified to help you find your way. This sets the western loop apart from the paved paths at Seilersee, where activities such as strolling, hiking and jogging take center stage. If you are weighing up the different ways to stay active, you can think of the paths by the lake and the route through several towns as distinct options for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Balve, Neuenrade, Nachrodt-Wiblingwerde, Herscheid, Kierspe, Altena, Lüdenscheid, Hemer.

See the overview of destinations: Märkischer Kreis.