“Gateway to the Region” – this is how Hagen is often referred to, as it serves as a link between the Ruhr area and the Sauerland. The city is characterized by its industrial past, numerous museums, and many green spaces. While the city center combines modern architecture with historic buildings, the forests and lakes around Hagen invite outdoor activities. Whether it’s culture, nature, or history – Hagen has a lot to offer.

 

• Important industrial city, especially known for metal and paper production
• Many museums, including the famous open-air museum and the Osthaus Museum
• Lots of greenery – nearly 42% of the city area consists of forests and parks
• Four rivers, which give Hagen the nickname "City of Bridges"
• Direct proximity to the Sauerland, ideal for hiking and nature experiences

• Area: 160.4 km²
• Population: approx. 188,000 (as of 2024)
• Founded: First documented mention in 775 AD
• Highest Point: 485 m (Raffenberg)
• Rivers: Ruhr, Lenne, Volme, Ennepe
• Nickname: "Gateway to the Sauerland"
• Economy: Important location for metal processing and paper industry
• University: FernUniversität Hagen with over 70,000 students (largest university in Germany by enrollment)
• Famous Personalities: Karl Ernst Osthaus (art patron), Nena (singer), Otto Dibelius (theologian)
• Partner Cities: including Smolensk (Russia), Montluçon (France), Modi'in (Israel)

5 Curious Facts About Hagen

• There are more bridges here than in Venice: Thanks to the four rivers, Hagen has over 450 bridges, far more than the famous lagoon city.

• The FernUni Hagen is the largest university in Germany: With over 70,000 students, it is the largest German higher education institution, even though most study online.

• Hagen was once the "Capital of Art in Germany": In the early 20th century, Karl Ernst Osthaus wanted to turn Hagen into a centre for modern art. The Osthaus Museum still reminds us of this vision today.

• The city is older than many think: Although Hagen was officially granted city status in 1746, the first signs of settlement date back to the Neolithic period.

• One of Germany's first cave discoveries: The Dechen Cave in Hagen-Hohenlimburg is one of the oldest explored dripstone caves in Germany.

Hagen was mentioned as early as the year 775 AD and quickly developed into an important trading location due to its proximity to rivers. The city’s location on the Ruhr and Volme rivers made it strategically significant for the transport of goods.

Industrialization and Growth

In the 19th century, Hagen boomed thanks to the metal and paper industries. Particularly with the connection to the railway, the city developed into an important economic center.

Post-War Period and Transformation into a Cultural City

After World War II, Hagen was heavily damaged but was rebuilt. Today, the city is not only an industrial site but also a stronghold of art and culture, with numerous museums and venues.

While Mittelstadt with its shopping streets and cultural highlights forms the center, districts like Hohenlimburg with its castle and Dahl with its forests offer a completely different atmosphere. In Wehringhausen, you can find an alternative art scene, while Haspe provides a mix of industrial history and residential areas.

District	Neighborhoods	Known for?
Center	Mittelstadt Altenhagen Wehringhausen University District	City center University of Hagen Osthaus Museum Shopping streets
North	Boele Halden Fley Vorhalle	Residential area Close to the highway Commercial areas
East	Eilpe Delstern Dahl Priorei	Mix of residential and industrial areas Proximity to the Lenne
West	Haspe Tücking Westerbauer Fleyer Forest	Historical working-class neighborhoods Green surroundings
South	Hohenlimburg, Holthausen, Reh, Elsey, Berchum	Hohenlimburg Castle, Dechen Cave, quiet residential areas

Hagen is located in the southeastern Ruhr area, on the border with the Sauerland.

• Neighboring cities: Dortmund (approx. 20 km), Wuppertal (approx. 35 km), Essen (approx. 45 km)
• Rivers: The Ruhr, Lenne, Volme, and Ennepe shape the cityscape
• Landscape: A mix of urban areas and wooded hills
• Climate: Temperate with mild summers (Ø 23°C) and cool winters (Ø 3°C)

Hagen uniquely combines industrial culture, art, and nature. From historic buildings to renowned museums and green oases – the city has a lot to offer.

The most famous landmarks at a glance

• Hohenlimburg Castle – Medieval castle with a great view
• LWL Open-Air Museum – Historical craftsmanship in an extensive park
• Osthaus Museum – Art museum featuring works of Expressionism
• Hohenhof – Art Nouveau villa built for Karl Ernst Osthaus
• Hagen Central Station – Historic train station building with impressive architecture
• FernUniversität Hagen – Germany's largest university
• Dechenhöhle – Show cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites
• Hengsteysee – Recreational area with water sports opportunities

The LWL Open-Air Museum – A journey back in time

The LWL Open-Air Museum Hagen is one of the largest of its kind in Germany. It showcases traditional craftsmanship from past centuries, including blacksmithing, baking, and papermaking. In over 60 historic workshops, you can experience firsthand how work was done in the past.

The best route for a city tour through Hagen

• Start at the main station: Admire the impressive architecture
• Visit the Osthaus Museum: Discover art and Expressionism
• Stroll through Wehringhausen: Experience street art and alternative culture
• Continue to the LWL Open-Air Museum: Marvel at historical craftsmanship
• Enjoy the view from Hohenlimburg Castle: Relish the medieval charm
• Relax at Hengsteysee: Experience nature and water sports

Duration: approx. 5 hours

Hagen is located on the border between the Ruhr area and the Sauerland – which is also reflected in its cuisine. Here you'll find hearty specialties that are filling!

Typical Dishes from Hagen

• Pfefferpotthast – A hearty beef dish with onions and spices
• Potthucke – A mixture of potato cake and casserole
• Panhas – Fried sausage made from buckwheat flour and pig's blood
• Hagener Streuselkuchen – Sweet pastry with a crunchy crumb topping
• Local Beer – Breweries in Hagen offer tasty pilsners and altbiers

Pfefferpotthast – The Cult Dish of the Ruhr Area

This traditional dish made from beef, onions, and pepper originated in the 18th century and remains popular in Hagen to this day. It tastes especially good with potatoes or fresh bread.

Hagen is the only city in North Rhine-Westphalia that is crossed by four rivers – Ruhr, Lenne, Volme, and Ennepe. Additionally, there are several lakes that are used for local recreation.

Watercourse	Length/Size	Special Features
Ruhr	219 km	Largest river in Hagen, water sports possible
Lenne	129 km	Flows through Hohenlimburg, known for kayaking
Volme	50 km	Small waterfalls, many bridges in the city center
Ennepe	42 km	Historical significance for the paper industry
Hengsteysee	Approx. 3 km²	Popular recreational area with cycling paths and cafés

The Hengsteysee – Hagen's Recreation Paradise

The Hengsteysee was originally created as a reservoir, but today it is a popular local recreation area. Here you can engage in water sports, jog, or simply relax in a café by the shore.

Hagen is an important industrial location and has increasingly established itself as a city of education and culture over the past few decades. In particular, the FernUniversität Hagen plays a significant role in the city's development.

Population: How is Hagen developing?

Hagen has around 188,000 inhabitants, and the population has slightly decreased in recent years. Nevertheless, many students are moving to the city due to the FernUniversität.

Population statistics (2024):

• Total population: approx. 188,000
• Average age: 45 years
• Students: approx. 70,000 (FernUniversität, many online)
• Population development: slightly declining

Which industries are important in Hagen?

Hagen has a long tradition as an industrial city, and today the following sectors are particularly well represented:

• Metal processing – Numerous medium-sized companies in the steel and foundry industries
• Paper industry – Hagen is considered a center of German paper production
• Logistics & Trade – Key location for wholesale and transportation
• Education & IT – The FernUniversität is fostering more tech start-ups

Economic Development: Where does Hagen stand today?

The city has transformed from a classic industrial city to a modern business location. In particular, the sector of education and technology is growing – the FernUniversität attracts many new workers and companies.

Throughout the entire year, various events take place in Hagen – from city festivals and sports events to cultural highlights. Particularly popular are the street festivals, markets, and music festivals, which attract visitors from all over the region.

The most important events at a glance

• Hagener Springefest – City festival with live music, street performers, and food
• Hagener Short Film Festival "Eat My Shorts" – Creative short films from around the world
• Schloss-Spiele Hohenlimburg – Open-air theater in a historical setting
• Volme Festival – Music, dance, and culture along the Volme river
• Christmas Market at Johanniskirchplatz – Atmospheric stalls in the old town

Annual events at a glance

Event	Period	Info	Admission
Springefest	May	City festival with a stage program, food & drinks	free
Eat My Shorts Festival	June	Short film festival with international contributions	varies
Schloss-Spiele	July	Open-air theater at Hohenlimburg Castle	from 15 €
Volme Festival	August	Music event along the river	free
Christmas Market	December	Stalls with handicrafts, mulled wine & specialties	free

Whether culture, nature, or shopping – there are suitable activities for everyone. Here are our top recommendations for different target groups.

Five attractions in and around Hagen

• Hengsteysee – Perfect for cycling tours, walks, and water sports
• Schloss Hohenlimburg – Medieval flair with a great view of the city
• Dechenhöhle – One of the most beautiful dripstone caves in Germany
• Hagen-Ring Promenade – Circular path through the green surroundings of the city
• Wildgehege Wehringhausen – Free animal park with native wildlife

Three recommendations for couples

• Candlelit dinner at "Restaurant Villa Medici" – Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting
• Sunset at Hengsteysee – Romantic walk with a view of the water
• Theatre evening at Lutz Hagen – High-quality productions in a cozy atmosphere

Three recommendations for singles

• Cocktail evening at "Café Halle" – Cool drinks and relaxed lounge music
• Sports class at Westfalenbad – Perfect for meeting people and staying fit
• Pub crawl through Wehringhausen – Alternative scene with creative bars

Three recommendations for families

• LWL Open-Air Museum – Craftsmanship and interactive stations for children
• Dortmund Zoo (30 min. away) – Many animals and large play areas
• Indoor playground "Rappel Zappel" – Perfect for rainy days with small children

Three hotel recommendations in Hagen

• Luxury: Mercure Hotel Hagen – Modern hotel with wellness area
• Mid-range: City Hotel Deutsches Haus – Centrally located with good prices
• Budget: B&B Hotel Hagen – Clean, affordable, and close to the main train station

What should one know?

• Be mindful of opening hours – Many shops close as early as 6 PM.
• Driving can be cumbersome – The city center often suffers from traffic jams, better to take the bus or train.
• Many attractions are free – Perfect for a budget city trip.

How does public transport work?

Hagen has a good network of buses and regional trains that connect the main city districts and the surrounding area.

• Bus network: Many lines in the city center and into the surrounding area
• Rail transport: Good connections to the Ruhr area and Sauerland
• Tickets:
  • Single ticket: €2.90
  • Day ticket: €6.50
  • Weekly ticket: €27.00

🚌 Tip: The NRW tickets are valid on many trains – perfect for trips to neighboring cities.

What is the weather like in Hagen?

The climate is mild with warm summers and cool winters.

Season	Average Temperature	Sun Hours	Precipitation
Spring (March–May)	10–18°C	approx. 5–7 hrs/day	moderate
Summer (June–August)	22–28°C	approx. 7–9 hrs/day	little
Autumn (Sept.–Nov.)	10–18°C	approx. 4–6 hrs/day	variable
Winter (Dec.–Feb.)	-2–5°C	approx. 2–4 hrs/day	often rain or snow

🚌 Tip: May to September is the best travel time – ideal for outdoor activities and city festivals.

How to get to Hagen?

• By plane: The nearest airports are Dortmund (35 km) and DüD?sseldorf (65 km).
• By train: Hagen is an important ICE hub with fast connections to Cologne, Berlin, and Munich.
• By car: Easily accessible via the A1, A45, and A46.

While art enthusiasts can explore the Osthaus Museum and the Hohenhof, outdoor fans can enjoy the Hengsteysee or the Sauerland. Additionally, there are many festivals, good restaurants, and an alternative scene in Wehringhausen.