Hiking paradise Ennepe-Ruhr: New project gives because of a new shine!

Hiking paradise Ennepe-Ruhr: New project gives because of a new shine!

The Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis is appointed the pilot region for the “Wanderlandschaft Ruhr” project, as Radio Ennepe Ruhr . The aim of the project, which is under the direction of the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR), is to significantly upgrade the regional hiking trail network. The entire network of hiking trails in the Ruhr area extends over more than 8,000 kilometers, with around 1,000 kilometers within the borders of the Ennepe-Ruhr district.

In the first phase of the project, the network of hiking trails is carefully checked in order to identify optimization potential. This analysis forms the basis for future plans for needs that are urgently necessary because the existing network has grown organically over the years. District Administrator Olaf Schade emphasizes how important the Ennepe-Ruhr district is for hiking tourism and local recreation. The Initiative of the RVR, which was decided in the association meeting at the end of February 2025, strives to develop the Ruhr area into Germany's first urban hiking region.

sustainable upgrading and identification of gaps

The basic objective of the project is the sustainable upgrading of the network of hiking trails. It is also intended to work specifically that existing gaps are identified and closed in the path network. The upgrading of the hiking trails not only benefits the local recreation, but is also intended to increase the attractiveness of the entire Ennepe-Ruhr district as a hiking region, which is also supported by discussions with Ruhr Tourismus GmbH and the Sauerland mountain association, such as Mk Journal supplemented.

The IFT Freizeit- und Tourismusberatung GmbH was commissioned to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the network of hiking trails in the district. The first results of this analysis should be available in June 2025. These are crucial steps to optimize the hiking infrastructure in the Ennepe-Ruhr district and to promote a promising hiking tourism.

various landscapes and hiking opportunities

The Ruhr area offers a remarkable variety of natural units, including the Westphalian lowland level and the Bergisches Land. While the deep landscapes are flat and green, hikers in the Bergisches Land are happy about steep mountains and varied forests. Here, among other things, the theme hiking trail "Waldmythenweg", which addresses the legend about the forest, runs here, as well as the "Bergische Panorama dough", which leads to idyllic mountain lakes and romantic valleys. This information can also be found at Komoot .

Another important hiking trail, the Ruhrhöhenweg, extends over a proud 239 kilometers. It leads from Winterberg to the Rhine, crosses picturesque landscapes and offers numerous contact points for leisure activities. In addition, the Kemnader See, a popular local recreation area, could be an important attraction for hikers, with the view of rare animal species and wonderful circular hiking trails.

With these measures and projects, the Ennepe-Ruhr district not only becomes a pioneer in the field of hiking tourism in the Ruhr area, but could also serve as a model for other regions to develop similarly attractive hiking landscapes.