Circular route through the Unna district along former trade routes.
Trade has always been the origin of many settlements and today's cities. Important trade routes used to criss-cross Europe. The Hellweg was one of these central trade routes. It connected the towns of today's Ruhr region early on and even today you often read the street name, which reminds you of the important history.
The starting point
This circular route starts at the railway station in Unna, which is properly connected to the regional rail network. Even by car, you can usually find paid parking spaces near the centre.
Start of the tour
From the station in Unna, the tour first heads east along paths of the former Hellweg. At junction 35 the route branches off to the south.
The Haarstrang
The route leads over the Haarstrang, a small mountain range north of the Ruhr. You will have to climb a few metres in altitude. But you will be rewarded again and again with beautiful views. The horizon is wide and, in good weather conditions, views far into the Sauerland are possible. A descent finally leads down into the Ruhr valley near Wickede.
The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route
As an important river, the Ruhr was a central trade route from early times. Horses pulled the barges upstream on the Ruhr. Today, the popular Ruhr Valley Cycle Route often runs directly along the water along these former towpaths, also known as towpaths.
The route leads to Fröndenberg / Ruhr via the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route. Here it is worth visiting the Chainsmith Museum at the weekend (please note opening times!). The route continues across fields and past farms. '
The climb to Opherdicke
From junction 37, the route again leads steeply uphill to the Ardey Mountains. The climb to Opherdicke is energy-sapping, an e-bike makes the tour much more relaxed. Haus Opherdicke is a beautiful moated castle whose first mention dates back to 1176. In addition to exhibition and gallery spaces, chamber concerts provide a fitting cultural setting for the historic buildings.
Back to the starting point
The route leads through a beautiful natural landscape back to Unna. Here, a visit to the "Centre for International Light Art" in the former Linden Brewery is particularly worthwhile. Light artists from all over the world have embellished the cellar vaults of the former brewery with extraordinary light installations. There are numerous restaurants and cafés in the beautiful old town. Every two years, the event "Un(n)a Festa Italiana" is one of the highlights of the city.
Weather
