Gevelsberg between the Ennepe, city forest and fair

The Ennepe Valley, hills and city forest

The extensive woodland close to the city centre is part of the local recreation area. Gevelsberg City Forest is particularly large: its 330 hectares offer opportunities for active hiking. Nature enthusiasts will also find an area there designated as a Flora-Fauna Habitat, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers.

There are several ways to experience the landscape. The first stage of the Wappenweg leads through the city forest and Buntebachtal, alternating between woodland and meadow. The circular “Über den Klutertberg” trail also runs through the city forest and offers views across Gevelsberg towards the Ruhr area. Stefansbachtal recreation park is a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll. If you would like to explore the Way of St. James, it crosses Gevelsberg as part of its route through the Ennepe-Ruhr district. At prominent points, it is signposted with a stylised yellow shell on a blue background.

Experiencing nature also means seeing the city from a different perspective: the Ennepebogen in Gevelsberg is a pleasant place to linger. You can spend your time between getting active on the trails and taking a quieter break, while keeping in view the contrast between the valley and the hills.

History and culture in the cityscape

Numerous older houses shape the character of the former monastery area. They have been protected as historic monuments since 1989 under the “Elberfelder Straße/Altes Dorf” conservation area statute. Another way to discover the city’s history is the historic walking tour, which focuses on Archbishop and imperial administrator Engelbert, who died on 7 November 1225 in a hollow way in Gevelsberg. The tour also shares anecdotes and stories from more recent times. Before making specific plans, check whether the tour is available on your chosen date.

Contemporary art is also part of the cityscape. Gevelsberg’s city landmark was created in 1989 by Düsseldorf-based artist Janusz Hajduk-Gubalke to bring contemporary art into the city. The walk-through work reflects the industrial tradition and the tension between nature and the environment. The “Alltagsmenschen” by Christel Lechner can also be found in the city centre. Along with art exhibitions, theatre performances and music events in various genres, they offer a range of cultural experiences.

Filmriss Kino is housed in the historic Saalbau Buschmann, built in 1874, and has been part of Gevelsberg’s cultural life since 2003. Alongside a weekly changing film programme, it hosts music and cabaret events, readings, exhibitions, breakfast matinees and theatre for all ages. The Heimatstube focuses on mementos of former clubs, notable places and people, as well as local customs – especially the fair. When planning around events, it is worth checking the dates.

Fair traditions and the weekly market

The family-friendly Gevelsberg traditional fair takes place every year from Friday to Tuesday on the last weekend in June and is more than 200 years old. Almost all food and drink stalls have been run by local clubs for generations. This gives the fair a local tradition that extends beyond the event itself. The fairground has gradients of up to 12 percent – a practical point to keep in mind when planning your day. Check the dates for your travel period in advance.

Another regular meeting place is the weekly market on Vendômer Platz. It takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Stalls offer fruit and vegetables, some of which are organically grown, fresh meat, fish and dairy products, and honey; individual stalls’ offerings may vary. If the market is part of your plans, check the current schedule before you travel.

Practical information for your stay

Two pitches for motorhomes or caravans are available at the centrally located Ennepebogen in Gevelsberg. Check the relevant conditions and facilities before setting off. The city offers different options for other types of trip: hiking trails and forest for active time outdoors, historic sites and cultural attractions for discovering city life, and the market and fair as defining local traditions.

Guided village tours are also offered during the warmer months. Since dates matter for your travel period, it is best to check them in advance. When looking for accommodation, you can start with the purpose of your trip: are nature and trails, culture, or a visit around the market and fair your main focus?

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sprockhövel, Witten, Hattingen, Wetter, Ennepetal, Breckerfeld, Herdecke, Schwelm.

Back to the main travel overview: Ennepe-Ruhr district.