Iserlohn: Dechen Cave, Seilersee and Industrial Heritage

Iserlohn can be explored through a variety of attractions: Dechen Cave in the Letmathe district is one of the country’s major stalactite caves, Seilersee is a local recreation area, and the Historic Maste-Barendorf Factory Complex is an industrial heritage site dating from the 19th century. Nature, outdoor activities and industrial heritage offer distinct options to choose from.

Stalactite cave and paths around Seilersee

Dechen Cave in Iserlohn’s Letmathe district is one of Germany’s largest stalactite caves. Above the cave, the nature trail provides information about rare plants growing on limestone. As well as the cave, the area offers a chance to learn about the plant life of this limestone habitat.

Seilersee offers a range of ways to get active: the paved paths around the lake are suitable for walking, hiking and jogging. Families with strollers, older people and people with limited mobility can also explore the natural surroundings of the lake. Those looking for routes that suit different paces will find specific options here for an active stay.

Seilersee is accessible from Iserlohn via the A46, from the north via the B233 and from the south via the B236. After leaving the motorway, 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 bike ride. Road conditions and signs may change; check the directions before setting off.

Industrial heritage at Maste-Barendorf

The Historic Maste-Barendorf Factory Complex is an industrial heritage site dating from the 19th century and is now a museum and artists’ village. Demonstrations offer a special insight into how things were made: at the Needle Museum, which includes a hairpin factory and a brass foundry, visitors can see how hairpins are made. Other demonstrations show how brass parts are cast using historical methods.

Barendorf thus presents two specific manufacturing processes alongside the complex’s historical character. This offers a different focus for choosing a cultural activity than the nature attractions at the cave and lake: here, the emphasis is on work and production, brought to life through demonstrations.

Explore nature and industrial heritage by bike

The western loop of the Ruhr-Lenne-Eight starts at Iserlohn’s hiking station and passes through Hagen-Hohenlimburg and Schwerte before returning to Iserlohn and Barendorf. The route combines challenging cycling with natural, idyllic scenery and industrial charm for all ages. It offers a different focus from the paths around Seilersee: the emphasis is on a longer loop with a named route and destination, rather than simply choosing activities by the lake.

Märkischer Kreis: more regional highlights

The wider Märkischer Kreis destination also offers history, technology and distinctive landscapes. Altena Castle is a monument of national significance and was the site of the world’s first and oldest permanent youth hostel. The German Wire Museum is an interactive experience museum about wire production, past and present. Its hands-on stations invite visitors to take part, while the museum also explores the technical, social, economic and cultural history of wire.

The natural attractions in the Märkischer Kreis also offer a variety of experiences. The gorges of the Hönne Valley are among the nature reserves cited as representative of the limestone areas in the northern Märkischer Kreis. At Felsenmeer Hemer, rock formations have been shaped over centuries by wind, water and human influence; the site is also home to one of Westphalia’s oldest iron ore mining areas. Felsenmeer can only be visited via designated paths. The designated panoramic trail leads to viewpoints. Balve Cave, meanwhile, is one of Europe’s most important sites for finds from Middle Palaeolithic cultures, thanks to its archaeological finds.

At Luisenhütte, a visitor-focused experience museum shows how iron was made there and further processed into cast products. There is also a geocaching multicache around the ironworks. Visitors can borrow GPS devices at the Hüttenschänke and set off on a digital treasure hunt with a flyer. As device availability and activity arrangements may change, it is advisable to check in advance.

On selected days, the Sauerland Light Railway carries passengers in restored carriages between Hüinghausen and Köbbinghauser Hammer. On operating days between May and October, the trains travel through the Elsetal landscape. Special steam or diesel trips can be booked outside the published operating times. Check the current operating days and conditions when planning your visit. For bike tours, the Märkische Cave Route offers a different option: it follows the well-signposted “Radeln nach Zahlen” cycle network and has several access points along the route.

Discover more destinations: Werdohl, Kierspe, Hemer, Plettenberg, Altena, Herscheid, Lüdenscheid, Balve.

Go to the main travel overview: Märkischer Kreis.