Discover Haan: Half-timbered houses, stream valleys and cycle paths

Half-timbered houses, stream valleys and traces of past industries offer a variety of ways to explore Haan during your stay. In the Historic Village of Gruiten, well-preserved houses shape the streetscape; along the Itter, cottages and mills recall the area’s industrial past. Cycling and hiking trails lead through diverse landscapes, while the Haaner Kirmes fair offers a special reason to visit.

Getting around by bike or on foot

The signposted Panorama Cycle Route niederbergbahn runs from Essen-Kettwig via Heiligenhaus, Velbert and Wülfrath to Haan. The 40-kilometre route is accessible and has only a few inclines. It is suitable for cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users. Parts of the cycle route follow a former railway line. Temporary closures may occur, so check the current route before setting out.

The neanderland STEIG also offers opportunities for walks in Haan: Stages 1 and 17 pass through the city. The first stage follows the Düssel to its source. Stage 17 crosses the Itter valley and passes old cottages and mills, reminders of the Itter’s former industrial use. For shorter outings, there are three discovery loops in the Haan area. They lead through characteristic stream valleys, across meadows dotted with old farmsteads, and past traces of limestone quarrying and the grain-milling and knife-grinding industries.

Stream valleys, the Itter and Grube 7

The Itter valley within Haan has been a designated nature reserve since 1997. Its history can also be read in its former workplaces: historically, there were four cottages and three mills along the Itter. Stage 17 of the neanderland STEIG passes these remnants, linking the landscape with its industrial past.

The landscape around Grube 7 has a different character. This former quarry is now a nature reserve and recreation area in Haan, with viewpoints offering lovely views. If you want to focus on nature and scenery, it makes for a different kind of outing from the longer cycling and hiking routes. Grube 7 is therefore a destination in its own right when planning your time in Haan.

Historic Village of Gruiten and museums

The Historic Village of Gruiten is considered a typical Bergisches Land village. Well-preserved half-timbered houses define the village, which contains Haan’s largest historic-protection area. Gruiten was shaped by limestone quarrying until the 1960s. This history is part of the village’s character and gives a visit a different focus from Haan’s nature and route offerings.

A digital audio guide, accessible on your smartphone, helps you explore the village. It comprises 22 chapters and lasts 46 minutes in total. The Gruiten Citizens’ and Tourism Association has also developed an informative walking tour. Guided tours of the Historic Village can be booked through the association on request; check availability before your trip.

The Haus Stöcken Local History Museum is Haan’s only local history museum. It displays many old objects, including items typical of Haan and the surrounding area. Königs Klassik-Radios – The Car Radio Museum has a different focus: it opened in Haan in 2002 and displays rare car radios. These cultural visits let you choose between local history and the history of everyday life.

The fair and regional products

The Haaner Kirmes is a family festival that brings together several generations. It takes place for one week in September in the heart of the city and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Around 200 rides and stalls fill the entire city centre.

Gut Ellscheid also offers a taste of Haan’s local produce: the family-run farm sells products made on-site in its farm shop.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mettmann, Monheim am Rhein, Hilden, Heiligenhaus, Erkrath, Velbert, Langenfeld, Ratingen.

Back to the main travel guide: Mettmann.