Things To Do
in Herten

Herten is a charming town located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, known for its rich industrial history and beautiful parks. Nestled between the larger cities of Gelsenkirchen and Recklinghausen, Herten offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. The town features several historical landmarks, including the impressive Schloss Herten, a former castle surrounded by scenic gardens.

With a friendly atmosphere and easy access to the Ruhr area, it serves as a great base for exploring the region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Herten
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Schloss Herten, where you can explore the gardens and learn about the castle's history.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Stadtgarten Herten for a leisurely walk or a picnic, enjoying the lush greenery and peaceful surroundings.

evening
:

Dine at Restaurant Pizzeria La Dolce Vita, known for its delicious Italian cuisine, followed by a stroll through the town center.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Visit the LWL-Industriemuseum, which showcases the region's industrial heritage through interactive exhibits.

afternoon
:

Take a guided tour of the local coal mine, which offers insights into the mining history of the area.

evening
:

Conclude your visit with drinks at a local pub, such as Biergarten Herten, where you can enjoy traditional German beers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍕Pizza$10
🍺Beer (0.5L)$4
🍽️Meal at Restaurant$15
Coffee$3
🚍Local Bus Ticket$2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural and industrial heritage.
  • Beautiful parks and outdoor spaces.
  • Easy access to larger cities in the Ruhr area.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Public transport can be infrequent during off-peak hours.
  • Less international cuisine compared to major urban centers.
  • "Guten Morgen" - Good Morning
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Haben Sie eine Speisekarte auf Englisch?" - Do you have a menu in English?

Places to Visit in Herten

Visit one of these nice places.

Schloss Herten

The beautiful castle grounds set against a backdrop of historic architecture and lush gardens make for stunning photos.

Stadtgarten Herten

A serene park with picturesque walking paths and vibrant flower beds, ideal for nature photography.

LWL-Industriemuseum

The museum's industrial architecture provides a unique contrast to the natural scenery, perfect for urban photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Herten

Herten offers a delightful range of local and traditional dishes that reflect the culinary heritage of the Ruhr area.

Herten Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Reibekuchen

Crispy potato pancakes often served with applesauce, a popular snack in the region.

Must-Try!

Pumpernickel

A dark, rye bread known for its dense texture and slightly sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Herten Market

A weekly market held in the town center featuring fresh local produce, baked goods, and street food vendors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Herten experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from 0°C (32°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with late spring and summer being slightly wetter. The area can experience cloudy skies, but sunny days are common during the summer months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Germans value punctuality; being on time for appointments and social gatherings is considered respectful.

Greeting Etiquette

A firm handshake is a common greeting, and it's polite to address people using their titles followed by their last names.

Quiet in Public Places

Maintaining a low volume in public transport and restaurants is expected, as respect for others is highly regarded.

Safety Guide

Safety

Herten is generally a safe town with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken, such as being aware of your surroundings and securing personal belongings. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and it’s advisable to keep local emergency numbers handy. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and trust your instincts when exploring.

Tipping in Herten

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It is customary to round up the bill or leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants, depending on the service quality.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring brings blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and park visits.

Summer

Summer offers warm weather, perfect for enjoying local festivals and outdoor dining options in the Biergarten.

Autumn

Autumn showcases stunning foliage in the parks, and it's a great time for hiking and enjoying seasonal culinary delights.

Winter

Winter can be cold and snowy; however, the town's Christmas markets are a highlight for festive shopping and local treats.

Nightlife Guide

Herten at Night

Herten's nightlife is relatively low-key compared to larger cities, but it offers a cozy atmosphere with various pubs and bars. The Biergarten is a popular spot for locals to enjoy drinks outdoors, especially in the summer. Additionally, there are a few clubs that host live music events and dance nights, catering to a younger crowd. It's common to find themed events on weekends, making it an enjoyable experience for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration.

Hiking in Herten

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hoheward Hill

A popular hiking destination with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, featuring well-marked trails.

Emscher Park Trail

This trail connects various parks and nature reserves in the region, ideal for a day of hiking and exploration.

Airports

How to reach Herten by plane.

Düsseldorf International Airport

Located about 40 km from Herten, this major airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Herten is quite walkable, with pedestrian-friendly streets and well-maintained sidewalks. The town center is compact, allowing easy access to shops, cafes, and attractions on foot. Parks and green spaces are interconnected, making it enjoyable to explore nature without the need for a vehicle. Public transport options are also available for reaching outlying areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Working-Class Families

Herten is home to many working-class families, often employed in the industrial sector and local services.

Young Professionals

An increasing number of young professionals are moving to Herten, attracted by its affordable living and proximity to major cities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is a favorite pastime in Herten, with local teams and clubs actively participating in regional leagues.

Handball

Handball is also popular, with clubs offering training and competitive matches for various age groups.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Herten is generally manageable, with main roads leading to larger cities. Public transportation options include buses and regional trains, providing convenient access to nearby areas. Biking is encouraged, and many residents opt for cycling to reduce vehicle traffic. Parking is available in the town center, but it can be limited during busy hours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Herten.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes; however, it's advisable to check menus in advance.

Gluten-Free Choices

Some eateries provide gluten-free options, but it may be limited, so ask staff for recommendations.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Herten provides adequate healthcare facilities, including general practitioners, specialists, and pharmacies. Emergency services are efficient, and hospitals are well-equipped to handle various medical needs. It's advisable for visitors to have health insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad. In case of emergencies, the local hospital can be reached quickly via public transport.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide