RevierWasser - Experience rivers and lakes

The Ruhr and the Emscher play a particularly important role in the development of the region. In addition, there are several reservoirs created by human hands that also play an important role in the water management of the Ruhr area. This RevierRoute follows these important river courses and leads over a length of 62 kilometers to the important locations of the region's water management.
The starting point
The route tour starts at Dortmund main station, which is well connected to the long-distance and regional rail network. Those arriving by car will find several paid parking spaces in the vicinity. Alternatively, the area of Phoenix West would also be suitable for parking.
Start of the tour
From the main station, the tour first leads through city streets to the Emscher. Of course, there are plenty of sights in the center of Dortmund. Whether it's the German Football Museum or the Dortmunder U, there is plenty to see here. From junction 49, the tour continues on the Emscher Weg, which is also signposted separately for junctions.
Like Phoenix rising from the ashes
The site of the former Phoenix steelworks has received two new, completely different uses. In Phoenix West, the Skywalk entices visitors to a tour up to the blast furnace. On the Phoenix Ost site, the Phoenix See has now been created, a recreational paradise for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as water sports enthusiasts (with boat rental).
The Emscher Weg
The tour continues along the Emscher Weg. The stream becomes narrower and often hides under a dense canopy of leaves. In Holzwickede, the Emscherquellhof is reached, a beautiful half-timbered house with a pond. The tour then continues over the Haarstrang to Opherdicke with the beautiful Opherdicke Water Castle. After a steep descent, you reach the RuhrtalRadweg.
The RuhrtalRadweg
The route is now signposted via the RuhrtalRadweg. The path leads through the Ruhr Valley to Schwerte. A visit to the Rohrmeisterei, a former important pump station for drinking water supply, and the nearby mustard mill are worth a visit here. Further downstream, cyclists reach the Ruhr reservoirs Hengsteysee and Harkortsee, which were important for the cleanliness of the river water. The Koepchenwerk at Hengsteysee was one of the first large pumped storage power plants in Germany and went into operation in 1930. For lovers of historical castle grounds, a detour to Wasserschloss Werdringen in Hagen is recommended.
Back to the starting point
At junction 10, the route deviates from the RuhrtalRadweg and heads towards the nearby Wetter train station. From here, you can take public transport back to the starting point at Dortmund main station.