Cherry Trail 1 - Stroll to Traditional Orchards and Sights

About 4 km, duration about 1.5 hours
The route can also be managed by wheelchair users with companions.

About Hagen's cherries:

Hagen's cherry orchards: Sweet cherries were already being cultivated on a larger scale in Hagen a.T.W. in the 16th century. By 1900, the municipality had become the most significant fruit-growing region between Osnabrück and Münster. Unlike many other German cherry-growing regions, intensive plantation fruit growing did not develop here, where numerous trees are planted in close proximity on a small area. Instead, cherry trees of various varieties were always planted as scattered orchards. Mostly trees with vigorous grafting understocks were planted, from which tall, large-crowned trees develop, so-called standard trees. This growth form is still clearly visible on many meadows along the hike today.
In the 20th century, the economic importance of fruit growing in Hagen a.T.W. steadily declined, but the cherry blossom had become a popular excursion destination. The partly very old trees are still a typical element of the landscape in Hagen a.T.W. during the spring blossom. Upon closer inspection, however, one can also see the problem. Many of the old cherry trees have reached the end of their life cycle. Replanting is necessary so that Hagen a.T.W. continues to bloom in its typical bright white every spring and varieties such as the rediscovered yellow-red "Lucien cherry," the "Great Black Knorpel cherry," the yellow-orange "Great Princess," or "Schuback's Early Black" remain preserved. The municipality of Hagen a.T.W. actively promotes new plantings by private individuals in the Hagen area.