Holzwickede: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

The Emscherquellhof is a historic half-timbered farm complex at the source of the Emscher and on the Emscher Trail in Holzwickede. Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Holzwickede can continue searching for accommodation afterwards.

Nature and history

The natural source of the Emscher is located in Hixterwald, a few hundred metres southwest of the Emscherquellhof. Its grounds contain the Emscher spring pond, where water from five springs comes together. The Emscherquellhof was built in 1801 in the regional architectural style of a Westhellweg farmhouse and restored in 2005 on the basis of historical drawings and with details based on the original model. Other special features include beehives from the Emscherkunst 2016 project, which are part of the Emscherkunst Trail and provide a home for wild bees.

Culture

The foundations of Haus Opherdicke date back to the 12th century; the site combines heritage conservation with contemporary use. The Haus Opherdicke Museum offers exhibitions, guided tours, programmes for senior citizens and school classes, as well as hands-on workshops. Haus Opherdicke also hosts musical events, including chamber concerts in the Hall of Mirrors. The bistro serves coffee, cake and savoury dishes, with views of the moat or the Ruhr Valley.

The Hilgenbaum is a local landmark and is depicted on the coat of arms of the municipality of Holzwickede. Historically, it served as a place where the law was proclaimed, as a signpost and as a public notice board. After a cycling excursion, visitors can rest in the 30,000-square-metre park of the local moated castle or visit its café.

Getting around

The approximately 100-kilometre-long Emscher Trail begins just outside the Emscherquellhof and can be cycled along the Emscher as far as Dinslaken. The Historical Opherdicke Circular Trail leads through six stations where short texts and photographs explain the history of the district. It starts at Haus Opherdicke and passes two churches, the former Opherdicke educational institution and Regenbogensee Lake. Along the way, it offers views across the Ruhr Valley and the Hellweg Plain. The circular trail is 6 kilometres long and takes approximately 1.5 hours without breaks. There is also the “Schöne Flöte” outdoor swimming pool.

Dining

The café at the Emscherquellhof serves coffee and cake on weekends and public holidays. Visitors can also find dining options in the centre of Holzwickede, near the historic town hall and the market square.

Other places: Lünen, Selm, Unna, Bönen, Werne, Schwerte, Fröndenberg/Ruhr, Kamen

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Unna.