Hagen, Germany: Live Like a Local on a Budget!

Experience Hagen's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Hagen, Germany is an ideal destination for budget travelers, offering a range of affordable activities and accommodations. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture by touring local museums, historic buildings, and parks. From its lively markets to its charming architecture, Hagen offers a unique and authentic German experience for travelers on a budget.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Explore Hagen's Downtown

  • Check into affordable Hotel Zur Post, situated in the heart of the city.
  • Stroll down Elberfelder Strasse, a bustling pedestrian street with shops and cafés.
  • Visit the Emil Schumacher Museum for contemporary art lovers.
  • Stop by Marktstraße, the city's market square, for local delicacies.
  • Walk to the stunning Hohenhof Villa, a masterpiece of German Jugendstil architecture.
  • End the day with a beer at the cozy Alter Bahnhof pub.
Day 2

Discover Hagen's Industrial Past

  • Start the day with a hearty German breakfast at Café Meiling.
  • Visit the LWL-Industriemuseum Henrichshütte, an industrial heritage site with ironworks and blast furnaces.
  • Continue to Osthaus-Museum Hagen, with an impressive collection of European modernist art.
  • Take a relaxing walk through the city's green spaces at the Volkspark and the Naherholungsgebiet Hengsteysee.
  • Grab some street food at the weekly farmers market at Friedrich-Ebert-Platz.
Day 3

Explore the Sauerland Region

  • Rent a car and drive north to the quaint town of Altena, home to the Burg Altena castle.
  • Admire the stunning views of the Lenne River Valley at the Hohe Bracht.
  • Take a guided tour of the chocolate factory in Werl and indulge in some delicious treats.
  • Stop by the picturesque town of Soest, with well-preserved medieval architecture and a vibrant shopping street.
Day 4

Outdoor Adventures

  • Rent bicycles from Radhaus Hagen and take a ride through the scenic Ruhr valley on the RuhrtalRadweg.
  • Enjoy a picnic at the Hohensyburg Castle, a medieval ruin with a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
  • Go rock climbing at the nearby Iserlohn Kletterwald, a high ropes course in the woods.
  • Relax at the Thermalbad Lago, a natural hot springs spa with saunas and pools.
Day 5

Art and Culture

  • Visit the Villa Wessel contemporary art museum in Iserlohn.
  • Take a guided tour of the historic Stadthalle Hagen, a concert hall with an impressive Art Deco interior.
  • Explore the Stadtgarten park, which features a modern sculpture park.
  • Enjoy an evening of classical music at the Philharmonie Hagen concert hall.
  • End the trip with a cozy dinner at the traditional Gasthof Schulte.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Hagen by plane is to fly to Düsseldorf Airport and then take a train to Hagen Hbf.

Car

The best way to get to Hagen by car is to take the A1 and then the A45 autobahn. The journey is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Cologne and 50 minutes from Dortmund.

Train

The best way to get to Hagen by train is to take a train directly to Hagen Hbf from Frankfurt, Cologne or Dortmund.

Boat

There is no direct boat connection to Hagen, as it is an inland city.

Bus

The best way to get to Hagen by bus is to take the Flixbus to Dortmund then to take the S5 S-Bahn train to Hagen.

More travel plans

A Romantic Long Weekend in Hagen, Germany

Hagen, Germany offers a romantic getaway with its charming old town, beautiful gardens, and scenic forests. Spend days exploring the quaint streets and indulging in delicious local cuisine, then retire back to a cozy, intimate hotel room at night. Couples can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, or strolling through the Botanical Garden for a whimsical and unforgettable vacation.

5 Days of Fun: Hagen, Germany Travel Guide

As a tourist, an exciting trip to Hagen, Germany offers you the chance to enjoy stunning natural beauty, explore cultural treasures and indulge in thrilling outdoor activities. You can visit the beautiful Hohenlimburg Castle and its scenic surroundings, explore the fascinating Osthaus Museum and explore the unique wildlife at the Hagen Westphalian Open-Air Museum. Additionally, you can hike, bike or enjoy water sports at the beautiful Hengsteysee Reservoir or take a fun-filled day trip to nearby Dortmund.

Budget Bliss: The Ultimate 2-Day Hagen Getaway

Visiting Hagen, Germany on a limited budget is possible and can still be fun. Highlights of a budget trip to Hagen include exploring the city's urban art scene, hiking in the nearby Hagen woodland, and enjoying local cuisine at affordable restaurants. While accommodations may be basic, there are affordable options available within easy reach of the city's major attractions.

3-day Weekend Adventure in Hagen, Germany

Hagen is a charming city in Germany, located amidst the beautiful hills of the Sauerland region. As a tourist, you can explore the city's rich history by visiting the Hagen Westphalian Open-Air Museum or the Osthaus Museum. Additionally, you can indulge in some retail therapy at the city's bustling downtown area, which is dotted with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.