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

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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

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.

The Ultimate 2-day Adventure in Hagen, Germany

As a tourist visiting Hagen, Germany, you can expect to experience museums showcasing the unique industrial history of the city, charming parks and scenic vistas, and a variety of culinary and nightlife options. Visitors can explore the unique, sprawling Karl Ernst Osthaus Museum of Art and Culture, take in the beauty of the Stadtgarten Park, and discover regional specialties like the delicious Hagen-style schnitzel. With its vibrant cultural offerings and natural beauty, Hagen is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Germany.

Hagen, Germany: A 4-Day Family Adventure Extravaganza

Hagen, Germany offers a perfect blend of family-friendly activities and cultural experiences. Explore the beautiful open-air museum where kids can learn about traditional German life through interactive exhibits, or visit the captivating Hohenhof villa and gardens. With its charming parks, such as the popular Hohenlimburg Castle and its falconry, Hagen promises an unforgettable family trip filled with history, nature, and fun.

Romantic 3-Day Escape to Hagen, Germany

A romantic trip to Hagen, Germany promises scenic vistas, picturesque gardens, and serene walks along the river Ruhr. Indulge in a cosy stay at one of the many charming inns, enjoy the regional cuisine and explore the enchanting town center, steeped in cultural and historical significance. For a truly romantic experience, make a visit to the world-famous Isenburg Castle and witness its impressive architecture and breathtaking vistas.