Hohensyburg

The Hohensyburg park area is situated in direct neighborhood of Hagen in the South of Dortmund. It is framed by the rivers Ruhr and Lenne. The most prominent part of the park is the eponymous Syburg, a castle whose origins range back to 775. Visitors can enjoy these ruins as well as the wide lawns, a number of cafés and restaurants as well as the wonderful view over the rivers and Lake Hengstey (Hengsteysee).

The Syburg was constructed on the premises of a former Saxon castle which was destroyed by the Franks in the time of Charlemagne. In 1287 the Syburg visible today was partially ruined. Today, the outer walls as well as two keeps are still recognizable. In the center of the complex a war memorial was erected in 1930.


Overlooking Lake Hengstey, the Kaiser-Wilhelm Monument can be found. Dedicated to the founding of the German Reich in 1871, it was completed in 1903. During the Third Reich, the Nazis redesigned the monument to adapt it to National Socialist architecture. Slabs featuring swastikas and the date of Hitler’s seizure of power were added during this time as well. These changes were undone later, though other changes remained unaltered.

A crucial aspect for visiting the park area is the actual getting there. Busses usually go once an hour, so you should check your connections carefully in advance to avoid waiting. However, busses will take you directly to the park (get off at Syburg) and even if you miss the bus back home, several beer gardens are close by to help you pass the time.