Hike to the landscape protection area Emscherauen between Castrop and Mengede

The planned hike starts at the Mengede train station and follows the Emscherweg to the Emscher meadows, an impressive example of the renaturation of the Emscher. This area, created by the redesign of the flood retention basin, offers a natural paradise that surpasses the size of Phoenix Lake and is accessible only on foot or by bicycle. Along the way, hikers will encounter a diverse birdlife and can discover artworks along the Emscher Art Path that address the structural transformation of the region. An architectural highlight is the Emscher-Auen farm, a former homestead that now serves as a café and event venue. After a possible stop, the route leads through the Mengeder Heath back to the starting point. The distance is approximately 10 kilometers and can be completed in about three hours. It is considered an easy hike with a difficulty level of 1 out of 4.