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Breckerfeld

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City
—°812
Breckerfeld (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Breckerfeld

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the St. Jakobus Church in the town center to see the famous 16th-century carved altar.
  • Explore the remains of the medieval city wall during a walk through the historic core.
  • A trip to the Glörtalsperre reservoir is a must for nature lovers, popular for hiking and swimming.
  • As an old Hanseatic city, many buildings in Breckerfeld feature plaques detailing the local history.

🍽 Food

🍽
Zum Jägerheim

Enjoy fresh waffles and homemade cakes on the terrace overlooking the Ennepe reservoir.

🍽
Westphalian Ham

Try this regional specialty in local inns, often served with dark pumpernickel bread.

🍽
Gasthof Zur Post

A traditional inn in the Zurstraße district known for its down-to-earth regional dishes.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
LokalLaden Breckerfeld

A community-run shop selling products exclusively from producers within the immediate region.

🛍
Marktplatz Weekly Market

Visit on Friday mornings for fresh produce, eggs, and crafts directly from Sauerland farmers.

🛍
Farm Gate Sales

Look for signs at local farms where you can buy honey, cheese, and meat directly from the producer.

🧘
Ennepe Reservoir Path

The trails around the lake are usually very quiet and offer plenty of shade from the woods.

🧘
Alte Kohlenbahn

A former coal railway track that is now a flat, peaceful path for cycling and walking through nature.

🧘
Glörtalsperre (Wooded Side)

Avoid the swimming areas and walk on the forested side of the lake for total peace.

Breckerfeld, the southernmost municipality in the Ennepe-Ruhr district, holds a distinguished history as a former member of the Hanseatic League. Established as a town in 1396, it flourished during the Middle Ages as a center for steel tool manufacturing, particularly knives and wire. Its historical importance is mirrored in the St. James Church (Jakobuskirche), a notable Gothic hall church that remains a key landmark for pilgrims traveling the Way of St. James. The town’s layout, featuring remnants of the original fortifications, provides a glimpse into its medieval defensive strategy. Geographically, Breckerfeld sits at high altitude, marking the transition from the industrial Ruhr area to the scenic hills of the Sauerland. This location makes it a popular getaway for nature lovers, with the nearby Glör Dam serving as a central hub for recreation and water sports. Today, Breckerfeld maintains a quiet, rural atmosphere while serving as a regional center for traditional crafts and sustainable tourism, bridging its industrial past with a green future.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C125913171918151062
Rain mm917064476971838467698190

Geography

Population
9,217
Coordinates
51.26110, 7.46670

Facts

  • Town rights: Granted in 1396.
  • Highest elevation: Wengeberg at 442 meters.
  • Hanseatic status: Reconfirmed as a 'Hanseatic Town' in 2012.
  • Religious landmark: Protestant St. James Church (Jakobuskirche).
  • Water body: Glör Dam (Glörtalsperre) built in 1904.
  • Economy: Historical center for the production of 'Breckerfeld blades'.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Breckerfeld (8)

Glörtalsperre Reservoir

This idyllically located reservoir is a popular local recreation area for hiking, swimming, and relaxing in nature.

Finkenberger Mühle

The historic windmill is a city landmark and recalls the agricultural past of the Breckerfeld area.

Breckerfeld Local History Museum🏛 museum

Housed in a timber-framed building, the museum displays exhibits on regional crafts and everyday history.

St. James' Fountain

A historic fountain on the market square of Breckerfeld.

Naturbadestelle Glörtalsperre🎡 recreation

A natural swimming area at the Glörtalsperre reservoir near Breckerfeld.

Hasper Talsperre🌿 nature

The Hasper Talsperre in Breckerfeld is a quiet lake, handy for relaxing walks in nature.

Vorstaubecken "Ennepetalsperre"🌿 nature

The Vorstaubecken Ennepetalsperre in Breckerfeld features a pretty setting for nature observations and hikes.

Ennepetalstausee🌿 nature

The Ennepetalstausee in Breckerfeld is a beautiful body of water that invites you to explore the surrounding landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Is Breckerfeld a Hanseatic city?
Yes, Breckerfeld is the only Hanseatic city in the Ennepe-Ruhr district and has a long trading tradition.
Can you swim in the Glörtalsperre?
Yes, there is a natural bathing area with a beach at the Glörtalsperre, which is very popular in summer.
What can you see of the historic town wall?
Parts of the old town wall are still well-preserved and shape the historic landscape around the Jakobus Church.
What hiking trails are there in Breckerfeld?
The region provides many paths, including the Westfalenwanderweg, which leads through the hilly landscape of the Sauerland fringe.
Are there good connections to Hagen?
Hagen is about 15-20 km away and quickly accessible via local roads or regular bus connections.
Breckerfeld: where is it located?
Breckerfeld is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Breckerfeld: what is there to see?
Highlights include Glörtalsperre Reservoir, Finkenberger Mühle, Breckerfeld Local History Museum.
Breckerfeld: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Breckerfeld: why is it worth visiting?
Breckerfeld, the southernmost municipality in the Ennepe-Ruhr district, holds a distinguished history as a former member of the Hanseatic League.
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