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Netphen

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City
—°1102
Netphen (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Netphen

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Bring good hiking boots; the town is a great gateway to the Rothaarsteig trail and the sources of the Sieg and Lahn.
  • The Obernautalsperre reservoir is for drinking water, so swimming is forbidden, but it is great for walking and cycling.
  • While buses connect the villages, having a car is highly advantageous for exploring the surrounding deep valleys.
  • The Siegerland region can be misty and rainy; dress in layers to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.

🍽 Food

🍽
Siegerländer Krüstchen

A breaded pork cutlet served on rye bread, topped with a fried egg; find it in traditional local pubs.

🍽
Riewekooche (Potato Bread)

Ask at traditional local bakeries for this dense, savory regional potato loaf.

🍽
Fresh Trout

Try locally caught trout at a traditional inn near the forested river valleys.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Farm Shops (Hofläden)

Look out for small farm shops in the surrounding villages selling regional cheese, sausage, and honey.

🛍
Town Center Bakeries

The main streets offer quaint bakeries where you can pick up traditional local breads and pastries.

🧘
Obernautalsperre Path

The paved path around the reservoir is completely traffic-free and well-suited for a calm nature walk.

🧘
Siegquelle (Source of the Sieg)

Visit the forested area where the Sieg river begins for a tranquil, deeply wooded atmosphere.

Highlights of 2026

1

Netphen, located in the eastern Siegerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, is geographically distinct as the 'City of Springs'. It is the rare site where three major rivers, the Sieg, Lahn, and Eder, have their headwaters within the same municipal territory. Surrounded by the dense forests of the Rothaar Mountains, Netphen is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering direct access to the Rothaarsteig hiking trail. A major landmark is the Obernau Dam, the region's largest drinking water reservoir, featuring a scenic 9.6-kilometer path popular for cycling and skating. Historically, the area was defined by iron mining and a unique communal forestry system known as 'Hauberg', which provided charcoal for local ironworks. Today, Netphen is a collection of 21 characterful districts, combining peaceful residential areas with modern amenities like the Siegerland Sport Park, making it a highly desirable location for families and nature lovers.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10381215181713941
Rain mm896866527876878469698191

Geography

Population
25,163
Coordinates
50.91470, 8.10000

Facts

  • River Springs: Sources of the Sieg, Lahn, and Eder are all located here.
  • Obernau Dam: Holds a volume of approximately 15 million cubic meters.
  • Forestry: Over 60% of the city's total area is covered by dense woodland.
  • Historic Site: The Hainchen Water Castle is a well-preserved local landmark.
  • Recreation: The Netphen Leisure Park includes an ice rink and swimming pool.
  • Highest Elevation: The 'Oberste Henn' mountain reaches 676 meters.

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.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Netphen (10)

Obernau Dam🌊 lake

The largest drinking water reservoir in the Siegerland region, surrounded by a scenic 9.6 km circular trail.

Hainchen Moated Castle🏰 castle

A beautifully restored castle complex that hosts cultural events and is surrounded by a pleasant park.

Keppel Abbey⛪ church

A former Premonstratensian nunnery featuring a significant Baroque church and a historic school building.

Netphen Local Museum🏛 museum

Located in a half-timbered house, it vividly displays regional history, traditional crafts, and rural life.

Lahn River Source🌳 park

The source of the Lahn river is located in the Lahnhof district, a popular destination for hikers on the Rothaarsteig.

Siegaue🌿 nature

Nature reserve in the floodplains of the Sieg river near Netphen with diverse flora.

Auenwald🌿 nature

Protected floodplain forest near Netphen providing important habitats for local wildlife.

Burggraben🏺 historical

Archaeological site in Netphen featuring the remains of a former castle moat.

Minigolfplatz 1. MGSV Netphen👨‍👩‍👧 family

The Minigolfplatz 1. MGSV Netphen features families a sporty leisure activity.

Spielplaz👨‍👩‍👧 family

Playground in Netphen (formerly spelled Spielplaz).

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Sieg river originate?
The Sieg source is located in the municipal area of Netphen in the Rothaar Mountains and is a popular hiking destination.
What is the Obernautalsperre?
The Obernautalsperre is a drinking water reservoir near Netphen; the approx. 9.6 km long circular path is handy for skaters and cyclists.
What leisure activities does Sportpark Netphen offer?
It gives a leisure pool with sauna, an ice rink (in winter), and trampoline facilities.
Does the Rothaarsteig trail run through Netphen?
Yes, the famous Rothaarsteig long-distance hiking trail leads through the Netphen area and features great views.
Are there historic buildings in Netphen?
The Martini Church in Netphen is a noteworthy old hall church from the 13th century.
Netphen: where is it located?
Netphen is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Netphen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Obernau Dam, Hainchen Moated Castle, Keppel Abbey.
Netphen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Netphen: why is it worth visiting?
Netphen, located in the eastern Siegerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, is geographically distinct as the 'City of Springs'.
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