Mountain peaks around Hünxe are characterized by a generally low elevation, with the municipality situated within the Hohe Mark Nature Park. This area features a low mountain landscape of gentle hills and diverse natural environments. The Tester hills are a notable example within Hünxe's landscape, offering engaging walks. These natural features provide opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
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Popular around Hünxe
Hiking and discoveries – family walks in the Hohe Mark Nature Park
Your bond with nature — Germany’s Hohe Mark Steig
Day Tours on the Hohe Mark cycle route
Hiking around Hünxe
Cycling around Hünxe
Running Trails around Hünxe
MTB Trails around Hünxe
Road Cycling Routes around Hünxe

Gravel biking around Hünxe
Unfortunately, the point is a construction site. The totems have been dismantled, and the interior is cordoned off with a construction fence. I hope the renovation doesn't take too long.
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Stefan: how many Halden have you had now? (there were about 300! im Ruhrpott)
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When the weather is clear, you can see almost the entire Ruhr area from here.
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The summit cross "Halde Haniel Kreuz" is part of the Stations of the Cross, which was inaugurated in 1995, and is not the only surprise that the Halde has in store for visitors - in addition to a fantastic view.
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The Way of the Cross was erected in 1987 on the occasion of Pope John Paul II's visit, who among other things visited the Prosper-Haniel mine and gave a speech in the Schalke Arena.
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Small heap without a great view. But you shouldn't miss it on a HAlden tour
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For the planned visit of Pope John Paul II on May 2, 1987, trainees from the Prosper-Haniel mine built a cross out of laths. This cross was blessed by Ruhr Bishop Franz Hengsbach on Good Friday 1987 and placed in front of the main shaft building for the Pope's visit. On Good Friday 1992, the cross was erected at what was then the highest point of the Halde Haniel and inaugurated by the Ruhr Bishop Hubert Luthe and Auxiliary Bishop Franz Grave. The mine manager's idea a. D. Hanns Ketteler, a professed Catholic, and his successor Michael Eisenmenger to set up a Way of the Cross to the Haldenkreuz was implemented in December 1993. It includes 15 stations with pen drawings etched into copper plates by the nun Tisa von der Schulenburg, ecclesiastical quotations from the world of work, and exhibits from the miner's world of work. On Good Friday 1995 Bishop Hubert Luthe consecrated the Way of the Cross. Since then, a procession has taken place every year on Good Friday with the respective bishop of Essen along the Stations of the Cross with a service at the Cross of the Cross. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreuzweg_an_der_Halde_Haniel
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<< The way of the cross to the papal cross >> "Station XII forms a large wooden cross with an altar at a height of approx. 156 meters, which was made from pit wood by trainees from the mine on the occasion of a visit by Pope John Paul II on May 2, 1987. The highlight of the visit at the time was the appearance of the Pope in the Gelsenkirchen Parkstadion. Here an altar was built from replicas of winding towers - instead of altar lights, miner's lamps illuminated the work. About 100,000 people celebrated a mass with the head of the Catholic Church. The bushes thin out from Station IX, the view is phenomenal and the height conquered realized for the first time. It almost goes unnoticed that the Way of the Cross has a few more stations than one would expect..." https://www.ruhrgebiet-industriekultur.de/halde-haniel/
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Hünxe is characterized by a generally low elevation, so you won't find towering mountains. Instead, the region offers gentle hills and unique man-made 'peaks' known as spoil tips, which are remnants of mining. These provide elevated points with expansive views and diverse natural environments, particularly within the Hohe Mark Nature Park.
Among the most popular elevated points are the Totem Poles on Halde Haniel, a significant man-made monument and one of the tallest spoil tips in the Ruhr region. Another must-see is the Halde Haniel Summit and Colorful Poles, which offers expansive views of the surrounding area. Visitors also appreciate the Halde Gärtnerbecken Summit, marked by a concrete pole, which is a notable point to include on a tour of the local heaps.
Yes, the Hünxe area, especially within the Hohe Mark Nature Park, is excellent for hiking. You can find a variety of trails, including those through the Tester hills. For specific routes, consider exploring the options listed in the Hiking around Hünxe guide, which features trails like the 'Loosenberge Juniper Heath – Polytunnel Information Point loop' and the 'Testerberg Hollow – Ancient European Beeches loop'.
From elevated points like the Halde Haniel Summit, you can expect expansive views of the 'mountain arena' and the surrounding greener landscape, despite its industrial past. The Totem Poles on Halde Haniel also offer a good vantage point to see the amphitheater on the summit plateau and the wider region.
Yes, Hünxe's gentle hills and well-maintained trails within the Hohe Mark Nature Park make it suitable for family outings. Many hiking routes are of easy to moderate difficulty, such as the 'Naturparkhouse Otto Pankok Museum – loop A1' which is an easy 6.2 km trail. You can find more family-friendly options in the Hiking around Hünxe guide.
The Hohe Mark Nature Park, where Hünxe is located, offers picturesque scenery year-round. While the area can be muddy and slippery in winter, especially on spoil tips like Halde Haniel, the natural beauty can still be experienced. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes for hiking and exploring.
The natural areas and trails around Hünxe, particularly within the Hohe Mark Nature Park, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves like Naturschutzgebiet Kaninchenberge, and to be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
Beyond hiking, Hünxe offers opportunities for running and mountain biking. You can find various running trails, including those along the Wesel-Datteln Canal, in the Running Trails around Hünxe guide. For mountain biking, explore routes like the 'Testerberge Jumpline – Testerberge Trail loop' in the MTB Trails around Hünxe guide.
Yes, Hünxe is home to the Naturschutzgebiet Kaninchenberge (Kaninchenberge Nature Reserve), which offers a chance to connect with nature. The region is also part of the Hohe Mark Nature Park, known for its diverse natural environments and picturesque low mountain landscape of the Lower Rhine region.
Visitors appreciate the natural tranquility, varied landscapes, and opportunities to connect with nature through hiking. The unique character of the spoil tips, like Halde Haniel with its Totem Poles and expansive views, is also a significant draw. The komoot community has shared nearly 2000 photos and given over 1400 upvotes, highlighting the area's appeal for outdoor exploration.
Hiking durations vary depending on the trail. For example, the 'Through the Tester hills and to the Bruckhausen mill' route is a wooded circular hike of approximately 13.7 km, typically taking around 3 hours and 27 minutes to complete. Shorter, easier loops like the 'Naturparkhouse Otto Pankok Museum – loop A1' can be completed in less time.
The Hohe Mark Steig, a long-distance hiking trail that traverses parts of Hünxe, is known for revealing 'hidden beauties' and 'special natural spectacles' within the Hohe Mark Nature Park. Exploring sections of this trail can lead to serene and less-trafficked areas.


See even more amazing summits around Hünxe with these guides: