Culture Tour Tips

HELLWEG – ein LICHTWEG is a modular, constantly expanding art project in the Hellweg region. It has been bringing together works of light art in the public space, both completed and in the making, to form an identity-creating whole since its establishment in 2002.

Under the overall artistic direction of Matthias Wagner K and in partnerships with cities and municipalities of the Hellweg region, the Centre for International Light Art Unna and invited guest curators, it has realised and projected new works of light art by nationally and internationally renowned artists every year since then. These artworks can be experienced only in their surroundings; they do, after all, form a coexistence with them: with the life habits of the people nearby, with the historical and present-day contexts, with the urban city and landscape zones, – with what has shaped these places, makes them distinctive and special.

There is plenty to see, visit and experience along this trail of light art works. Selected tips and recommendations, tailored to personal requests and interests, provide guidance through the Hellweg region and help visitors plan their cultural days out.

We wish you hours of fun and fascination.

Lichtkunst-Kunstreisen Lünen

Sights

Sunday Urban Walking Tour

On the first Sunday of the month there are guided tours on offer under different topics or themes. No need to sign up in advance. May-October, 3 p.m., duration approx. 90 min., participation fee: 5 Euro p.p.

INFO: Willy-Brandt-Platz 1, Tel. +49 (0)2306/1778, www.luenen.de

Museum der Stadt Lünen im Schloss Schwansbell

Life and homes between 1840 and 1930 are depicted by exhibits in five rooms of the castle’s outbuilding. Alongside that, there is a doll and toy exhibition of regional significance, starting from the late 18th century and continuing to ca. 1930. The permanent collection also includes cast iron ovens, ceramics, and agrarian domestic and work tools.

INFO: Schwansbeller Weg 32, Tel. +49 (0)2306/1041649, www.luenen.de

Preussenhafen Lünen

A port situated on the Datteln-Hamm canal. Formerly a transshipment point for coal, now a rest area for sports boat tourism. A popular destination for cycle rides. Canal promenade with wonderful view of the water. Port building offers tourist information, kiosk, snacks and sanitary facilities.

INFO: Hafenstraße, Tel. +49 (0)231/3956777, www.preussenhafen-luenen.de

Seepark Lünen - Schwansbeller Weg

A former industrial brownfield site by the Datteln-Hamm canal in Lünen-Horstmar was renatured and redesigned for the NRW Garden Show (1996).

INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2306/1041671, www.luenen.de

St. Georg evangelical church

This Westphalian hall church was built between 1360 and 1366. Besides the triumphal cross and baptism stone, the most significant artworks include the late Gothic winged altar, created in ca. 1470, which originates from the school of the “Master of Liesborn”.

INFO: St.-Georg-Kirchplatz 2, Tel. +49 (0)2306/1730, www.luenen.de

Colani-Ufo – Winding tower of the former Minister Achenbach IV colliery

A highly symbolic landmark of structural change is the futuristic-looking “Ufo” by star designer Luigi Colani, which can be seen from far and wide. It is the trademark of the “LÜTNEC” technology and start-up centre and the region’s most frequently photographed object.

INFO: Am Brambusch 24, Tel. +49 (0)231/9860100, www.luentec.de

TIP: MARKETS, “VIKTUALIENMARKT”, FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS

An outdoor market takes place every Tuesday and Friday on Willy-Brandt-Platz. There is a “Viktualien”-market” (viktualien is a southern German or Austrian word for groceries) on Saturdays.

INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2306/1041501, www.luenen.de

Eating and drinking

Da Rocco Ristorante

This restaurant is one of the “real” Italians in Lünen with a select gourmet menu. Right in the centre of town, the beautifully situated sun terrace offers a place of calm.

INFO: Roggenmarkt 9, Tel. +49 (0)2306/18242, www.da-rocco-luenen.de

Restaurant Stockey

From waggoner’s pub to top restaurant in Lünen. An establishment that goes back more than 120 years. “Fine German cuisine” is served in an attractive ambience here.

INFO: Dortmunder Str. 35, Tel. +49 (0)2306/14028, www.restaurant-stockey.de

Accommodation

Hotel Drei Linden

The Hotel Drei Linden is located in a quiet, central spot on the edge of the old town. The charm of the historical building, combined with cosiness and comfort, can be felt throughout the establishment.

INFO: Lange Str. 71, Tel. +49 (0)2306/75760100, www.hotel-luenen.de

Ringhotel Am Stadtpark

This modern and comfortable conference and wellness hotel is located close to the town centre, in the direct vicinity of the “Hansesaal” culture and events centre. The restaurant with winter and palm garden is renowned for its excellent cuisine.

INFO: Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 43, Tel. +49 (0)2306/20100, www.riepe.com

Hotel Restaurant Cafè an der Persiluhr

This privately run hotel in the town centre is located in a historical building. A range of courtesies await guests.

INFO: Münsterstr. 25-27, Tel. +49 (0)2306/70090, www.persiluhr.de

Retro-Art Stadthotel Lünen

The hotel is retained in 60s style and comprises various theme rooms. Situated close to the Lippepark and just a few hundred metres away from the pedestrian zone.

INFO: Dortmunder Str. 10, Tel. +49 (0)2306/1070, www.stadthotelluenen.de

Events

Kinofest Lünen – Festival für deutsche Filme (November)

This film festival is a cinematic highlight and possibly the best-known festival of German films in NRW. It draws not only the film industry to the town by the Lippe, but also a broad public from the region. Besides the awarding of other distinctions, the audience’s top film receives the accolade of the Municipality of Lünen’s film prize, the “LÜDIA”.

INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2306/1042299, www.kinofest-luenen.de

Sparkassen-Drachenfest (October)

This is one of Europe’s “Top Ten” kite festivals. Colourful flying objects take to the skies above the glider airfield in the middle of town. Besides contests and the kite market, the night-time kite-flying is a particular highlight.

INFO: Kulturbüro der Stadt Lünen, Tel. +49 (0)2306/1042299, www.sparkassendrachenfest-luenen.de

Jazz Light (everty 1st weekend in November)

Jazz enthusiasts from the region have been meeting to see and hear top international stars and gifted newcomers alike since 1977.

INFO: Hansesaal Lünen, Tel. +49 (0)2306/1042299, www.luenen.de