Herne

Herne is a large city in the Arnsberg administrative region of North Rhine-Westphalia, situated between Bochum and Gelsenkirchen. The municipality comprises several districts linked by waterways and former industrial sites.

A small settlement called Haranni appeared in the tenth century and remained largely insignificant until coal deposits were found in the nineteenth century. The fusion with Wanne-Eickel in 1975 enlarged the municipality considerably and reshaped its administrative structure.

Locals still use the old district names that reflect the mining past, when entire neighborhoods grew around individual coal pits. Many residents gather in the community centers that replaced former workers' clubs, where people meet for sports and social events.

Visitors can reach different parts of the city easily through tram and bus lines that connect all districts. The center is relatively compact and walkable, while the outer neighborhoods require further travel.

The Cranger Kirmes, which started in the fifteenth century as a horse market, attracts millions of visitors each year and lasts ten days. The fair takes place on grounds once used for livestock trading and is now filled with numerous rides and stalls.

Location: Arnsberg Government Region

Elevation above the sea: 65 m

Part of: Regionalverband Ruhr

Shares border with: Bochum, Recklinghausen, Gelsenkirchen, Herten

Email: pgp@herne.de

Website: https://herne.de

GPS coordinates: 51.54258,7.21897

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:04