Cycle path on the Baarbach with wind turbines

The Baarbach, also known as the Lägerbach, is a 17.6-kilometer-long, left tributary of the Ruhr in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its source is at an altitude of about 426 meters in the Iserlohn city forest south of the city center. In the city center of Iserlohn, the stream has been largely piped since the 18th century and resurfaces north of the center in the districts of Nußberg and Iserlohnerheide. Finally, the Baarbach flows into the Ruhr east of Schwerte at an altitude of about 110 meters. In recent years, several measures have been carried out to renature and ecologically improve the Baarbach. In 2019, for example, a 400-meter-long section was exposed and renaturalized in the “In der Läger” area in order to restore the natural river landscape and improve the water quality. The Baarbach offers attractive routes for cyclists. A particularly beautiful cycle path runs along the stream and connects Iserlohn with Schwerte. The route leads through picturesque landscapes and allows you to experience the region's nature up close. A cultural highlight along the Baarbach is the historic Maste-Barendorf factory complex in Iserlohn. This cultural monument from the 19th century consists of ten buildings and is now owned by the city of Iserlohn. The complex offers insights into the region's industrial past and hosts various cultural events.