The Haarstrang is a distinctive ridge in North Rhine-Westphalia that stretches from west to east in the south of the city of Dortmund and the districts of Unna and Soest. It is known for its clayey soil, which can lead to heavy surface water runoff. In the past, especially in the 1960s, this led to severe flooding. Nowadays, flood retention basins are used to protect the lower areas from flooding.
Economically important for the Haarstrang are the green sandstone deposits near Anröchte, known as Anröchter Stein, and limestone mining in the areas around Erwitte and Geseke. The exposed location of the Haarstrang also enables efficient use of wind power.
It is also interesting that the historic Haarweg trade route once ran over the ridge of the Haarstrang, which is now partly followed by the federal highway 516.
For hikers and nature lovers, the Haarstrang offers attractive vantage points from which you can enjoy wide views over the Ruhr area and as far as the Sauerland. One example of this is the hiking trail between Schwerte-Ost and Lichtendorf, which leads along field paths and through forests and offers impressive views.
There are several communities in the Haarstrang region, including Schwerte, Holzwickede, Unna and Fröndenberg. Lichtendorf, a district of Dortmund that borders Schwerte, is also located near the Haarstrang. Lichtendorf is characterized by an interesting population structure and its own parish history, which includes both Protestant and Catholic elements.