Imagine stepping onto land reclaimed from a former coal mine. This is Seepark Lünen. It’s more than just a park. It’s a symbol of transformation.
Seepark Lünen arose from the grounds of the old Zeche Preußen mine. After the mine closed, the area needed revitalization. Lünen created the Seepark for the Landesgartenschau in 1996. This turned a scarred industrial site into a green oasis.
The park spans 63 hectares. Its heart is the Horstmarer See. This lake covers nine hectares. It offers both natural beauty and recreational fun. The southern part of the lake is a protected nature reserve. The north shore boasts a beach for swimming. Since October 1, 2020, swimming is allowed again.
The Horstmarer See didn’t exist before the mine. It formed from a mining-related depression. It was then renatured for the Landesgartenschau. Usually, the Datteln-Hamm Canal does not feed the lake. But there’s a connection to fill it when water levels drop.
Look around. Notice the “Kommunistenkurve”. This unique art installation features busts from the former Soviet Union. Instead of being melted down, they found a new home here. Only Lenin’s bust is easily recognizable. The identities of the others remain a mystery.
For those seeking active recreation, Seepark Lünen has a disc golf course. It was North Rhine-Westphalia’s first. Inaugurated in October 2007, it adds to the park’s diverse offerings. There are also multiple playgrounds and varied walking trails.
Seepark Lünen is part of the Route der Industriekultur. It showcases how industrial landscapes can be transformed. The park invites visitors to relax and explore. You can also visit the mysterious UFO if you book at least two nights in our Hotel An der Persiluhr.
Consider the blend of industry and nature as you stroll through Seepark Lünen. Once a mining area, it now offers recreation and natural beauty. The park embodies Lünen’s successful urban renewal. It is a testament to how cities can reinvent themselves. The Seepark Lünen offers an experience that touches on history, art, and recreation.