Ruhr Valley Ferry Hardenstein

The Hardenstein Ruhr Valley Ferry operates in Witten between the Herbede Lock and the Burgruine Hardenstein, thereby filling a gap in the waterway network. As early as 1883, there was a rowboat service at this location. Most recently, in the 1950s, boatman Rosendahl ferried day-trippers across the Ruhr at this spot.

April through May: daily 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (2025: The ferry has been in operation since April 23, 2025)

June–August: daily 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

September–October: daily 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

November: daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

NOTE: The operators reserve the right to suspend service at short notice (reasons may include, among others, excessively high water levels in the Ruhr River). Please check the daily updated status Ampen at www.wabembh.de.

Outside the ferry season or if operations are suspended at short notice, please use the Nachtigall Bridge (next to the Nachtigall coal mine), located 1.5 km before the ferry crossing, to cross to the other side of the Ruhr . The route is signposted, and you can find a map here.

Capacity: max. 50 people

Opening hours of the lock keeper’s hut at the ferry:
Monday through Friday: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM; Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM. Meals are always served from 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

For more information and a traffic light display showing whether the ferry is running, visit:

www.wabembh.de
Phone: 02302-39538-0