Discover the Charm of Ratingen-Lintorf (Ratingen-Lintorf)
A poetic district where industrial history meets enchanting nature on the edge of the Ruhr
Ratingen-Lintorf is a scenic, village-like district on the outskirts of the Ruhr area, where rural calm, industrial heritage and green landscapes blend into a harmonious whole. Here you will find water, forest, gentle hills and historic buildings – perfect for those who love nature but still want to stay close to the city.
1. Helpensteinmühle – Historic hilltop water mill
The Helpensteinmühle is a 17th-century water mill that was used to grind grain until the early 20th century.
The building has been carefully preserved and today stands as an important historical landmark reflecting the local industrial and craft heritage (travopo.com).
A visit offers a vivid impression of how small-scale industry once shaped everyday life in the region.
2. St. Anna Church (St. Anna)
St. Anna Church was built in 1878 on the remains of an earlier Roman building.
It combines:
Neo-Romanesque architectural elements
impressive wall paintings and artistic decoration
a calm, spiritual atmosphere in the heart of the district
The church is both a place of contemplation and an architectural highlight, making it a rewarding stop on any walk through Lintorf.
3. Forest paths and lakes – Lintorfer Waldsee & Blauer See
Around Lintorf, forests and lakes invite you to enjoy relaxing walks and short hikes.
Starting from the parking areas at “An den Hanten”, you can explore:
Lintorfer Waldsee and Waldsee Ratingen, surrounded by a beautiful forest with easy circular trails (komoot.com)
after that, head to Blauer See, a lake created in a former quarry or mine site
Blauer See offers:
a semi-natural park landscape
a small “beach” and shore areas for relaxing
a peaceful setting for strolling, picnicking and photography
4. Old village centre and historical walk
The old core of Lintorf is characterised by:
traditional half-timbered houses
a quiet central square in front of the church
small lanes with an almost rural atmosphere
Locals often organise guided historical walks through the old district, sharing stories, anecdotes and background information in a relaxed and friendly way – a great way to get to know Lintorf beyond its surface.
5. Stinkesberg – A natural viewpoint
The Stinkesberg rises gently above the district and is a small but special natural area.
Here you will find:
protected quartz rock formations
natural footpaths
wide, peaceful views over the surrounding landscape
The combination of rocky outcrops, greenery and open sky creates a soothing, almost meditative atmosphere – perfect for a quiet break from everyday life (de.wikipedia.org).
6. Neanderlandsteig – Long-distance hiking trail
A section of the well-known Neanderlandsteig long-distance trail passes directly through Lintorf.
Along this route you will:
walk through forests and natural valleys
pass fields, streams and village edges
reach neighbouring towns and villages on a route that can take several hours
It’s an excellent way to explore Lintorf and its surroundings in an active and nature-oriented way (komoot.com).
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | From spring to autumn to fully enjoy nature, forests and lakes. |
| Suggested duration | One full day is enough to discover history and walking routes; two days for extra rest. |
| Getting around | On foot within the district; by bike or car for the forest and lake areas. |
| For nature & photo fans | Don’t miss Blauer See and the forest trails, and plan a photo stop at Helpensteinmühle. |
Conclusion
Ratingen-Lintorf is a perfect destination for those who appreciate rural history and refreshing nature away from city noise.
Between the old water mill, the Neo-Romanesque St. Anna Church, forest paths, lakes and the gentle Stinkesberg hills, you’ll experience a very traditional, quiet and emotionally warm side of Germany – simple, authentic and deeply relaxing.
The team of writers and editors on this website makes every effort to provide accurate information through extensive research and consultation of multiple sources when preparing articles. Nevertheless, errors may occur and some details may be incomplete or not yet fully confirmed. For this reason, please regard the information in these articles as an initial point of reference and always consult the relevant authorities and specialist institutions to obtain definitive and up-to-date information.
