Phoenixsee Walk

2025-06-01

The Phoenix Lake in Dortmund-Hörde is an outstanding example of successful structural transformation in the Ruhr region. On the site of the former Hermannshütte steelworks, which was used for industrial purposes for 160 years, a modern recreational area with a lake, residential buildings, commercial spaces, and leisure facilities was developed between 2005 and 2011. The flooding of the 24-hectare lake began on October 1, 2010, and was completed in May 2011.

The artificial lake is 1.2 kilometers long and has a maximum width of 320 meters. Its maximum depth is approximately 4.6 meters. It serves not only as a local recreational area but also contributes to flood protection and the renaturation of the Emscher River. A special highlight is the phosphate elimination plant, which filters up to 90 cubic meters of lake water per hour to ensure water quality.

A 3.2 kilometer-long circular path surrounds the lake, inviting visitors to walk, jog, cycle, or skate. On the so called "Culture Island" on the western shore stands a relic from the industrial era – the "Thomasbirne," a remnant of the former steelworks. For families, there is a playground and the "Whisper Bridge," an interactive artwork by Jan Bormann.

The Phoenix Lake has developed into a vibrant district with around 2,000 housing units. Approximately 121 companies have also established themselves there, primarily from the service, gastronomy, and media/IT sectors. The entire project was budgeted at 230 million euros, with nearly half financed through land sales, public funding, and the City of Dortmund’s own contributions.