Iserlohn lies in the south of Westphalia, where the Ruhr region borders the Sauerland. The city is shaped by extensive forests such as the Seilerwald and the Stadtwald, while the Lenne and the Ruhr rivers flow through the area. In the north, the terrain slopes down to the Ruhr valley, and in the south, the forested heights of the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge rise.
The highest point is the Rüssenberg at almost 500 metres, while the city centre lies at about 250 metres. Nearly three-quarters of the area consists of green spaces, including forests, farmland and bodies of water.
The first traces of human settlement date back to the Old Stone Age, but the city was actually founded centuries ago. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Iserlohn became known for its metal industry and was long one of the most important cities in Westphalia. Today, chemical and medical production as well as services dominate the economy, though metalworking still plays a role.
The city is known for its ice hockey club, the Dechenhöhle with its stalactites, and the beer from the local brewery. As a “forest city” with two universities and an international economic conference, Iserlohn combines nature with modern development. The surrounding mountains, such as the Bilstein and the Danzturm on the Fröndenberg, are distinctive landmarks.
