It is an important rail hub for the southeastern Ruhr area, offering regional and long distance connections.

It survived bombing during the Second World War, although not completely, in contrast to other stations in the Ruhr area, so it can be admired today.

A stained-glass window called The Artist as Teacher of Trade and Industry (German: Der Künstler als Lehrer für Handel und Gewerbe) by Johan Thorn Prikker was installed above the entrance by Karl Ernst Osthaus in 1911.

The heavy Anglo-American bombing raids in World War II on Hagen did not destroy it, unlike many other railway stations in the Ruhr.

Thus, the barrel vault over the concourse has been reconstructed, restoring some of its old lustre and details, including Thorn Prikker's stained-glass window, are now illuminated by daylight and are again clearly visible.