Meinerzhagen in the Ebbegebirge in Sauerland, © Tourismus NRW e.V.

Sauer­land


In the land of 1,000 moun­tains

This outlook is fantastic: in Sauerland, holidaymakers not only find magnificent panoramas but also a wide range of activities and places to relax in both summer and winter. Wintersport-Arena Sauerland is the largest ski resort north of the Alps and, in addition to the many slopes and cross-country skiing trails, offers numerous top-class winter sport events. Because of this, bobsleigh, skeleton and luge world cups are often on the programme at the bobsleigh track in Winterberg.

Cyclist on the pulpit bridge aerial view , © Tourismus NRW e.V.

A para­dise for cyc­lists and hikers

Sauerland, with its 2,711 mountains at altitudes above 400 metres is a distinguished hiking destination in the truest sense of the word. Not only does it offer numerous certified hiking trails with beautiful views but also the German Hiking Association’s first “Qualitäts-Wanderregion” (quality hiking region). Long-distance hiking trails such as the Rothaarsteig or the Sauerland-Höhenflug allow you to experience the beauty of the low mountain landscape in a particularly impressive way: the 250 kilometre route of the latter runs almost entirely along mountain ridges that provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding valleys. Hikers can find suitable accommodation at the Sauerland hiking guesthouses, which cater specifically to the requirements and needs of hikers.

Cyclists - from pleasure cyclists to ambitious sports enthusiasts - can also find their Eldorado here in the Sauerland. One highlight is the SauerlandRadring (Sauerland Cycle Ring): over about 80 kilometres, it runs through the heart of the region along an asphalted railway line to restored contemporary witnesses to the former culture of industry and craftsmanship, to small museums and even through a 700 metre long bat tunnel. Finally, Bike Arena Sauerland offers racers, mountain bikers, cycle tourists and occasional cyclists a huge network of tours.

Biggesee, Olpe in the Sauerland region  , © Tourismus NRW e.V.

Val­ley reser­voirs and stalac­tite caves

Many of the 17 valley reservoirs in the Sauerland are used as local recreation areas. Especially the five largest reservoirs, including the impressive Biggesee, with its watersport facilities. The region also offers attractions far below sea level: at the Atta Cave in Attendorn, the largest interconnected cave system in Germany, grandiose worlds made of dripstone have formed over millions of years. Information is available to anyone who would like to know more at Dechenhöhle in Isarlohn: This is provided by the only cave museum in Germany. Did you know? The temperature in caves remains at a constant nine degrees Celsius all year round – even in the depths of winter.

  • Hemer sea of rocks in Sauerland, © Tourismus NRW e.V.
    Möhnesee Sauerland Tretboot , © Bjorn Troch The Social Traveler
    Bruchhauser stones in Olsberg, © Dominik Ketz, Tourismus NRW e.V.
  • Goldener Pfad Winterberg, © Tourismus NRW e.V.
    Kahler Asten Steig, © Klaus-Peter Kappest, Tourismus Schmallenberger Sauerland
    Schneelandschaft im Sauerland, © Sauerland Tourismus e.V.

More in­form­a­tion

Dis­cov­er it now!

Hik­ing, cyc­ling & well­ness

Dis­cov­er­ies in the re­gion Sauer­land

Olsberg Kneipp Hiking Trail, © Dominik Ketz

Ols­berg Kneipp Hik­ing Trail

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panoramic views at the Bestwig Panorama Trail, © Reinhard Schmidtmann

Bestwig Pan­or­ama Trail

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Kleine Brücken führen den Bödefelder Hollenpfad über die Bäche, © Tourismus Schmallenberger Sauerland / K.-P. Kappest

Böde­feld­er Hol­len­pfad

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Upper Sauerland Ridge Trail, © Ferienwelt Winterberg

Up­per Sauer­land Ridge Trail

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fog at the Ehmsen trail, © Julian Stratenschulte

Ehm­sen Trail

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Winterberg High-Altitude Trail, © Ferienwelt Winterberg

Win­ter­berg High-Alti­tude Trail

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family on tour at the Sauerland Cycle Circuit, © Sauerland-Tourismus e.V Foto Stromberg

Sauer­land Cycle Cir­cuit

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Die Usseler Heide ist Teil des Rundwegs, © Sauerland Höhenflug

Düd­ing­hausen Geo­lo­gic­al Trail

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the landscape on Brilon Ridge Trail, © Brilon Wirtschaft und Tourismus GmbH

Bri­lon Ridge Trail

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