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.

Hopfen und Malz geben dem Veltins Pils seinen Charakter, © C. & A. Veltins

From moun­tain spring wa­ter to Sauer­land beer

Warsteiner and Veltins are two beer giants that are brewing their beers amidst the Sauerland’s panoramic views, deep blue lakes, and hilly landscapes.

Fresh Veltins beer is brewed from malt, hops, yeast, and the purest spring water from the mountains around Grevenstein – naturally in compliance with the Purity Law of 1516. It all started with founding father Clemens Veltins who took over a small country brewery in Grevenstein in the Upper Sauerland back in 1852 to cater to house guests and pubs in the area. The private brewery has been located in Meschede since 1824. Free guided tours offer guests a glimpse at a German state-of-the-art private brewery and a close look at how exactly Sauerland beer is made.

Take the tram through the Warstein glass brewery. The ingredients for the beer brewed here are high-quality raw materials and soft water from the brewery’s own Kaiser spring. A guided tour of the brewery museum teaches visitors all about the brewery’s company and brand history. A 360-degree all-round theatre presents the brewing process before a train ride through the glass brewery, across the premises, and into some of the production halls. The tour is complemented by a freshly tapped pint of Warsteiner in the beer garden.

A balloon festival serves as a proper annual eye-catcher overhead on top, when balloon pilots, their crews, and fans of the colourful aerial vehicles meet up for the Warsteiner Montgolfiade, Germany’s largest balloon festival in the Sauerland.

  • 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

fog at the Ehmsen trail, © Julian Stratenschulte

Ehm­sen Trail

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

Bri­lon Ridge Trail

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Upper Sauerland Ridge Trail, © Ferienwelt Winterberg

Up­per Sauer­land Ridge 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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Die Usseler Heide ist Teil des Rundwegs, © Sauerland Höhenflug

Düd­ing­hausen Geo­lo­gic­al Trail

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Winterberg High-Altitude Trail, © Ferienwelt Winterberg

Win­ter­berg High-Alti­tude Trail

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Sauerland High-Flyer - the view at the range of mountains, © Sauerland Höhenflug

Sauer­land High-Fly­er

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panoramic views at the Bestwig Panorama Trail, © Reinhard Schmidtmann

Bestwig Pan­or­ama Trail

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Olsberg Kneipp Hiking Trail, © Dominik Ketz

Ols­berg Kneipp Hik­ing Trail

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