The Sauerland Cycle Ring runs right through the heart of the Sauerland. This 84-kilometre circular route, which runs along disused railroad lines, connects a number of places in the land of a thousand mountains: Finnentrop, Lennestadt, Schmallenberg and Eslohe are all along the way, as are many other traditional half-timbered villages that invite you to stop for a bite to eat or stay overnight. Where day-trippers cycle relaxed and without traffic today, there used to be busy train traffic: trains ran on the Wennemen-Finnentrop line until 1966. The Sauerlandradring now offers cyclists an insight into the railroad past of the route. Signal systems, buffer stops, wagons and a restored steam locomotive can still be seen along the route. Cyclists can delve even deeper into the history of the Sauerland Cycle Ring by visiting the "Dampf Land Leute Museum" in Eslohe.
Excursion destinations along the way
Many other highlights invite you to stop off along the circular route: Exhausted cyclists can relax at the picturesque Hennesee lake. Families with children can visit the Schmallenberg wood adventure trail or the Galileo Park knowledge and puzzle park. And the bat tunnel in Finnentrop also offers extraordinary impressions in summer, while in winter it serves as a shelter for flying animals.
The Sauerland Cycle Ring is not entirely without climbs, with around 600 meters of altitude to conquer. Fit touring cyclists can manage this in one day, while those who want to take it easier can plan an overnight stay. This option is particularly recommended if you want to include the 40-kilometre-long Nordschleife, which has connected the Sauerland Cycle Ring with the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path since 2012.
