Sauerland

In the east of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the low mountain range Sauerland will impress you with mountain peaks up to 800 yards, expansive forests and idyllic dams. Hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing on the slopes of the Rothaar Mountains offer plenty of adventure during your mini-break to the Sauerland region.

A popular destination during a city trip to the Sauerland region is the Erzbergbaumuseum & Besucherbergwerk in Ramsbeck (Ore Mining Museum & Visitor’s Mine) in the east of the region. Lead and zinc have been mined here since 1518. Experience the hard work of the miners first hand in the original mining galleries 300 yards underground. The attached museum also impresses with an interesting collection of minerals. Around Ramsbeck, a 6-mile long mining hiking path will lead you to mining galleries, huts and former technical plants. High above the village, the 22-yard flue gas chimney on the Bastenberg Mountain welcomes you. The structure was built in 1854 and is the landmark of the region.

Near Ramsbeck in the municipality of Bestwig-Wasserfall, the adventure park Fort Fun Abenteuerland invites you to exciting adventures with more than 40 attractions on 75 hectares. During winter, ski fans will enjoy their time here. Among the highlights in the park are rides through water rapids across the Rio Grande, a spectacular roller coaster called Speed Snake, bull riding and the climbing tower. The stunt musicals with breathtaking stunts have become famous beyond the borders of Germany. A very special experience during a short trip to the Sauerland region is a night in the rustic wooden cabin camp of the park. Make sure to also climb the Stüppel Tower and enjoy the beautiful views onto the 1,000 mountains of the Sauerland region from a height of 60 yards.

A highlight during a city trip to the Sauerland region is a visit to the abbey Kloster Grafschaft in Schmallenberg in the south of the Hochsauerland region. The Benedictine Abbey was founded in 1072 and today is home to a mother house of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Borromeo. The heyday of the Abbey was during the 12th century. The church and the site were re-built in the 18th century. Today, unfortunately only the tower of the church remains. An architectural delicacy is the magnificent gatehouse. Be sure to visit the abbey museum with its valuable liturgical devices, relics and writings.

For families travelling through the region, a stop at the Panorama Park Sauerland Wildpark in the southern Rinsecke is a must. In the game reserve on the slopes of the Westerberg and Eggenkopf mountains, red deer, mouflons and wild boar roam through the forests. With some good fortune, you may even see a lynx or a wolf. And even grazing bisons will pose for your photograph. The main attraction in the park is the raptor show which demonstrates birds of prey in live action to visitors.