Vacation in the Sauerland
The Sauerland is affectionately known as the “Land of 1,000 Mountains.” Anyone looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life will find one of Germany’s most fascinating natural paradises here.
Whether for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a long annual vacation, the Sauerland is a region that captivates visitors with its diversity, authenticity, and unspoiled nature.
The Sauerland extends largely across the southeastern part of North Rhine-Westphalia, with its foothills reaching into neighboring Hesse. The landscape is characterized by a gentle, yet in places quite rugged, low mountain range. The highest peaks, such as the Langenberg (843 m) and the famous Kahle Asten (841 m), offer spectacular panoramic views.
In addition to the mountains, it is above all the deep-blue reservoirs—such as Lake Möhnesee, Lake Biggesee, Lake Sorpesee, and Lake Hennesee—that captivate visitors.
The Sauerland has a character all its own. The architecture of the villages is defined by black-and-white half-timbered houses, often with dark slate roofs.
The region also hides true treasures underground. The Sauerland is famous for its massive stalactite caves. The Atta Cave in Attendorn and the Dechen Cave in Iserlohn are among the most impressive cave systems in Europe.
But the Sauerland has much more to offer
- Hiking: The Rothaarsteig (“Path of the Senses”) is a premium hiking trail in a class of its own. There are also countless local loop trails, such as the Sauerland Forest Route or the Sauerland High-Altitude Trail.
- Cycling: From leisurely rides on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route to downhill trails at the Winterberg Bike Park or the Bike Arena Sauerland.
- Water sports: Sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, or diving—the large reservoirs are true water sports meccas in the summer.
- Winter sports: As soon as the snow falls, Winterberg and Willingen transform into the largest winter sports centers north of the Alps.
- Families: Amusement parks like Fort Fun Abenteuerland, wildlife parks, and countless water parks make children’s hearts race.
Sauerland cuisine is traditionally rustic, hearty, and incredibly delicious.
- Potthucke: The hidden star. A potato dough baked in the oven (often with pieces of Mettwurst), which is sliced and pan-fried until crispy.
- Knochenwurst: A hearty, smoked sausage specialty that is especially popular in stews during the cold season.
- Sauerland ham & pumpernickel: Perfect for a snack during a hike.
- Beer culture: The Sauerland is home to some of Germany’s largest and best-known independent breweries. A freshly tapped local pilsner is simply a must to round off a day of vacation.
The Sauerland is kein Ort für flüchtige Besuche. Es ist eine Region, die man ein Ruhe erleben muss.
Tips for a vacation in the Sauerland
Find a place to stay
AVITAL Resort
Strandhof Möhnesee
Möhneblick
Entspannung mit Seeblick – ADAC Yacht
Places to visit in the area
Bad Sassendorf
Soest
Travel Information
Getting Here
By Car
From the north: A1/A45
From the south: A5 or A45
From the east: A44
From the west: A44, then take the A46 or A4
By Train
“Ruhrtal-Bahn”: Hagen–Kassel route
“Ruhr-Sieg-Bahn”: Hagen – Altena – Werdohl – Finnentrop – Altenhundem – Siegen route
ICE and IC/EC connecting stations for the Sauerland region are Dortmund, Hagen, Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, and Frankfurt
Exploring the Sauerland
By Public Transportation
If you’re staying in one of the many participating towns, you’ll often receive the SauerlandCard right at check-in. It’s not only a discount card for many attractions, but also serves as a free ticket for buses and trains throughout the Hochsauerland district and parts of the Soest district.
By bike
There is an excellent network of e-bike rental stations, allowing you to conquer even the steepest mountains in the region with ease.
For touring cyclists and e-bike riders:
Ruhr Valley Cycle Route: One of Germany’s most popular river cycle routes begins right in the Sauerland. It starts at the source of the Ruhr near Winterberg and runs for about 240 kilometers to where the river flows into the Rhine near Duisburg.
SauerlandRadring: An absolute highlight for families and recreational cyclists! This 84-kilometer loop connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg, and Lennestadt. It runs almost entirely along old, disused railway lines. The absolute highlight of the route is the 689-meter-long Kückelheim Bat Tunnel.
Möhnetal Cycle Route and Ruhr-Sieg Cycle Route: More flat and excellently developed railway line and river cycle routes.
On Foot
The Sauerland offers a certified network of hiking trails that is perfect for both day trippers and long-distance hikers.
Rothaarsteig (“Path of the Senses”): This is the region’s flagship trail. Stretching approximately 154 kilometers, this premium hiking trail leads from Brilon across the ridge of the Rothaar Mountains to Dillenburg in Hesse.
Sauerland-Höhenflug: At 250 kilometers, this trail truly lives up to its name. It runs almost exclusively along mountain ridges. Starting points are Altena or Meinerzhagen; the destination is Korbach in Hesse.
Sauerland Forest Route: Spanning 240 kilometers (from Iserlohn to Marsberg), the route winds through mystical forests, moors, and nature reserves.
Special and Loop Trails: In addition to the major long-distance hiking trails, there are excellent shorter routes, such as the Winterberg High Trail (which crosses the Kahler Asten) or the Brilon Ridge Trail.
