Sauerland Rothaargebierge Nature Park
The Sauerland Rothaargebirge Nature Park is a very large nature park. Its territory stretches from Lüdenscheid in the west to Medebach in the east and from Menden in the north to Burbach in the very south. Its area is larger than that of the German states of Saarland and Berlin combined.
On the two highest mountains in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Langenberg (843.2 meters) and the Kahlen Asten (842.9 meters), you will meet many hikers, climbers and mountain bikers in summer. You can experience the hiking region, which is one of the most popular and best known in Germany, for example on the certified hiking trails Rothaarsteig or Sauerland-Höhenflug. In winter, the low mountain range, which is one of the most densely forested areas in the entire country, is also a popular skiing area.
Since 2013, Europe's largest land mammals, a herd of free-ranging bison, have been roaming the Rothaar Mountains again, thanks to a private species conservation project. The Bruchhauser Steine, the first National Natural Monument in North Rhine-Westphalia, offer a tremendous sight. Near Olsberg, the 390 million year old and up to 92 meter high rocks rise into the sky. During the ascent, you will find glacial plant relics at the edge of the path, which are otherwise only found in the Alps. You can dive into a fascinating world of stalagmites and stalactites in two of the most famous stalactite caves in Germany, the Atta and the Dechenhöhle. Large reservoirs such as the Sorpe, Bigge and Hennesee lakes also offer numerous recreational opportunities in and around the water.
Large parts of the Sauerland Rothaargebirge Nature Park are designated as protected landscape areas. You can experience rare animal and plant species in the nationally important protected areas such as the Ebbemoors or in the European bird sanctuary Medebach Bay. There is also the possibility to take part in one of the numerous guided tours of the nature park guides or the rangers of the Landesbetrieb Wald und Holz NRW.
More at: www.veranstaltungen.npsr.de
INFO CENTRES
There are six information centers at the "entrances" to the Sauerland Rothaargebirge Nature Park. In Bad Berleburg, Burbach (from 2021), Hemer, Lennestadt/Kirchhundem, Medebach and Meinerzhagen you can find out about excursions and leisure activities in the nature park as well as the work of the supporting association. With just one click, you can discover the many nature park gems such as castles and palaces, caves and cliffs, industrial monuments and protected areas at interactive tables.
All of them are charming places that are well worth a visit.