Attendorn walks

The Attendorn Industrial Trail enables a nuanced examination of industrial development in Attendorn. As a regional walking trail, it is designed to guide visitors past authentic sites that illustrate the economic character of the local landscape. The route passes through areas that reflect the architectural and infrastructural evidence of Attendorn’s industrial origins. This trail serves as an educational tool for illustrating the transition from a primarily agricultural structure to an industrial centre and fosters a sound understanding of the current socio-economic situation in the Olpe region. Walking this route thus offers a retrospective analysis of regional industrialisation.

The former Apricke military training area in the Märkischer Kreis is now a refuge for rare animal species. Heck cattle, a breed modelled on the aurochs, and Dülmen horses, which resemble European wild horses, graze the land all year round. Their hardiness and frugality shape the landscape even during the winter months. From spring onwards, the area provides breeding grounds for specific bird species such as the meadow pipit, whinchat, tree pipit, yellowhammer and red-backed shrike. During the summer months, the distinctive calls of midwife toads can also be heard after dark. Designed as a circular walk, this site offers insights into the ecological succession of a former military site and its current role as a valuable biotope.

The regional A6 ‘Rund um Schlüchtern’ hiking trail in Schalksmühle showcases the diverse natural landscape of the Märkischer Kreis. The route leads through varied woodland areas and alongside tranquil streams, which are characteristic of the Sauerland. Hikers can expect a route that offers both relaxing sections and moderate inclines. The nature of the paths varies, creating a dynamic hiking experience that appeals to the senses. The scenic backdrop features a harmonious blend of dense greenery and open stretches, which continually offer new perspectives on the surroundings. The route is designed to allow for an in-depth exploration of the local flora and fauna. This walk represents a carefully planned opportunity to actively explore the region’s natural beauty.

The A10 ‘Kleine Runde mit Volmeblick’ is a regional walking trail that winds its way through the characteristic landscape of the Märkischer Kreis. This path offers walkers unique perspectives on the Volme Valley and its natural surroundings in Schalksmühle. The carefully designed route allows walkers to immerse themselves in the local flora and fauna, whilst experiencing a harmonious interplay of woodland sections and open vantage points. The route is designed to reflect the region’s topographical features whilst offering both relaxation and an experience of nature. The views of the Volme, nestled amongst the rolling hills, are a defining feature of this tour and invite you to explore the scenic diversity of this area. The route is characterised by its manageable nature, which encourages a deep appreciation of the surroundings and provides a comprehensive insight into the region’s distinctive features.

Our walk can also be easily split into two separate stages, each covering just under half the total distance. On the first stage, we stay entirely on the Giebelwald side, taking in the Mariengrotte and the Erzquell-Stollen, amongst other sights. On the second circular stage, we get to know the area around Birker Ley and Hohe Ley better.

A short route that mostly follows the Druidensteig trail signs. It starts off nice and flat along the Sottersbach stream and then climbs quite steeply to a lovely spot with a swing and a hut in the middle of the forest, where children can let off some steam.

A beautiful hike through the forest area between Herdorf, Biersdorf and Niederdreisbach. There are a few metres of elevation gain, as we pass the Hachenburger Höhe and the Kohlenberg, partly via the Hellerhöhenweg. Along the way, we canenjoywide views again and again.

This varied circular hike takes you through the idyllic Mahlscheid nature reserve, past the informative forest nature trail to the striking Hüllbuche beech tree. The popular Köppel restaurant is the halfway point. The first section of the tour is particularly challenging and offers some tough climbs. You will be rewarded along the way with impressive views of the Westerwald landscape.

A beautiful family trail with interactive stations such as a wooden organ or basketball hoop, plenty of seating and sweeping views, which leads along a mixture of beautiful narrow paths and slightly wider trails.

This exceptionally varied hike first takes us through meadows, pastures and forests to the Nister, a small tributary of the Sieg. At Alhausen, a village with beautiful half-timbered houses, we cross the Nister and continue above the river on wonderful narrow paths to Heimborn. This is one of the most picturesque sections of the entire Cologne Trail.

On this hike, we leave Herchen on the Höhenweg trail above Siegtalstraße. On narrow paths and through deep gorges, over narrow bridges and through numerous hairpin bends, we hike high above the Sieg to Herchen railway station. Here we cross the Sieg and climb uphill again. Soon we find ourselves high above the river again. We have to tackle another steep climb before we reach Schneppe. On the way to Kuchhausen, we can make a detour to an impressive basalt crater. The hike ends in Leuscheid.

The section between Leuscheid and Marienthal Monastery offers many highlights. We hike through a hilly landscape on a wide, tree-lined path. Again and again, new and surprising views open up before us. Behind Ehrentalsmühle, we have a slightly longer climb through the forest to Ückertseifen, but we are rewarded for our efforts with a view of the Hammer Ländchen. Passing the Wunderbuche (miracle beech) near Birkenbeul, we finally climb the Beulskopf with the Raiffeisen Tower. Along the edge of the forest, we pass Hilgenroth, reach another beautiful forest and finally Marienthal with its former monastery.

Up close and personal with the Sieg A varied tour with numerous scenic highlights and sights. The seventh stage is a little more strenuous than its predecessors, but very adventurous. Over hill and dale, up and down, with magnificent views of the Sieg river and Windeck Castle. • Beautiful routes along the Sieg • Adventurous route along many narrow paths, otherwise riverside, forest and meadow trails • Finish at the Sieg waterfall in Schladern