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Skiing, walking and relaxation in the Sauerland
The Sauerland is a hilly area, stretching across the south-eastern part of North Rhine-Westphalia. In winter, the mountain range becomes a popular ski resort for those living in the Ruhr Valley and its surrounding areas. Being very close to the Netherlands, the Dutch also enjoy skiing or sledging in the area.
However, the Sauerland is a beautiful region to enjoy any time of the year. I’d say it’s even nicer to go in the spring, summer or autumn when you can go for walks in the stunning forests or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the lakes (Lake Möhne, Lake Bigge, Lake Ruhr and Lake Diemel). Take a wander through the charming villages of Lennestadt, Arnsberg, Schmallenberg, Willingen, Meschede and take in the pretty half-timbered houses.
Get outdoors in the Sauerland region
Popular outdoor activities are the barefoot walking paths situated in (Hilchenbacher Zentrum, Bad Wünnenberg, Balve-Mellen). Why not discover the Breitenbach Dam, with its 5.27km circular walking trail or the 1,000m summer toboggan run in Olsberg-Bruchhausen, which passes through stunning forests?
Health and wellbeing- conscious visitors will find a number of places offering treatments like fasting cures to leave you feeling recharged and stress-free. The Sauerland region is also popular with golfers and has around 17 golf courses dotted throughout the area. Check out the list of Sauerland’s golf courses here.
The region has a good selection of accommodation available to suit all budgets. Some years ago, I stayed at the 4-star Berghotel Astenkrone in Winterberg/Altastenberg. The hotel is situated amidst beautiful landscape at the foot of Sauerland’s highest mountain, Kahler Asten. Its location makes it an ideal spot to combine a walking holiday with some time to relax. It is owned by Josef Anstoetz, who established the well-known home furnishings and textiles company, JAB Anstoetz, in 1946. These contemporary textiles are popular with both national and international interior designers.
Golf courses in the Sauerland region Watch a video from the Karl May Festival in Elspe
The closest airports to the Sauerland region, which are connected with the UK are Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Hanover.
Check flight connections UK-Germany