Sauerland - land of a thousand mountains
The middle range of Sauerland is characterized by spruce and beech forests, as well as many mountains and hills around the Kale branches - the "king of the Sauerland" or the "roof of Westphalia." When the Ruhr area was still struggling with coal dust, it was called the Sauerland "the green lung of NRW'.
From this situation results the tourist attraction. During the weekend and during the holiday many inhabitants of the Ruhr area went into the Summer and winter a short break to the nearby Sauerland - to swim and sail to the many reservoirs, to walk in the beautiful forests or winter sports To Winterberg and Willingen. This is why there are several apartments in the Sauerland, in nature, on the lakes and in the winter sports resorts. Especially in the winter Sauerland is also The most popular holiday region of the Netherlands in Germany.
min Temp.: 7,3 °C max Temp.: 7,3 °C Fr 23.10.2026 Temp.: 7,7 °C
min Temp.: 5,7 °C max Temp.: 9,6 °C Sa 24.10.2026 Temp.: 3,6 °C
min Temp.: 1,2 °C max Temp.: 6,0 °C
© openweathermap.org
Health is being fed in the Sauerland - a intact nature, very good air and excellent spring water are the inspiration for the Tourist Directive: "Sauerland - Very healthy", because many sick people from the Ruhr area were sent to Kuur in the Sauerland with respiratory diseases. During a walk in the fresh air on one of the many certified hiking trails high, you can breathe deeply.
Because of the excellent spring water are Numerous reservoirs created for the supply of drinking water to the Ruhr area - and also developed into the most popular water sports paradise in North Rhine-Westphalia. In the North Rhine-Westphalia lakes, more Sailboats their berths on the German North Sea and Baltic coast together! The soft water also preferred the brewing quality, therefore come three premium beers from the Sauerland: Krombacher, Veltins en Warsteiner
Holiday regions in the Sauerland
The Sauerland is divided into different regions with different main topics. The most popular holiday destinations Willingen and Winterberg have summer and winter tourism and are popular with hikers, winter sports enthusiasts and enterprising families. Both in the region Möhnee As in the Biggesee the water element is central to tourism. A favourite destination for fun seekers is the picturesque Schmallenberger Sauerland with the most beautiful places and valleys in the Sauerland. For tour operators and those who prefer a central, enterprising Sauerland location, the Region Ruhrdal/Hennesee (Olsberg, Bestwig, Meschede) a good choice.
Water fun is very important in the Sauerland!
The Möhnee is the largest and most popular of the many recreational lakes in the Sauerland. Many beach pools, sailing, surfing, pedal boats, passenger boat trips or a tour around the lakes (about 35km) are just some of the possibilities these lakes offer. Other recreational reservoirs are the Biggesee (by Olpe), the Sorpeese (by Sundern), the Diemelsee (by Willingen) and the Lake Henne (Meschede) All year round several attractive water parks and adventure pools On.
Families and leisure attractions:
There are lots of fun family & leisure attractionsTension promises dThe new superattraction opened in July 2023, the Skywalk Willingen The second longest suspension bridge in the world. The family hit with a lot of action and adrenaline it is Adventure Country Fort-Fun in Bestwig-Wasserfall with roller coasters, Flying Eagle and many other attractions.
There are numerous karst caves, especially the breathtaking Atta cave - Germany's largest and most beautiful cavern, which you must have seen! Other natural beauties are the Heidelandschap Ettelsberg/Neuer Hagen (Germany's greatest highness between Willingen and Niedersfeld), Lake Felsen in Hemer (between Menden and Iserlohn), the nature reserve Kale branches (Winterberg) and Bruchhausen-steenen (between Willingen and Olsberg). Interesting are also numerous Visitor mines and geological sites in the National Geopark Grenz-Welten.
Culture lovers will find a variety of castles, monasteries and other cultural attractions, including. the castle Altena or the forest sculpture path along the Rothaarsteig. Known events are the Karl May Festival Elspe and the concerts in the Balver Cave. Sports highlights are the World Cup Ski jumping in Willingen, the Bob & Toboggan World Cup Competition in Winterberg and the Germany's largest mountain bike festival In Willingen.
Sauerland the cycling paradise:
The Bike Arena Sauerland offers top bike paths and trails for downhill and mountain bikers, race bike, e-bike and family bike tours. There are numerous cycle paths in the Sauerland around the reservoirs and on old railway lines with a bicycle tunnel 689 meters. The downhill bicycle parks in Willingen and Winterberg (the largest downhill bicycle park in Germany) provide adrenaline.
Winter sports arena Sauerland:
The ski resort is the largest and technically most advanced ski resort north of the Alps. The six snowy alpine ski resorts in Willingen, Winterberg, Neuastenberg, Altastenberg, Züschen and Bödefeld have a common ski pass. In Willingen & Winterberg are also the two largest spotlight ski areas in Germany. DSV-Nordic Active Centers for cross-country skiing are in Brilon, Langewiese, Schmallenberg-Westfeld, Willingen and Winterberg. In many places there are more ski lifts and trails.
The Sauerland is because of its first-class tourist infrastructure one of the most popular recreational areas in Germany that Worth a trip every season is.
Nice holiday in the Sauerland!
The Sauerland - all holiday topics in detail
Winter sports arena Sauerland
The ski resort Sauerland has the largest winter sports offer north of the Alps. The ski-alpine ski resorts Winterberg and Willingen offer the entire range of winter sports. Holiday homes can specifically search for an apartment near skis (max. 500 m). All information about ski resorts, ski schools, cross-country skiing, ice rink, tobogganing etc.
Sauerland lakes
The big five! Biggesee, Diemelsee, Hennesee, Möhnee and Sorpee - these are the recreational reservoirs in the Sauerland for a beautiful natural background that relaxation, sport and fun Promise in the summer. Whether fishing, swimming, pedalos, surfing, sailing, passenger boating, hiking or cycling around the lake - the Sauerland lakes have something for everyone.
Family recreational activities
In Sauerland there are numerous recreational opportunities for all generations and interests. Below you will find the most popular and most visited highlights of Sauerland and the one with a unique sales argument - or that you should have just experienced.
Sightseeing in the Sauerland
The Sauerland offers numerous tourist attractions and excursion destinations of top regional interest; Castles, forts, caves, springs, natural phenomena and parks. To name but a few are the Skywalk Willingen, Lake Felsen, the Bruchhausen stones, the Altena castle, the Atta cave, heather Ettelsberg, Kale branches... etc. Here we present the highlights.
Cycling in the Sauerland
In Sauerland there is the whole spectrum of cycling, whether it is downhill, mountain bike, race bike, e-bike tours or family cycling on old railways and in nature.
Hiking in Sauerland
Sauerland - one of the most popular hiking areas in Germany. The Rothaarsteig is the most walked path in D. Here you find the most beautiful hiking trails.
Winterberg
The most famous resort in the Sauerland around the "Cale branches" is very sporty throughout the year and very popular in winter, especially among Dutch.
Willingen & Diemelsee
Willingen is Winterberg's 'aartsrival' with an individual flair & profile. The additional "tourist arms race" of the two resorts benefits holidaymakers.
Schmallenberger Sauerland
Sauerland Kuuroorden Olsberg & Brilon
Excursion at the Edersee & National Park
Sauerland swimming pools & beach pools
Sauerland Card
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Family Pass Willingen
Our holiday tips
Event Calendar
Tourist Videos
Sauerland Webcams
Info for Homeowners
Region map Sauerland
Sauerland Videos
Willingen - Recreational Attractions & Holiday homes
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Healthy climate - breath in Sauerland
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Cycling in the Sauerland
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