Bestwig: Waterfall, Hiking Trails and Mining History

Bestwig combines impressive natural scenery with hiking trails, mining history and leisure activities. A particularly striking feature is the Plästerlegge waterfall near Bestwig-Wasserfall: it is the only natural waterfall in North Rhine-Westphalia. The area also offers hikes along the ridges, an electrically powered mine train and day-trip destinations for a variety of holidays.

The Plästerlegge and Bestwig’s Hiking Trails

At the Plästerlegge, the water plunges nearly vertically over a rocky ledge from a height of about 20 metres. It then continues for around 500 metres as a torrent. The contrast between the steep drop and the longer stretch of stream makes the waterfall a special destination in the municipality. From the car park in the village centre on Aurorastraße, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the Plästerlegge. Allow roughly this much time for the walk; trail conditions may vary.

The Bestwig Panorama Trail covers around 60 kilometres along the municipality’s ridges. You can join it from any district. The German Hiking Association awarded it the “Quality Trail Wanderbares Deutschland” designation four times in a row. If you have less time for a hike, the Bestwiger BestWege offer another option: these varied circular trails lead around Andreasberg, Heringhausen, Nuttlar, Ostwig, Ramsbeck and Velmede-Bestwig. With walking times of two to four hours, they are suitable for half-day hikes.

Another hiking destination is the Mining Trail in Ramsbeck. It is about 10 kilometres long and passes numerous mining relics and former mine sites. The signposted trail starts at the Sauerland Visitor Mine on Glück-Auf-Straße. The different distances and time estimates help you choose a hike to fit the time available, without treating the trails as equivalent.

Family Activities and Theme Park

The Ostwig Swing Trail combines an experience of nature with fun activities for the whole family. There are six different swings along the 1.7-kilometre route. It lets you combine a hike with a specific play activity rather than planning the day around a longer hike alone.

FORT FUN Abenteuerland is located at Aurorastraße 50 in Bestwig-Wasserfall. Its attractions for children and adults include a roller coaster, log flume, summer toboggan run, dragon glider, Ferris wheel, indoor playground and show programme. The Trapper Slider is a 1.3-kilometre-long toboggan run. The combination of rides, an indoor playground and a show programme offers different ways to enjoy a day out.

Experience Mining and Traditional Crafts

In Ramsbeck, the electric mine train at the Sauerland Visitor Mine travels around 1.5 kilometres through the dark Eickhoff Tunnel. Bus route R72 regularly runs from Bestwig railway station to the visitor mine. The “Ramsbeck-Ziegelwiese” stop is right outside. Check the timetable before travelling.

The Old Corn Mill in Ramsbeck also tells the story of traditional technology: it is the only surviving mill in North Rhine-Westphalia with three milling stations and medieval technology. Every year on Whit Monday, International Mill Day, it opens to visitors; check the date before your trip. Free guided tours are available at the mill festival. During the live milling demonstrations, you can watch water power being used to grind grain into flour.

In Ostwig, the historic flue-gas chimney recalls the mining ambitions of the past. Its features include a spiral staircase and an observation platform. Along with the Mining Trail and the visitor mine, it adds a striking mining relic to the village landscape.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

The destinations described are spread across Bestwig-Wasserfall, Ramsbeck and Ostwig. If you would like to combine several themes, you can plan your outings accordingly and choose accommodation to suit your itinerary.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Valme, Berlar, Andreasberg, Wasserfall, Medebach, Schmallenberg, Meschede, Arnsberg.

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