Discover Nesselbach

At the head of the Nesselbach valley, the “Nordenau–Nesselbach Cultural Landscape Complex” protected landscape shapes an appealing cultural landscape. It covers 112.8 hectares. Strips of woodland running parallel to the contour lines and individual specimen trees structure the grassland, which is used mainly as pasture: open areas, groups of trees and linear woodland features together define the landscape’s character.

Hiking with a range of route profiles

The moderately difficult A6 circular route starts at the Kuhlmanns Siepen hiking car park in Nesselbach. Over 7.1 km, it passes the Drei Linden natural monument and then returns to the starting point via the forested area around Nordenau. The route is listed as taking approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. This gives you a specific distance and estimated duration to factor into your day’s plans.

Route A8 also starts at the Kuhlmanns Siepen hiking car park. It initially climbs Singerberg, then returns to the starting point along the edge of Altastenberg. The “Nesselbach” bus stop, served by bus route S40, can be used to reach this starting point. Check the current timetable before travelling.

The two routes offer different planning details: for A6, the moderate difficulty, distance and approximate duration are specified; for A8, the initial climb up Singerberg and the return route along the edge of Altastenberg shape the route. If you are planning your trip and accommodation around your hiking itinerary, you can compare these details with your intended daily schedule.

The Nordenau–Nesselbach winter hiking trail also has a clearly described route: at the Kuhlmannssiepen hiking car park, it crosses the road and then follows trail no. 4 to Nesselbach. Another route runs from Altastenberg to Oberkirchen via the Hochsauerland Ridgeway. It passes mostly through forested areas and offers views across the Ingrid Cross along the way.

The Ingrid Cross above Nesselbach

The Ingrid Cross is a named landmark in Nesselbach and is listed as a visitor attraction. It lies at an elevation of 722 m above Nesselbach and can be reached on foot from the Nesselbach hiking car park. This makes it possible to include a visit to this distinctive site in your hiking plans; the described approach starts at the hiking car park.

More discoveries in the wider destination of Schmallenberg

The wider destination of Schmallenberg offers further highlights. Schmallenberg’s old town has a uniform Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. A historic guided tour offers insights into the history of Schmallenberg and introduces local characters such as the Floigenkasper and the Breybalg. Check current dates and booking arrangements for the tour before your trip.

Schmallenberg also has a family adventure trail about three kilometres long, with 13 stops covering forests, animals, wood and birds. The topics range from forest habitats to their use and the animals that live there. The number of stops and approximate length help you plan this separate excursion in the wider destination.

In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forestry Workers’ Museum displays historic tools, pictures of former forest and village life, and historical forestry records. It also provides information on the development of the chainsaw. Those interested in the history of forestry work will find a different way to explore the subject here than on the Forestry Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail, which also starts in Schmallenberg-Latrop.

The Forestry Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail covers 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stops on topics such as forest ecology and timber use. The route combines physical activity with information about forests and resource use. The main difference to consider when choosing between the museum and the trail is their focus: historic tools, pictures and records at the museum, versus themed stops along a route.

For a longer trip, the 84-kilometre Sauerland Cycle Ring is another option in the wider destination of Schmallenberg. It connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines. This means hiking routes in and around Nesselbach and a regional cycling route are both available for different travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Bestwig, Schmallenberg, Marsberg, Eslohe, Arnsberg, Medebach, Meschede, Hallenberg.

Go to the wider travel overview: Hochsauerlandkreis.