Olsberg: Kneipp Trails, Cliffs and Roses

Olsberg reveals many different facets, with protected cliffs, Kneipp experiences and a rose-growing tradition. At the Bruchhauser Steine, a nature reserve and archaeological history come together; at the Sauerlandtherme, in the Kneipp parks and along the hiking trail, water and movement take centre stage. Assinghausen adds to the picture with its rose trails. This gives travellers a range of options combining nature, culture and active pursuits.

A rocky landscape with archaeological history

The Bruchhauser Steine near Olsberg-Bruchhausen were designated North Rhine-Westphalia’s first National Natural Monument in April 2017. The Bruchhauser Steine area is also a nature reserve, an FFH site and a bird protection area. A visitor centre with guided tours and several themed trails provide access to the protected rocky area.

Among the rocks is a prehistoric hillfort and cult site dating from around 500 BC. Anyone interested in early history as well as the landscape will find both at this named location: a protected rocky area and an archaeological site.

Kneipp experiences at the thermal spa, in parks and along hiking trails

The Sauerlandtherme AquaOlsberg combines brine and Kneipp treatments with sports and leisure activities. AquaOlsberg also has a 25-metre sports pool with water heated to 28°C. This means Kneipp treatments are complemented by a dedicated swimming and sports facility.

The Kneipp ErlebnisPark has ten Kneipp rest stops where visitors can experience all five of Kneipp’s elements with all their senses. The park’s Wohlfühlroute follows the Kneipp AktivWeg and the Ruhr and Gierskopp rivers to the Kneipp herb garden. In the historic Kneipp-Park Dr. Grüne, a Kneipp facility is built into a pond, alongside a barefoot trail and relaxation islands. Kurpark Dr. Grüne also has foot-treading and arm-bathing pools for Kneipp treatments, a pond and a fountain.

The Kneipp WanderWeg Olsberg is 40 kilometres long and is a “Wanderbares Deutschland” quality trail; it includes six natural Kneipp foot-treading pools. It starts at the Rote Brücke, a striking railway bridge above the Gierskopp district on Roter Weg. Near the Maxstollen, there is a rest area and a spring suitable for a refreshing Kneipp arm bath. The long-distance hiking trail, Kneipp rest stops and individual parks offer different ways to explore the Kneipp theme.

Rose trails and cultural landscapes

Eisenberg near Olsberg is one of the 43 Sauerland-Seelenorte in the Sauerland hiking villages. The rose village of Assinghausen is home to more than 200 varieties of roses, and four rose trails lead through the village. The options range from a longer Kneipp hike and a designated place of spiritual significance to trails centred on rose-growing culture.

A look at the Hochsauerlandkreis

The wider Hochsauerlandkreis travel destination also offers a variety of natural landscapes. Kahler Asten is in the Hochsauerlandkreis, stands 841 metres high and is one of North Rhine-Westphalia’s highest elevations. In the northwest of the Hochsauerlandkreis lies the Moosfelde forest complex, with numerous oak and beech trees more than a hundred years old. Hikers can follow the valleys of the Große and Kleine Aupke rivers and spot kingfishers, grey wagtails and dippers.

Consider whether hiking, water or village culture will shape your trip, and choose your accommodation location to suit your interests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Assinghausen, Wulmeringhausen, Elpe, Bruchhausen, Gierskopp, Elleringhausen, Antfeld, Wiemeringhausen

Back to the main travel overview: Hochsauerlandkreis.