Discover Elleringhausen: Half-timbered houses and trails

Elleringhausen combines distinctive village culture with hiking and cycling trails. The Gierskopp stream shapes the village landscape and has retained its natural streambed to this day. Another special feature is the Fire Oak near Elleringhausen: the eight-metre-high carved oak depicts the course of humanity and, in particular, its dependence on wood and fire. At night, solar cells illuminate the artwork, and an artificial flame made of titanium lights up.

Solstätten, half-timbered houses and stream bridges

The village centre is formed by the so-called Solstätten and their half-timbered buildings. A total of 19 bridges cross the village stream along the village street. Together, these details give the village a distinct character: the half-timbered houses and named Solstätten define the centre, while the stream and bridges provide additional landmarks in the village. As you explore Elleringhausen, you can take in both the building style in the village centre and the many crossings along the village street.

Among the remaining Solstätten in the half-timbered quarter is the studio of artist Jürgen Suberg. Many of his works are located there. If you are planning a visit to the studio, please enquire there directly about visiting options.

Peace Chapel and Stations of the Cross on the Ruthenberg

The Peace Chapel is one of the 43 Sauerland Seelenorte (places of the soul). It was built by men from Elleringhausen who returned from the war. From the Old Church Square, the route follows the Gierskopp stream, crosses a footbridge and climbs up to the Ruthenberg. The Stations of the Cross on the Ruthenberg end at the chapel and are classified as a historic site and monument. The chapel and Stations of the Cross offer a tangible insight into local history and remembrance.

The route is also useful for planning your visit: the path to the Peace Chapel leads from the Old Church Square across the stream and onwards up to the Ruthenberg. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the chapel with the Stations of the Cross, rather than treating the two as separate destinations.

Hiking trails with different starting points

Elleringhausen is located directly on the Rothaarsteig and offers numerous hiking opportunities. The marked Elleringhausen Panorama Trail also starts and ends in the village, taking you around Elleringhausen. The trail opened in 2026; as trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before setting out. The Golddörfer Trail can also be started at the Old Church Square.

This gives you two different starting points for planning a hike at the Old Church Square: a marked circular trail that starts and ends in the same place, and the starting point for the Golddörfer Trail. Which route suits your day better depends on whether you want to hike a loop around Elleringhausen or start the Golddörfer Trail from here.

Cycling routes and Kneipp attractions

The Kneipp RadWeg Olsberg (Kneipp Cycle Route Olsberg) runs from Olsberg to Elleringhausen. Route 8, “The Three Gold Villages Tour,” follows a green-marked cycle route for around five kilometres to Elleringhausen. There is a playground and a covered picnic area at the shooting hall. The playground is a practical point of interest for families planning their day; if you are planning a visit, it is worth checking the condition of the facilities beforehand.

Other Kneipp attractions can be found in different parts of the village: Schogge is home to a small Kneipp herb garden built on a hillside. The village green has a natural barefoot path inspired by Kneipp principles. These features add destinations within the village to the hiking and cycling routes, while the shooting hall, with its playground and covered picnic area, offers a different practical option.

Choose accommodation to suit your plans

Your choice can reflect the experiences that interest you most in Elleringhausen.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Olsberg.