Discover Bödefeld: Hollen Trail, Raised Bog and History

On July 22, 2026, Bödefeld was officially recognised as a state-approved recreational resort in North Rhine-Westphalia. A well-developed network of hiking and cycling trails, the diverse, themed Hollen Trail, and the history of the church and town offer several distinct points of interest. You can plan your stay around nature, outdoor activities or history and get to know different sides of Bödefeld.

Hiking Trails and Nature in Bödefeld

The Bödefeld Hollen Trail combines historical and legendary themes with flora and fauna; it also makes hiking exciting and interesting for children. For orientation, the trail is marked with a gold G on a red background and with the B5 trail marker. The roof of the Hollenhaus along the trail offers a very beautiful view.

The Walkenmühle nature playground is located beside a renaturalised stream, right next to the Hollen Trail, just beyond the exit from Bödefeld in the direction of the Hunau/Osterwald ski lift. Rauhe Bruch is a raised bog more than 8,000 years old in the Bödefeld forest district. The Hollen Trail thus brings together themes such as flora and fauna, history and legends, while Rauhe Bruch offers a different connection with nature as a raised bog.

Church Architecture and Pilgrimage Tradition

The present-day parish church of St Cosmas and Damian in Bödefeld was built in 1910/1911 in an octagonal form, based on a design by Joseph Buchkremer of Aachen. Kreuzberg Chapel offers another glimpse into the town’s history and its religious tradition: built in 1729, the chapel has long been a well-known pilgrimage site, attracting many worshippers, especially during Lent.

Seven wayside shrines were first erected along the path to Kreuzberg Chapel in 1730; they were replaced by the Stations of the Cross in 1856. The church’s architecture, the pilgrimage tradition and the design of the path offer different historical perspectives: the parish church’s octagonal design and the traditional stations along the route to the chapel.

Red Deer Up Close

The red deer enclosure in Bödefeld gives families with children the chance to see red deer up close. You can help with feeding after registering in advance with the tourist association on 01516 1060586. Please check the feeding times and participation details again before your visit.

Schmallenberg in the Wider Destination

In the wider destination of Schmallenberg, the old town offers a distinctive architectural character, with a uniform Neoclassical style and many restored half-timbered houses. A historical town tour provides insights into Schmallenberg’s history and introduces local characters such as Floigenkasper and Breybalg. Check the latest dates and booking arrangements before planning to take part.

Schmallenberg also has attractions related to forests and village life. The Forestry Workers’ Museum in Schmallenberg-Latrop displays historic tools, images of former forest and village life, historical forestry office records, and information on the development of the chainsaw. The family adventure trail in Schmallenberg is about three kilometres long and has 13 stations on forests, animals, wood and birds. In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the 4.5-kilometre Forestry Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail has 17 stations covering topics such as forest ecology and timber use. The different lengths and numbers of stations make it easier to compare the two trails based on how much you plan to do.

For cyclists, the 84-kilometre Sauerland Cycle Ring connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt, following former railway lines. In addition to Bödefeld’s hiking and nature attractions, the wider destination also offers its own cultural attractions, forest experiences and cycling routes.

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Discover More Destinations

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To the wider travel overview: Schmallenberg.