Valme – Discover the Stream and Hiking Trails

The course of the Valme stream, mixed forests and the Maria Hilf der Christen Chapel in Obervalme represent different sides of the village. Hiking options range from a circular walk taking just over two hours to a long-distance trail of around 56 kilometres. You can plan a stay with shorter walks or focus on longer routes. The chapel adds a historical touch: it was built between 1899 and 1900.

Streamside Scenery and Accommodation

Peace, relaxation and experiencing the landscape shape Valme’s character. The family-run Camping Valmetal campsite is named as a specific accommodation option. It is in a peaceful, natural and idyllic setting beside the Valme stream, in the heart of the Hochsauerland region. Its waterside location suits a stay where the streamside scenery and hikes play an important part.

Circular Routes with Varied Scenery

Two circular routes offer useful guidance when planning shorter hiking days. “Around the Faulenberg” (VA5) is 7.87 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of 2 hours and 7 minutes. The route crosses a ridge to Obervalme and then returns through the valley to the Valmetal hiking car park. The ascent is 151 metres and the descent 147 metres.

The Valme Circular Route (VA2) is a similar length at 8.11 kilometres, with a stated walking time of 2 hours and 21 minutes. Both the ascent and descent are 255 metres. Unlike the route over the ridge, this trail follows the Valme stream towards Untervalme and passes through varied mixed forests. It is well signposted. The distance, walking time and elevation figures help you compare the two routes; their scenery differs, with a valley and ridge on the one hand, and the stream and forest on the other.

For a longer hike, the Bestwig Panorama Trail (B) is a circular long-distance route. It is around 56 kilometres long, with 1,733 metres of ascent and 1,732 metres of descent. The German Hiking Association has regularly awarded it the “Quality Trail Wanderbares Deutschland” designation since 2011. The trail passes through Untervalme, past the Maria Hilf der Christen Chapel to Valme, and continues through the Faulenberg, Brabecketal and Twillmecketal valleys to Bastenberg above Ramsbeck.

Other Trails in the Valme Valley and to Plästerlegge

The Valmetal-Hunau Tour starts at a small wooden bridge over the Valme and follows the stream towards Untervalme. It leads to Hunau, the highest point at over 800 metres above sea level. Another circular route, the 15.83-kilometre “Hike to the Waterfall,” runs from the Valmetal hiking car park over the small wooden bridge to Untervalme and onwards to Plästerlegge. As well as the circular routes in the Valme Valley, you can choose a longer hike to a striking natural attraction.

Plästerlegge near Bestwig-Wasserfall is in the wider Bestwig destination and is the only natural waterfall in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its water drops around 20 metres almost vertically over a rocky ledge, then continues for around 500 metres as a torrent. For a walk to Plästerlegge, the route from the car park in the village centre on Aurorastraße takes about 20 minutes on foot to the waterfall; actual trail conditions may vary.

More Experiences in the Wider Bestwig Destination

Depending on your interests, you can also include other attractions in Bestwig in your travel plans. In Ramsbeck, the electric mine train at the Sauerland Visitor Mine travels around 1.5 kilometres through the dark Eickhoffstollen. Bus route R72 runs regularly from Bestwig station to the visitor mine; the “Ramsbeck-Ziegelwiese” stop is right outside. Check the timetable before travelling.

The Old Grain Mill in Ramsbeck is the only surviving mill in North Rhine-Westphalia with three millstones and medieval technology. It opens every year on Whit Monday, International Mill Day. The mill festival offers free guided tours; during milling demonstrations, you can watch water power grind grain into flour. Check the date for your travel year. In Ostwig, the 1.7-kilometre Schaukelweg combines experiencing nature with fun for the whole family and features six different swings.

For more experiences, you can also consider the attractions in the wider Bestwig destination.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Berlar, Wasserfall, Andreasberg.

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