Arnsberg combines medieval history with monasteries and experiences on the Ruhr. The upper town features striking buildings from different periods; guided tours, trails and activities on the water offer different perspectives on the district. When planning your trip, you can choose between historic architecture, a cycling route and nature experiences.

The history of the upper town

The early Gothic St. George’s Town Chapel in Arnsberg’s upper town was built in 1323 at the initiative of Count Wilhelm of Arnsberg. Its sacristy was added in 1730. Next to the chapel stands the 44-metre-high bell tower, which once served as the main southern gate to Arnsberg’s old town, or upper town. The chapel and tower thus reveal different chapters of the town’s history: the creation of a religious building and the tower’s former function as a gate.

Wedinghausen Monastery is also part of this historical perspective. It developed into an intellectual centre with a scriptorium; a monastery school was already in existence there around 1300. For visitors particularly interested in the history of education and ideas, this site adds another focus to the architectural history of the upper town.

Oelinghausen Monastery and its works of art

In the Holzen district of Arnsberg, Oelinghausen Monastery offers a different perspective on the region’s religious heritage. The church nave has rich Baroque furnishings, created in 1712 by the sculptor Wilhelm Spliethoven, known as Pater, from Volbringen (Ense). The monastery also houses three medieval depictions of the Crucifixion, dating from 1150, 1270 and 1380, as well as a Romanesque Madonna figure from around 1200. The monastery is also a pilgrimage site that attracts many thousands of visitors.

The two monasteries offer different points of interest: Wedinghausen represents an intellectual centre with a scriptorium and an early school, while Oelinghausen is known for its Baroque furnishings and historic artworks. Those interested in church history and art will find more than just one perspective on Arnsberg’s past.

Guided tours, cycling route and the castle hill

Guided tours are an especially good way to discover the Arnsberg district and its historic heritage. Check the town’s current tour information before planning your visit. The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route also passes through the medieval town centre as an experience stop. The Arnsberg Monastery Route presents history from two perspectives; check the current details of the offer in advance.

A geocaching trail with nine stations runs alongside the Arnsberg Monastery Route cycling trail. At the stations, you must find five numbers to unlock the final stage. If you are planning to take this puzzle trail, check its current availability before setting out. This lets you plan your visit according to the offer’s current conditions.

The plateau on the castle hill offers sweeping panoramic views across the Arnsberg district. In 2025, the town also described a digital experience in which an app lets visitors see the castle at full scale on the ruins that remain. Before visiting, check whether the app is currently available and how to access the castle hill.

Experiences on the Ruhr and in the wider travel region

Guided canoe tours are offered on the Ruhr in Arnsberg for less experienced paddlers. If you plan to include this activity, check current providers and dates before your trip. Exploring the town’s history on a guided tour or cycling route and taking a canoe trip offer different experiences; which one suits your stay depends on whether you would rather spend your time on land or on the water.

The wider destination of the Hochsauerlandkreis offers further nature experiences. Arnsberg Forest Nature Park has a well-developed network of hiking trails. In the Moosfelde woodland complex, hikers can follow the valleys of the Große and Kleine Aupke rivers and watch kingfishers, grey wagtails and dippers. Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park offers opportunities for hiking and cycling, environmental education facilities and underground tours. These examples broaden the picture of the wider destination of the Hochsauerlandkreis; they are independent nature and activity offers alongside the attractions of the Arnsberg district.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Neheim-Hüsten, Herdringen, Hallenberg, Eslohe, Sundern, Winterberg, Medebach, Meschede.

Return to the overview of the wider travel region: Hochsauerlandkreis.