You can reach the Plästerlegge on foot in about 20 minutes from the parking area on Aurorastraße in Wasserfall. The waterfall is accessible on foot only; the path is unsuitable for strollers. Take this route into account if you plan to combine your visit with other activities.

Plästerlegge: Route and Conditions

There is a rest area below the falls; information boards provide details about the flora and the Plästerlegge nature reserve. This lets you combine the walk with a break and a look at the natural features along the route. Trail conditions can vary; check the condition before setting out if it is important for your plans.

The appearance of the waterfall also depends on natural conditions. After extended dry periods, the Plästerlegge can dry up; during the summer half of the year, vegetation may limit the view. These are different factors: the first affects the water flow, while the second affects the view of the falls. If the waterfall or an unobstructed view is especially important to you, take both points into account when choosing when to visit.

Scenery in the wider destination of Bestwig

In the wider destination of Bestwig, the Plästerlegge near Bestwig-Wasserfall is the only natural waterfall in North Rhine-Westphalia. The water drops about 20 m almost vertically over a rocky outcrop and then continues for about 500 m as a torrent. Both the drop over the rock face and the stream that follows are part of the landscape.

Hiking in the wider destination of Bestwig

The hiking options in the wider destination of Bestwig also offer a range of time commitments. The Bestwiger Panoramaweg runs along the ridges of the municipality and is around 60 km long; you can join it from any of Bestwig’s districts. It has been awarded the “Quality Trail Hikable Germany” designation by the German Hiking Association four times in a row. The Bestwiger BestWege are varied circular hiking trails around Andreasberg, Heringhausen, Nuttlar, Ostwig, Ramsbeck and Velmede-Bestwig. With walking times of two to four hours, they are suitable for half-day hikes. This means you can choose between a longer route and circular trails that fit into half a day of hiking.

More experiences in the wider destination of Bestwig

FORT FUN Abenteuerland is located at Aurorastraße 50 in Bestwig-Wasserfall. Attractions for children and adults include a roller coaster, log flume, summer toboggan run, dragon ride, Ferris wheel, indoor playground and a show program.

The Sauerländer Besucherbergwerk in Ramsbeck offers a different kind of visit: its electric mine train travels about 1.5 km through the dark Eickhoffstollen. Bus route R72 runs regularly from Bestwig station to the visitors’ mine; the “Ramsbeck-Ziegelwiese” stop is right outside. Check the timetable before travelling.

The Alte Kornmühle in Ramsbeck is the only surviving mill in North Rhine-Westphalia with three millstones and medieval technology. It opens to visitors every year on Whit Monday, International Mill Day; check the exact date for your travel year. The mill festival includes free guided tours, and during the milling demonstration you can watch water power grind grain into flour.

Discover more destinations: Valme, Berlar, Andreasberg

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