In Meschede, the Henne Boulevard connects the lake and the town over two kilometers. It passes Hennepark and the open Henne sculpture at Winziger Platz. With a fitness trail, the route is designed to be accessible. Along the way, you can enjoy views of both the town and the lake, with no specific walking time prescribed.
At Lake Henne: trails, water and play
At Berghausen bathing cove, activities at Lake Henne include swimming, stand-up paddling at the water sports station, sailing and rowing. Pirate Cove adds a free outdoor adventure playground for families, featuring a pirate ship, climbing and play equipment, and an accessible inclusive area. Benches in quiet and relaxation zones across the spacious leisure complex offer places to unwind, watch the surroundings and picnic.
From the parking area at Berghausen bathing cove, an accessible path leads to Pirate Cove in about five minutes. As conditions can change, check access information before your visit. For a different perspective on the lake, the fully electric EMS Hennesee operates a 1.5-hour scheduled cruise. The accessible event boat can accommodate up to 550 guests. Check the current timetable before planning your trip.
You can also combine a walk along the shore with a cultural theme: the Wogenweg runs along Lake Henne and features changing themed poems on twelve steles. If you would rather walk a loop around the water, look for the circular hiking trail marked “A8”; it goes all the way around the reservoir and offers views of the lake.
Hiking with different focuses
The Meschede Höhenwanderweg is a circular trail marked “M” that runs through the municipal area. Its route leads from Erflinghausen via Grevenstein and Freienohl to Eversberg, with views across the region. The Sauerland Forest Route is longer: this 240-kilometer long-distance trail runs from Iserlohn to Marsberg and passes through Arnsberg Forest Nature Park in Meschede. There is a trail access gate at Buchsplitt in Eversberg.
In Eversberg, the approximately 2.5-kilometer Altstadtpfad combines a short circular walk with historic buildings and a viewpoint. It passes the historic town hall and half-timbered houses; the castle ruins offer views over Eversberg. An adventure playground shaped like a knights’ castle is also along the route. The historic town center is characterized by cobblestones, half-timbered houses and the market square with its old town hall. You can explore the local history museum on your own or on a guided tour.
For a themed walk, the 6.5-kilometer Kapellenweg Eversberg loops around the old hilltop town, passing chapels, wayside crosses and shrines. It starts in the historic center of Meschede-Eversberg, where typical Sauerland half-timbered buildings can be seen. In Calle, a circular hiking trail marked “C” also passes St. Severinus parish church and numerous chapels.
Local history and culture
Grevenstein’s historic center features old slate and half-timbered houses around the church and Burgmannshof manor. The Bierbrau-Wunderweg explores the history of brewing with information boards. Rest stops include a viewing counter with a woodland refrigerator and a large barrel-shaped seat. In Remblinghausen, the historic sawmill tells the story of 200 years of life and work; as a cultural monument, it offers guided tours, a children’s program and other activities. It is also considered a landmark of the village.
In Meschede, the Benedictine monks of Königsmünster Abbey offer public tours of the abbey grounds on Saturdays. You can learn more about monastic life and the lives and work of the Benedictines. As schedules can change, check the current date in advance. Public flashlight tours at St. Walburga Church take visitors to archaeological excavations, into the church and through the vaulted cellars. A tour of the Henne Dam covers the hydroelectric power station, the bottom outlet tunnels and the dam’s inspection tunnel system; beforehand, a film introduces the work of the Ruhrverband as well as the history and function of the dam.
Nature and winter destinations
In Freienohl, the bee education trail uses seven information boards to explain bees and beekeeping. The circular trail ends at a display hive with a live bee colony. In Berge, the buzzing school and adventure garden, with numerous information boards, focuses on the lives of bees and nature; it is open to everyone. On herb walks in Erflinghausen, experienced guides introduce you to wild herbs of the Sauerland.
The two ski lifts also differ in size. Eversberg Ski Lift has a slope about 180 meters long with an elevation difference of around 25 meters, and a button lift; the slope is suitable for children. In Grevenstein, the ski slope is about 700 meters long with an elevation difference of around 100 meters. A 50-meter-wide toboggan run is right next to it. If you are planning a winter visit, check current operating status in advance.
Discover more destinations: Grevenstein, Freienohl, Frenkhausen, Oberberge, Erflinghausen, Remblinghausen, Eversberg, Wennemen.
View the main travel overview: Hochsauerlandkreis.
