For planning a hike in Nesselbach, there are two different options: a circular route with a clearly stated distance and duration, or a trail whose character is shaped by the climb up Singerberg. The Ingrid Cross and the cultural landscape at the head of the valley add their own focal points. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which of these landscape and hiking experiences you would like to shape your stay.
Cultural landscape at the head of the valley
The “Nordenau–Nesselbach Cultural Landscape Complex” landscape conservation area covers 112.8 ha. At the head of the Nesselbach valley, it forms an attractive cultural landscape with lines of trees and shrubs following the contours and solitary trees on grassland used predominantly as pasture. The lines of trees and shrubs follow the contours, while the solitary trees add individual accents. The landscape is thus shaped by a variety of features: pastureland, longer lines of trees and shrubs, and individual trees. This distinctive local character adds a specific landscape focus to the hiking trails.
Hiking: circular routes and different trail profiles
The moderately difficult A6 circular route starts at the Kuhlmanns Siepen hiking car park in Nesselbach. It is 7.1 km long and takes about 2 hours and 7 minutes. The route passes the Drei Linden natural monument, then goes through a heavily wooded area via Nordenau and back to the starting point. The distance, approximate duration and difficulty level give you a clear framework for planning your day on this circular route.
Route A8 also starts at the Kuhlmanns Siepen hiking car park. It first climbs Singerberg, then returns to the starting point along the edge of Altastenberg. Compared with the A6, for which figures are provided, the focus here is on the ascent and the return route along Altastenberg. The “Nesselbach” bus stop can be used as a starting point for route A8; bus route S40 serves it. Check the timetable before travelling.
Another route option is the Nordenau–Nesselbach winter hiking trail. It crosses the road at the Kuhlmannssiepen hiking car park and then follows trail no. 4 to Nesselbach. This provides another named route to consider when planning a hike.
Ingrid Cross above Nesselbach
The Ingrid Cross is a named landmark in Nesselbach and is listed as a sight. It is situated at an altitude of 722 m above Nesselbach and can be reached on foot from the Nesselbach hiking car park. The elevation and named car park give the walk a clear destination and a point of reference for planning.
Schmallenberg as a wider destination
The wider destination of Schmallenberg offers additional cultural and woodland attractions. Schmallenberg’s old town has a uniform Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. A historical guided tour offers insights into Schmallenberg’s history and introduces local figures such as Floigenkasper and Breybalg. Check current dates and booking arrangements in advance if you plan to join the tour.
In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forestry Workers Museum displays historical tools, photographs of former forest and village life, historical forestry office records, and information on the development of the chainsaw. Also in Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forestry Workers and Foresters Trail covers 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stations focusing on topics such as forest ecology and timber use. A museum visit and a themed trail thus offer different ways to explore the history of forestry and forest use.
Other options in the wider destination of Schmallenberg include the approximately three-kilometre family adventure trail, with 13 stations on forests, animals, wood and birds, and the 84-kilometre Sauerland Cycle Ring. It connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines. These attractions complement the specific hiking destinations in Nesselbach with distinct cultural, nature and cycling experiences in Schmallenberg.
Discover more destinations: Brilon, Winterberg, Marsberg, Eslohe, Schmallenberg, Olsberg, Sundern, Meschede.
View the wider travel overview: Hochsauerlandkreis.
