Olsberg combines a protected rocky landscape and archaeological traces with a range of Kneipp activities. There are also trails, parks and the rose village of Assinghausen. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the different highlights: would you like to explore natural and cultural history, discover Kneipp treatments or choose a longer hiking route?
Bruchhauser Steine: natural monument and cultural history
The Bruchhauser Steine near Olsberg-Bruchhausen are a nature reserve, an FFH site and a bird sanctuary. In April 2017, they became the first National Natural Monument in North Rhine-Westphalia. An information centre, guided tours and several themed trails provide access to the protected rocky area.
Between the rocks is a prehistoric hillfort and place of worship dating from around 500 BC. This means that a designated protected landscape and an archaeological connection come together in one place. If you would like to combine nature and early history, the area offers a distinctive highlight within Olsberg.
Kneipp activities: thermal spa, experience park and wellbeing route
The Sauerlandtherme AquaOlsberg combines saltwater and Kneipp treatments with sports and leisure facilities. The facilities described include a 25-metre sports pool with water heated to 28°C. Operating details may change; check the latest information before your visit.
At the Kneipp ErlebnisPark, ten Kneipp rest stops invite you to experience all five of Kneipp’s elements with all your senses. The wellbeing route follows the Kneipp AktivWeg and the Ruhr and Gierskopp rivers to the Kneipp herb garden. In addition to the thermal spa, you can therefore choose a park and a route with its own destination.
Hiking trails and parks
The Kneipp WanderWeg Olsberg is a 40-kilometre “Wanderbares Deutschland” quality trail with six natural Kneipp footbath stations. It starts at the Rote Brücke, a distinctive railway bridge above the Gierskopp district on the Roten Weg. This well-known bridge gives you a clear landmark for starting the tour.
The parks also offer a variety of highlights. The historic Kneipp-Park Dr. GrĂĽne has a Kneipp facility integrated into a pond, a barefoot path and relaxation areas. Kurpark Dr. GrĂĽne has Kneipp foot and arm basins, a pond and a fountain. There is also a rest area and a spring around the Maxstollen, where you can enjoy a refreshing Kneipp arm bath.
Rose village and traces at the Eisenberg
With more than 200 varieties of roses and four rose trails, Assinghausen offers a different highlight from the rocks and Kneipp facilities. The rose trails lead through the rose village; the number of varieties makes it particularly interesting if you are interested in garden and village culture.
The Eisenberg near Olsberg is one of the 43 Sauerland soul places in the Sauerland hiking villages. The area is also connected with mining history: the Philippstollen is one of four tunnels built in the 18th century on the southern slope of the Briloner Eisenberg near Olsberg. This lets you choose your destinations according to a wide range of interests while keeping in mind the differences between a hiking route, a park, a rocky area and a village.
Discover more destinations: Assinghausen, Wulmeringhausen, Elpe, Bruchhausen, Gierskopp, Elleringhausen, Antfeld, Wiemeringhausen
Go to the regional travel overview: Hochsauerlandkreis.
