A total of 19 bridges cross the village stream along the village street in Elleringhausen. The Gierskoppbach stream shapes the village landscape and has been preserved in its natural bed to this day. Other features include the Solstätten in the town center, the Peace Chapel on Ruthenberg and the carved Fire Oak. Elleringhausen thus brings together several different points of interest: local history, art, trails and Kneipp-related features.
Stream, Bridges and Solstätten
The 19 bridges are a distinctive landmark along the village street. The town center is formed by the so-called Solstätten, with their half-timbered buildings. Half-timbering is a construction method featuring an exposed timber frame with infill panels between the timbers. In Elleringhausen, this style shapes the town center and offers a tangible introduction to local architectural history.
Among the remaining Solstätten in Elleringhausen’s half-timbered quarter is the studio of artist Jürgen Suberg. Many of his works are housed in his studio in Elleringhausen. If a studio visit is important to your plans, check visiting arrangements with the studio in advance.
The Fire Oak: Wood, Fire and Light
The Fire Oak near Elleringhausen is an eight-meter-tall carved oak tree. It depicts the course of human history and particularly emphasizes humanity’s dependence on wood and fire. At night, the artwork is illuminated by solar cells, while an artificial flame made of titanium lights up. In this way, the depiction connects its themes with a distinctive form of lighting.
The Peace Chapel and Trails on Ruthenberg
The Peace Chapel is one of the 43 Sauerland Soul Places. It was built by men from Elleringhausen who returned from the war. This story offers a different focus from the half-timbered buildings: it draws attention to the memories associated with the place.
From the Old Church Square, you can reach the chapel by following the Gierskoppbach stream, crossing a footbridge and climbing Ruthenberg. The Stations of the Cross on Ruthenberg end at the Peace Chapel and are classified as a historic site and monument. This clearly connects the trail’s destination with the route leading there.
The marked Elleringhausen Panorama Trail loops around the village, starting and ending at the Old Church Square. The Golddörfer Trail can also be started there. The Panorama Trail is described as a loop that starts and ends at the church square; for the Golddörfer Trail, the church square is listed as the starting point. If you are finalizing your trail plans, check current trail conditions in advance.
Cycling Routes and Kneipp-Related Features
The Kneipp RadWeg Olsberg runs along a cycling route from Olsberg to Elleringhausen. Route 8, “The Three Gold Villages Tour,” follows a green-marked cycling route for about five kilometers to Elleringhausen. The details provide different points of reference: the Kneipp RadWeg names the two towns on the route, while Route 8 gives the approximate distance to Elleringhausen.
Further Kneipp-related features can be found in Schogge and on the village green: Schogge has a small Kneipp herb garden laid out on a hillside, while the village green has a natural barefoot path based on Kneipp principles. A playground and a covered picnic area are located by the shooting hall. If you plan to visit these facilities, it is a good idea to check their condition shortly beforehand.
Discover more destinations: Wulmeringhausen, Assinghausen, Antfeld, Wiemeringhausen, Bruchhausen, Elpe, Gierskopp
For the main travel overview: Olsberg.
