The Olsberg Kneipp Trail shows the range of experiences a stay in Gierskopp can offer: the challenging circular hike is 41 kilometres long, while named waterside stops and historic sites offer different points of interest. A road cycling tour also passes through the village. If you are looking for accommodation for your stay, it helps to choose your main focus first: a long hike, a bike ride or local history.

Hiking, Water and Road Cycling

The Olsberg Kneipp Trail starts and ends at the Red Bridge on Roter Weg in the district of Gierskopp. The circular hike is rated difficult, is 41 kilometres long and has around 1,366 metres of ascent and 1,369 metres of descent. The climbs and descents are therefore almost equal in height; the distance and difficulty make this a challenging route.

The Gierskoppbach stream is part of the natural surroundings of the Olsberg Kneipp Trail. Its water-focused concept includes natural spring-water foot-bathing spots, as well as numerous Kneipp foot-bathing stations and arm-bathing basins. The Spring Tour leads to the foot-bathing spot at the Gierskopp, also known as “An der Scharfsbrücke”. Hikers can rest there and cool their feet.

A road cycling tour also passes through Gierskopp: the “Nach Wasserfall” route follows the L743. The spiritual hiking trail “Ruhrauen – Das Licht der Kerze” branches off at the Gierskoppbach, follows the Olsberg Kneipp Active Trail along the Gierskopp and then continues beside the Ruhr. The local route options thus offer cycling, Kneipp hiking and a spiritual hiking trail as different ways to explore the area.

If you are travelling by bus, Gierskopp Körner stop in Olsberg is served by route R31. From there, it is about a 15-minute uphill walk. Allow for this walk when planning your journey and check the route timetable for your travel date.

Local History and Club Life

The Marien Grotto in Gierskopp was completed in four months as a place of prayer near the Gierskoppbach and solemnly inaugurated in October 1912. Around 1925, a memorial to the Gierskopp men who fell in the First World War was added to the site. The dates mark two historical aspects of the same place: the inauguration of the place of prayer and its later addition as a memorial to the fallen.

Another date in the village’s history is 1837, when the Schultenhof in Gierskopp was renovated. Club life also has its own named venue. The Giersker Karnevalisten hold their gala sessions at the “Giersker Treff” clubhouse.

More to Explore in the Wider Olsberg Destination

The Bruchhauser Steine near Olsberg-Bruchhausen are another nature and history attraction in the wider Olsberg destination. The area was designated North Rhine-Westphalia’s first National Natural Monument in April 2017 and is also a nature reserve, an FFH site and a bird sanctuary. A visitor centre offering guided tours and several themed trails provide access to the protected rocky area. Between the rocks there is also a prehistoric hillfort and place of worship, dating approximately to around 500 BC.

The wider Olsberg destination also offers the Sauerlandtherme AquaOlsberg, with brine and Kneipp treatments as well as sports and leisure facilities. These include a 25-metre sports pool with water heated to 28°C. If you plan to visit AquaOlsberg, check the latest operating details.

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