Schmallenberg offers several different starting points for planning a trip: a cohesive Neoclassical townscape, local history, forest-themed trails and a cycling route that connects several towns. In the historic center, the old town is shaped by a cohesive Neoclassical architectural style, complemented by many restored half-timbered houses. When looking for a hotel, it may help to first decide whether you want to focus your stay on architecture and town history, themed trails or cycling.
Old Town and History
The cohesive Neoclassical architectural style describes the defining overall impression of the historic center, while the many restored half-timbered houses offer another facet of the townscape. Together, these features make the old town a worthwhile focus for visitors interested in architecture.
A guided historical tour offers insights into Schmallenberg’s history and introduces local characters such as the Floigenkasper and the Breybalg. This complements the view of the townscape with narrated local history and specific figures. Check the current dates and booking arrangements for the tour before planning.
The Forest Workers’ Museum in Schmallenberg-Latrop focuses on forest and village life and the development of forestry work. On display are historical tools, pictures of earlier forest and village life, and historical forestry records. There is also information about the development of the chainsaw. The collection brings together everyday scenes, work tools and technological developments, while the guided town tour focuses on Schmallenberg’s history and local figures.
Trails with Different Themes
Two trails differ in both length and content: the approximately three-kilometer family adventure trail has 13 stations on forests, animals, wood and birds. In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forest Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail runs for 4.5 kilometers and has 17 stations covering topics such as forest ecology and timber use. Comparing the trails involves more than just their lengths: the family adventure trail combines several nature-related themes, while the Latrop trail focuses on forest ecology and timber use.
Another named trail is in Schanze, a district of Schmallenberg: the Kyrill Trail starts at the newly built ranger station. Together, the trail descriptions offer different starting points for planning: a broad mix of themes, forest ecology and timber use, or a starting point at the Kyrill Trail in Schanze.
Cycling and Regional Landscapes
At 84 kilometers long, the Sauerland Cycle Route offers a different focus from the shorter themed trails. It connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines. Its total length and the way it connects several towns give the route its own scale in trip planning, clearly distinguishing it from the walking trails described above.
The wider travel destination of Hochsauerlandkreis offers other regional landscapes to explore. Kahler Asten is in Hochsauerlandkreis, stands 841 meters high and is one of the highest elevations in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Bruchhauser Steine near Olsberg-Bruchhausen comprise four large porphyry rocks and are designated as a nature reserve, an FFH area and a bird protection area. Along with the areas previously located in the Homert and Rothaargebirge nature parks, Hochsauerlandkreis is a member of the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park, one of Germany’s largest nature parks.
Discover more destinations: Bödefeld, Oberkirchen, Sellinghausen, Nordenau, Gellinghausen, Bad Fredeburg, Altenilpe, Dorlar, Menkhausen, Niederberndorf, Westfeld, Oberrarbach, Schanze, Arpe, Rehsiepen, Lenne, Oberhenneborn, Gleidorf, Werntrop, Kirchrarbach, Niederhenneborn, Kirchilpe, Fleckenberg, Winkhausen, Obringhausen
Go to the main travel overview: Hochsauerlandkreis.
