Bödefeld was officially recognised as a state-approved health resort in North Rhine-Westphalia on 22 July 2026. Local highlights range from the Rauhe Bruch raised bog, which is over 8,000 years old, to the Bödefeld Hollen Trail and its churches and chapels. A well-developed network of hiking and cycling trails adds to the options. When planning your trip, you can explore nature, wildlife watching, and local and church history as distinct themes.
Nature, trails and wildlife watching
Rauhe Bruch is a raised bog in the Bödefeld forest district that is over 8,000 years old. The Bödefeld Hollen Trail offers a different focus: it brings together historical and legendary themes, includes local flora and fauna, and makes hiking exciting and interesting for children too. Nature and storytelling are therefore both part of the trail’s theme.
The Hollen Trail is signposted with a gold G on a red background and with the trail marker B5. The roof of the Hollenhaus offers a very beautiful view along the trail. The path thus combines its themes with a distinctive viewpoint.
The Walkenmühle nature playground is beside a restored stream and directly next to the Hollen Trail, just beyond the Bödefeld exit towards the Hunau/Osterwald ski lift. The red deer enclosure in Bödefeld gives families with children the opportunity to see red deer up close. Anyone wishing to help during feeding times should register in advance with the tourist association on 01516 1060586. Check the current rules for feeding and registration before your visit.
Churches, pilgrimage and the townscape
Bödefeld has numerous typical Sauerland half-timbered and slate houses. The present-day parish church of St Cosmas and Damian was built in 1910/1911 in an octagonal form, based on a design by Joseph Buchkremer of Aachen. The chapel and parish church represent different chapters in the local history of the church.
Built in 1729, Kreuzberg Chapel has long been a well-known place of pilgrimage; many worshippers made the pilgrimage there, particularly during Lent. In 1730, seven wayside shrines were initially erected along the path to the chapel; these were replaced by Stations of the Cross in 1856. The dates trace a development from the early pilgrimage site to the later design of the path.
The middle entrance of Bödefeld parish church is designated for viewing the “Black Hand”. As access rules may change, check whether access is available before your visit.
Additional highlights in the wider destination of Schmallenberg
In the wider destination of Schmallenberg, the old town has a unified Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. A historical guided tour offers insights into Schmallenberg’s history and introduces local characters such as Floigenkasper and Breybalg. Check the current dates and booking arrangements for the tour in advance.
The trails in Schmallenberg also vary in length and theme. The family adventure trail, about three kilometres long, has 13 stations on forests, animals, wood and birds. The forest worker and forester trail in Schmallenberg-Latrop runs for 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stations on forest ecology and the use of timber. Schmallenberg-Latrop is also home to the forest workers’ museum, which displays historical tools, images of former forest and village life, historical forestry records, and information on the development of the chainsaw.
Another highlight in the wider destination of Schmallenberg is the Sauerland Cycle Ring: this 84-kilometre route connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines.
Discover more destinations: Schanze, Oberrarbach, Dorlar, Rehsiepen, Altenilpe, Westfeld, Werntrop, Gellinghausen.
Return to the wider travel overview: Schmallenberg.
