The approximately 11-kilometre Osterglockenweg starts in Nordenau and leads through the mountainous Sauerland landscape. The other trail descriptions also feature notable destinations, ranging from the Wesenberg Nature Reserve to the Westfalenhang ski lift. If you choose Nordenau as your destination, you can include its trails and local history in your plans.
Circular Trails and Getting Your Bearings in Nordenau
The Osterglocken circular trail starts and ends at the Haus des Gastes on Sonnenpfad, where parking is available. The circular trail around Nordenau (No2) leads from Nordenau through the Wesenberg Nature Reserve to Hubertusstein, then back to Nordenau. Another route option is the circular trail around Nordenau (No4): it first climbs to the Heerhagen plateau, then continues via Nesselbach and the Westfalenhang ski lift back to Nordenau. The Osterglockenweg is listed as approximately 11 kilometres long and leads through the mountainous landscape. These destinations offer different points of reference when choosing a trail.
Bus route S40 serves Nordenau. You can use the “Kirche” stop to reach the starting point of circular trail No4. Check the connection before setting off to make sure it suits your plans.
Half-Timbered Houses, Slate and Rappelstein Castle
Nordenau has the character of a historic half-timbered village. Some of its houses are over 200 years old. Slate mining shaped the settlement, and slate can be seen on many houses. Rappelstein Castle, or its ruins, is a historic landmark of Nordenau and now serves as a viewing platform. From there, you can look out over Nordenau, the Nesselbach valley and the Land of 1,000 Mountains. The village’s history and its views come together in this particular place.
The Nordenau Local History Museum is located in the Haus des Gastes, Sonnenpfad 2. Visits are possible during the office hours of Nordenau Touristik e. V.; additional visiting times can be arranged on request. Check the office hours before your visit.
Spa Park and Healing Tunnel
Nordenau Spa Park has walking paths, a playground, a footbath, a ball court and ponds. Alongside the circular trails described above, it offers a range of other places to spend time outdoors. The healing tunnel in Nordenau maintains a year-round temperature of around 8°C and humidity of nearly 100%. The air there is almost entirely free of dust particles, pathogens and allergenic pollen. These distinctive climatic conditions set the tunnel apart from the trails through the landscape.
Winter Activities and Year-End Celebrations
You can ski or snowboard at Nordenau’s own ski lift. Operation depends on conditions, so check before you travel. There is also a small toboggan run near Nordenau; whether it can be used in winter depends on snow conditions. Skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing are different options to consider in your travel plans when conditions are suitable.
The traditional year-end torch-lit walk follows a route around Nordenau and ends at the Haus des Gastes with mulled wine and children’s punch. An event is scheduled for 30 December 2026. Check the event date before you travel.
More to Explore in the Wider Destination of Schmallenberg
The wider destination of Schmallenberg also offers its own cultural and outdoor highlights. Schmallenberg’s old town has a consistent Neoclassical architectural character and many restored half-timbered houses. Another regional attraction is the 84-kilometre Sauerland Cycle Ring, which connects Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg and Lennestadt and follows former railway lines. These highlights broaden your view of Schmallenberg, while Nordenau’s trails, castle and village history shape the choices here.
Discover more destinations: Bad Fredeburg, Kirchilpe, Niederberndorf, Altenilpe, Arpe, Lenne, Gellinghausen, Fleckenberg.
Back to the wider travel guide: Schmallenberg.
