Sorpesee Lake, an accessible themed trail and seasonal winter sports represent three distinct sides of Sundern. The area also has places where mining, industrial and architectural history come to life. To decide which experiences will shape your stay, it helps to first look at the different options: the trail in Amecke, the winter sports facilities in Wildewiese, or historical sites in several districts.

Sorpesee Lake, Amecke and Langscheid

Sorpesee Lake lies in Sundern, between the districts of Langscheid and Amecke, amid the Sauerland landscape. The 3.4-kilometre AiRlebnisweg is in Amecke, by the Sorpe reservoir’s forebay and at the edge of the Sauerland reservoir. It has 20 interactive stations about air, breathing and water. The trail is lit throughout, can be used year-round and is fully accessible; as an excursion destination, it is aimed at walkers and hikers. The route’s length and the stations’ themes are both central to the experience.

In Langscheid, the observation tower at the Ehrenmal offers views over the town and the surrounding Sorpesee Lake landscape. The tower is open from March to November. Visitors can borrow the gate key in advance from the Haus des Gastes. Check the latest access information before your visit. Also in Langscheid, the Himmelsbank Sorpesee is in the spa park by the Haus des Gastes; it has been open to the public since October 2024.

Winter sports in Wildewiese

In Wildewiese, five ski lifts, several runs of up to 1,200 metres and a ski school are available on the 648-metre-high Schomberg. There are also around 50 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, extending over the Homert ridge to the area around Röhrenspring. The downhill runs and the trail network appeal to different winter sports interests: one is described in terms of lifts and individual run lengths, the other by its extensive route. The ski facilities and trail grooming are seasonal. Check the latest operating and trail conditions before planning specific winter dates.

Mining, industry and architectural history

A dedicated mining trail has been in Endorf since 2004; guided tours are available. On a guided tour of Allendorf, the local heritage association “Fickeltünnes” explains important historical events and notable local figures. This gives visitors a choice of two different ways to explore the area: a hiking trail focused on mining and a guided tour of local history. Ask in advance about possible tour dates.

The “Alte Kornbrennerei” Museum in Sundern displays, among other things, exhibits from Sundern’s lighting industry and mining industry. It adds exhibits to the themes of mining and industry, while the ruins of Hachen Castle tell the town’s architectural story in a different setting: they stand on a castle hill rising 80 metres above the Ruhr Valley. Melschede Castle in Hövel dates from the 13th century, but its present-day Baroque appearance dates back to the 17th century. The castle’s origins and later form therefore need to be clearly distinguished chronologically.

More hiking options

Hellefeld is also worth considering if you are looking for a named hiking destination: the village is part of the “Altes Testament” hiking area. Together with the dedicated mining trail in Endorf, it shows that hiking in Sundern can offer different kinds of experiences—from a specific theme to a designated hiking area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Brilon, Eslohe, Schmallenberg, Arnsberg, Hallenberg, Marsberg.

Back to the regional travel overview: Hochsauerlandkreis.