The BiggeBlick observation platform is 90 metres above ground. From there, the view stretches across Lake Bigge, including Gilberg Island, and to the ruins of Waldenburg Castle. The entire Olpe district lies within the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park, Germany’s second-largest nature park. Nature experiences, traces of working history and special places to visit give the region its diverse character—and invite you to make your own interests the guiding thread of your trip.
Between hiking trails and water
The Olpe district has a well-signposted network of hiking trails, with options ranging from easy walking paths to challenging hikes. The Rothaarsteig is also designated here as a quality or premium hiking trail. In winter, groomed cross-country ski trails run through the snow-covered forests of the Ebbe and Rothaar ridges; whether they can be used depends on snow conditions. Hiking and cross-country skiing thus offer different ways to experience the landscape, each with its own conditions.
Those who want to experience the region from the water can take passenger boat trips on Lake Bigge and Lake Lister. Check the current timetable before planning a trip. The view from BiggeBlick adds another perspective, taking in the lake, Gilberg Island and the ruins of Waldenburg Castle.
Places steeped in history and craftsmanship
In Attendorn, the Gildehaus on Kleiner Markt presents tools still in use today, along with replicas of historical exhibits from Attendorn’s guilds, in a lovingly restored, listed building dating from the late 19th century. The Attendorn Fire Brigade Museum offers a different perspective on the history of firefighting: its exhibition space covers more than 700 square metres and includes old hand-operated fire pumps, wooden ladders and vehicles. Educational materials enable children and young people to explore the history of the fire brigade independently.
The history of work can also be discovered beyond Attendorn’s collections. The bone mill in Finnentrop-Fretter is a small half-timbered building with a waterwheel, built around 1900. The Wendener Hütte is almost 300 years old, dating back well before industrialisation. Those interested in traces of technology and craftsmanship will find a range of historical reference points here, though they do not all belong to the same period.
Caves, exhibitions and stage shows
The entrance to Atta Cave is through an 80-metre-long tunnel; a guided tour takes about 40 minutes. Exhibitions rotate through four pyramids at Galileo Park. The “Tüfteln + Knobeln” exhibition features around 50 interactive exhibits that visitors can tackle alone or as a team. These offer two different ways to explore: a guided cave tour and hands-on discovery at your own pace.
Panorama Park Sauerland is a wildlife and adventure park covering 80 hectares. In summer, Elspe Festival stages the Karl May Festival and describes itself as a show and festival park featuring attractions with people, animals and nature. Rides, carousels and roller coasters are not part of its concept. Festival titles and dates may change; check the current programme before your visit.
Cycling routes, a town walk and a regional taste
For a cycling tour, the SauerlandRadring offers a route through and around the Olpe district. The bone mill in Finnentrop-Fretter is directly on this route. The Ruhr-Sieg Cycle Route passes through Attendorn and by the fire brigade museum, the SĂĽdsauerland Museum, the Biketurm and the Gildehaus in the town centre. In Attendorn, you can also explore the Historic Town Walk at your own pace or plan it using a route suggestion on Komoot. The options differ not only in how you get around, but also in whether you put your own route together or follow a suggested one.
A Sauerland-themed tour includes a tasting of Original Sauerländer Bockwurst at the Metten factory shop. Tour availability and itinerary may change, so check the current details if you plan to include this tasting.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Attendorn, Finnentrop, Olpe, Lennestadt, Wenden, Drolshagen, Kirchhundem, Rhein-Erft district.
To the main travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.
