The Drolshagen region is part of the Sauerland Rothaargebirge Nature Park and is a quiet, forested low mountain landscape. Hiking, cycling routes, architectural heritage and places to enjoy local cuisine offer different ways to spend time in Drolshagen. When planning your stay, consider whether you would prefer to focus on a network of trails, individual circular routes, notable buildings or a culinary hike.
Hiking Trails and Art by Lake Lister
The Drolshagen region offers around 140 kilometres of well-signposted trails marked by the Sauerland Mountain Association (SGV). One circular route is the KuLTour by Lake Lister near Gut Kalberschnacke: it is about seven kilometres long. More than 25 works of art have been created in the landscape along the KuLTour. This brings hiking and art together on the same route. Natural materials weather over time, so individual works may change. Check the conditions on your chosen route before setting out.
Cycling Routes and a Rest Stop in HĂĽtzemert
Four signposted circular cycling routes and the Agger-Bigge Loop run through the Drolshagen region. The Agger-Bigge Loop and the Bergisches Panorama Cycle Route pass through the listed Wegeringhausen Tunnel. The listed Old Hützemert Station is located on both routes and serves as a refreshment stop. Maps are available free of charge from the Drolshagen citizens’ office.
The former station building in HĂĽtzemert was converted into a village hall with a refreshment stop over a period of thirteen months. It is intended for locals as well as travellers on foot or by bicycle. Opening hours may change; check them before visiting.
Architectural Heritage and Regional History
The Catholic parish church of St. Clement in Drolshagen is a Romanesque basilica that has been preserved in an almost unchanged form. The history of the Old Monastery of Drolshagen also goes back a long way: in 1235, a donation of the land needed for the foundation enabled the Cistercian nuns to establish the monastery. The year refers to the donation that made the foundation possible.
The upper floor of the Drolshagen local history museum houses books, documents and images relating to regional history. Directly opposite the marketplace stands the former Hotel Schürholz, a grand, listed half-timbered house. The church, the monastery’s history, the collections and the half-timbered building each offer a different perspective on a tour of local history.
Culinary Hike
The Dräulzer Jausenpfad is a culinary hike through the Drolshagen region. Its concept combines breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks and a final dinner. The sequence of meals provides the distinctive framework for this tour. Participating businesses and opening hours may change, so check in advance which refreshment stops suit your visit.
In the wider destination of Olpe
The entire district is part of the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park, Germany’s second-largest nature park. The signposted hiking network in the district ranges from easy walking paths to challenging hikes. Passenger boats operate on Lake Bigge and Lake Lister. A guided tour of the Atta Cave lasts about 40 minutes; visitors enter the cave through an 80-metre-long tunnel.
Discover more destinations: Olpe, Finnentrop, Attendorn, Kirchhundem, Lennestadt, Wenden.
Back to the wider travel guide: Olpe.
