Up-and-down route
Forested mountains and quiet hamlets
Steep mountains and deep valleys characterize this landscape near the Hunau, an 818 m high ridge of the Rothaargebirge. Small, well-kept villages and places to live along the rivers Henne and Rarbach with their cosy half-timbered gables and inscriptions invite you to take a tour. The places of interest here want to be discovered with care and attention: Be it game viewing in the extensive forests or the small pilgrimage chapel or the local landmarks, such as the "Oberhenneborn Owl".
In winter the slopes here are ideal for skiing or cross-country skiing, winter hiking and tobogganing
Romantic Route
Peace and solitude in nature
In some places along the Romantic Route, the "world ends" - this is where the road ends and you can only continue on foot. And that's exactly what's worthwhile in the beautiful Sorpe Valley or along the higher-lying villages of Nordenau and Westfeld. Wide views and narrow valleys, romantic streams and cosy places that make hikers stop and look. A castle ruin and artistic forged pieces, splendid half-timbered houses and old courtyards also provide an occasion for this. On winter days, the cross-country skiing centre in Westfeld and the surrounding Rothaargebirge mountains offer plenty of opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts.
Forest Route
Lively places and quiet forests
You can't see the forest for the trees? Then you are on the forest route in the south of the Schmallenberger Sauerland. The core town of Schmallenberg is located here, as well as the somewhat larger of the 83 districts of the entire town. Beautiful hiking trails and views alternate with well-kept, half-timbered villages. Hike, stroll, stroll - and enjoy.
Farmland Route
Rural peace
This high plateau is a scenic speciality in the middle of the Schmallenberger Sauerland. Here the hills are gently rolling and many small half-timbered villages dominate the picture - sometimes visible from afar.
Families in particular appreciate holidays here, as there is plenty of space to play and romp around and the opportunity to learn where the milk comes from. Fans of church painting will also get their money's worth as there are three late Romanesque churches with remarkable apse paintings to be discovered. Along the way there are also numerous signs of the deeply rooted faith of the people in the form of small chapels or wayside crosses.
Source Route
Water for health
Numerous rivers and "rivulets" such as the Henne and Leisse, the Ilpe and Gleier have their source here, and this water is the source of life and health and is also used for treatments in the Kneipp spa in Bad Fredeburg. A "healthy" route, so to speak, which you can discover here.
The surrounding villages and the adjoining Rimberg have a decisive influence on the image of the spring route. Each of these villages is worth a look, one hidden in a small side valley, another raised on a hill - but always with many beautiful, inviting half-timbered houses.
Homert route
Hospitality and half-timbered houses
Sections of forest and wide valleys alternate constantly in this hospitable region, which borders the Schmallenberger Sauerland to the northwest. The Homert as a central mountain range connects the lively town of Eslohe and the many surrounding villages. The Homert mountain with its 656 m captivates with wonderful views of green meadows and forests and its diverse nature.
Behind the partly splendidly decorated half-timbered facades in the villages, warm people live and excellent gastronomy is offered. A stay with coffee and cake or a hearty "Sauerländer Schlachteplatte" or other culinary specialities is definitely worthwhile.
