If you had told someone 25 years ago how beautiful cycling in the Sauerland is, they would have shaken their heads in disbelief. If you were to tell them today that you can now cycle from the historic Hanseatic town of Brilon to Neheim-Hüsten via the MöhnetalRadweg, reach the district town of Olpe via the Ruhr-Sieg-Radweg or even experience a multi-day touring bike adventure in the Sauerland and the neighboring Waldeck region on the Ruhr-Eder GeoRadroute, they would probably be all the more amazed. Especially as a large proportion of the routes mentioned run along disused railroad lines, which means that even in the low mountain region, there is no shortage of cycling fun with only slight inclines.
A lot has happened in "Germany's inspiring outdoor region" and touring cyclists have long since discovered the region for themselves, not least thanks to the e-bike boom, in order to go on exciting excursions, enjoy nature and explore the many cultural highlights along the way.
Speaking of rail routes: The ideal introduction to discovering the Sauerland by bike is a cycle tour on the 84-kilometre SauerlandRadring and the 40-kilometre HenneseeSchleife. Designed as a circular tour, it is possible to start almost anywhere, but it is particularly practical to choose Finnentrop as the starting point if you are traveling by car or train. From the parking lot there in the lovingly designed Lennepark, we first cycle to the right along the Lenne to the north signal box, turn left over the bridge there and then follow the distinctive SauerlandRadring logo, the red bat.
We pass the former site of the Metten meat factory and, after a short ride, see the "Lichtblick Lenne" platform on the right, from where the new route through the 196-metre-long Lenhausen tunnel is expected to be realized from 2026. At the Lenhausen sports field, the path now leads us to the right towards Lenhausen Castle, a moated castle from the 14th century, which was converted into a castle in the 17th century.
Cycling slightly uphill along the country road, we reach the start of the railroad cycle path through the Frettertal valley. In future, you will arrive here after passing through the Lenhausen tunnel. After four kilometers, you reach the Frettermühle. The former grain mill has been used to generate environmentally friendly electricity since 1989. The café inside is also used by the municipality as a registry office for weddings due to its special ambience.
The route continues slightly uphill to Fretter and turns right after the village center to the bone mill. The bone mill is a water wheel mill built around 1900 and was used to produce bone meal, which was used as fertilizer. The technical cultural monument with its equipment is considered unique in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Now there are still around five kilometers to go to the highlight of the SauerlandRadring, the Fledermaustunnel, which is famous beyond the region. The route climbs gently past historical railroad exhibits such as signs, wagons and locomotives, which provide an insight into times long past. 689 meters long and on average 10 degrees cool, it offers an eerily beautiful experience. Up to 200 rare bats such as the bearded bat, the greater mouse-eared bat and the brown long-eared bat have their winter quarters here. The tunnel is therefore closed every year from November to the beginning of April, but a detour is signposted so that tours on the SauerlandRadring are possible all year round.
After passing through the tunnel, the route heads downhill towards Eslohe. At the end of the section of the railroad line, you come to the Dampf-Land-Leute-Museum, an exciting cultural institution that shows on over 2,000 m² how people in the region used the energy of water and fire in the past. A visit is particularly worthwhile during the Eslohe Steam Days at the end of May and the end of September, when, in addition to a broad family program, there is also the opportunity to take a short ride on the historic museum railroad.
The route now leads us behind the museum to the left and on through Sallinghausen to the connecting point of the supplementary HenneseeSchleife. However, we turn right and soon reach Bremke. There, in the middle of the village, we turn onto the railroad line to Schmallenberg and follow it on a perfectly asphalted surface.
The route now climbs steadily uphill past small villages such as Dorlar and Mailar until we reach Bad Fredeburg, which has been a healing cave since 2011 and is located in one of the most densely wooded regions in Germany. The pretty half-timbered town invites you to take a tour of the old town, offers a wide range of restaurants and the idyllic spa gardens. The court museum, which is also located there, is unique in North Rhine-Westphalia and displays an interesting collection on the history of the judiciary from the Femegericht to today's jurisdiction.
Shortly after Bad Fredeburg, we reach the highest point of the SauerlandRadring at 460 meters above sea level and now roll relaxed past Gleidorf towards Schmallenberg. Incidentally, it is one of the largest towns in Germany and was even a member of the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages. There has been evidence of the textile industry here since the 15th century and the name "stocking town" that Schmallenberg is still known for today is kept alive not least by the headquarters of the Falke company. A tour through the center with its classicist houses and quiet Winkeln is not to be missed. Here, too, you can take a break for a relaxed stroll through the old town or a stop for refreshments.
As we continue our journey, it is worth making a detour to Fleckenberg and the federal gold village of Milchenbach with its half-timbered houses, which are well worth seeing. Shortly afterwards, we reach the climatic health resort of Saalhausen with its newly designed spa gardens. Numerous cafés and inns invite you to stop for refreshments or relax in one of the many hammocks in the shade of the deciduous trees.
On the cycle path along the B236, we now reach Altenhundem, where the train station can also be used for arrivals and departures. Just a few kilometers further on is Meggen, which has more highlights in store for touring cyclists. High above the town are the Sauerland Pyramids, which are home to the "Galileo Park" knowledge and puzzle park. From the viewing terrace, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Lenne Valley. Right next door is the Sicilia shaft, an industrial monument. Sulphur gravel has been mined here since the early 1850s, mainly for the production of sulphuric acid. The former mining facilities can be visited.
The 84-kilometre round trip is slowly coming to an end. On our way further on, however, we reach the "Wild West". This can be found in Elspe, where it is worth making a detour to the famous Elspe Festival. In Europe's largest pure show and festival park, visitors can experience the Karl May Festival on the natural stage from June to September as well as guest performances by well-known stars in the festival hall.
After a short drive, we reach Finnentrop. Right at the entrance to the town on the left-hand side, you can visit the exterior of Bamenohl House. The crowning glory of an eventful tour.