Winter tips in Sauerland

Winter has also arrived in the Sauerland and the otherwise so green nature of the low mountain region now shows a completely different side. It doesn't matter whether the mountains and valleys are covered in a white blanket of snow or it's just crispy cold and you can feel the clear, refreshing air intensely with every breath, hoarfrost covers these meadows and fields or morning fog envelops the towns and villages like a thick blanket. We have collected a few exciting winter tips for you.

The "Eishäuschen" in Hallenberg

Directly at the entrance of Hallenberg you will find the "Eishäuschen". Since its construction in 1915, it was used until the 1960s to store ice, which was extracted from local streams in the winter months and used in the summer to cool drinks at festivals. OnJune 5, 2010, after a great deal of volunteer work and intensive renovation, the ice house was ceremoniously reopened and has since housed a permanent collection of ice sculptures by local ice artist Joachim Knorra, whom you can watch at work on every first and third Saturday of the month from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

Taxibob rides in the Veltins EisArena

A very special adrenaline kick is promised by a ride on the fast cab bobsled in the Veltins EisArena in Winterberg, the fastest and most modern artificial ice rink in Europe. Together with an experienced bobsleigh pilot, you'll travel down the 1,600-meter-long ice channel into the valley at speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour. The fun lasts around 60 seconds and is guaranteed to be one you won't forget - it's not for the faint-hearted.

St. Nicholas trips of the Sauerland Small Railway

For over 30 years, every year ends with the Sauerland Kleinbahn with the traditional St. Nicholas trips at the beginning of December. Because St. Nicholas would like to welcome the numerous passengers again. From the train station in Herscheid-Hüinghausen, the 2.3-kilometer-long historic narrow-gauge line takes you through the wintry Sauerland landscape to the Köbbinghäuser Hammer train station. A fascinating experience for young and old that should not be missed.

Winter Spectacular at Burg Altena

Burg Altena in the warm light, Christmas scents and exuberant mood - this romantic atmosphere makes a visit to the Winter Spectacular an unforgettable experience. Magical creatures, acrobatics, a feast for the palate, hands-on activities in the museum, fairy tales and stories, fire performances, lots of music in the castle courtyard and the popular guided tours by lights around Burg Altena will take you back in time. Combined with a ride in the adventure elevator from the valley up to the Burgberg, an absolute highlight!

Take a snowshoe hike

When the white snow covers the Sauerland landscape and meadows and forests hide under a thick blanket, you have the opportunity for a very special experience. Because then you can go on a snowshoe hike out into nature. Equipped with the special and additionally with the aluminum frames, which distribute your weight wider and thus enable walking on the snow masses, and additionally with carbon poles for additional support, you can then either book a guided tour with one of the regional local guides or go yourself on a winter hiking tour.

The West German Winter Sports Museum

The West German Winter Sports Museum, opened in 1998 in the Winterberg district of Neuastenberg, at the foot of the Kahler Asten, documents the development of winter sports in the region from its beginnings to the present day in words, pictures and with selected exhibits on 250 square meters. Here you can gain exciting insights into times long past, indulge in a bit of nostalgia and discover one or two curious exhibits. A really worthwhile side trip during a stay around Winterberg!

Cut your own Christmas tree

Did you know that you can cut your own Christmas tree for your own four walls in the Sauerland? This is possible in several places and puts you and your family in the perfect mood for the upcoming Christmas days. In many cases, the excursion into wintry nature is offered in combination with a small supporting program such as a hike or covered wagon ride followed by mulled wine and/or a hot waffle with cherries - in other words, a real event is made out of the action. Cool, isn't it?