Buchenwalds at the Einsiedelei
The Einsiedelei nature reserve comprises one of the largest contiguous beech forest complexes in the central and western Sauerland. Particularly valuable in the area are the beech forests, which are up to 190 years old, the embedded spring depressions and the small streams with their bog and stream-accompanying alder forests. The cave-rich beech groves are home to breeding populations of Tengmalm's Owl, Black and Gray Woodpecker. Since 2004 - as the first breeding occurrence in the Olpe district - the imposing black stork has regularly raised young birds here. The area's greatest botanical treasure is the Lesser Two-leaf, an orchid endangered throughout Germany, which has its only North Rhine-Westphalian location here.
Round hiking tip nature experience path : The 5.6 km long nature experience path leads through the special features of the area. Click on the link to get more information about the trail and the beech forests at the hermitage incl. audio guide.
Circular hiking tip across the villages: The Einsiedelei hiking parking lot is also the start and finish of a hike of 11 km, which takes about 2 1/4 hours and offers refreshment stops. The hike leads through the Kirchhundemer districts Welschen Ennest and Rahrbach, past through mixed forest and meadows, along the Wolfshardt to the Rahrbacher Höhe. Further information about the hike can be found here.
Long-distance hiking tip Veischede Sun Trail: The Einsiedelei Hiking Park is also the starting point and destination of the approximately 37 km long circular trail "Veischede Sun Trail". If you want to enjoy nature and cultural as well as historical sights (e.g. Burg Bilstein) along the way, a stage hike is recommended. Since 2013, the "Veischede Sun Trail" bears the quality seal "Quality Trail Wanderable Germany". Details about this hike can be found here.
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Coordinates for the navigation system (WGS 84):
GPS: N 51° 3' 55.9008 E 7° 59' 1.8384
UTM: 32U 428798.004 5657603.052
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The site belongs to the Naturpark Sauerland Rothaargebirge e.V. and is looked after and maintained by them.
Should you nevertheless notice soiling or damage, we ask you to inform us via e-mail to info@npsr.de.
(Source: Sauerland Rothaargebirge Nature Park e.V.)