Orlebachtal - Orle Stream Valley between Balve and Lake Sorpe
Responsible for this content
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest e.V Verified partner
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest e.V Verified partner
The Orle Stream has created one of the most beautiful meander valleys far and wide. In addition to this natural history feature, the tour also offers also historical and cultural highlights with the Luisenhütte metallurgical works, the moated castle of Wocklum and the Balve Cave.
easy
6.3 km
1:43 h
135 m
135 m
The Orle Stream Valley Nature Reserve is home to many species adapted to life in flowing water. Among the stream's fish are the rare Brook Lamprey and Bullhead. Grey wagtails, Dippers and Kingfishers are to be seen along the watercourse. The Golden-ringed Dragonfly and the Beautiful Demoiselle are also reliant on the clean and oxygen-rich water of the Orle Stream. On the nutrient-poor slopes of river valley growth the Mouse-Ear Hawkweed, Sweet Vernal Grass and Tormentill, while the long tresses of the Water Crowfoot undulate in the flowing stream.
Author’s recommendation
In the spring, when the trees lining the stream have not yet come into leaf and the grass is still low, you can see the meander loops of the Orle Stream better than in summer.

Author
Michael Breitsprecher
Updated: August 26, 2016
Difficulty
easy
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
346 m
Lowest point
224 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Start
Wanderparkplatz (hiking car park) near the Luisenhütte (229 m)
Coordinates:
DD
51.337054, 7.882880
DMS
51°20'13.4"N 7°52'58.4"E
UTM
32U 422182 5687900
w3w
///bruisers.surfs.arrived
Destination
Wanderparkplatz (hiking car park) near the Luisenhütte
Turn-by-turn directions
From the hiking car park, the trail soon leads eastward along an avenue of lime trees, past the moated castle of Wocklum, through the associated farm and the large equestrian centre. Just beyond the last tournament arena, the meander valley of the Orle Stream begins. On the other side, the trail leads through narrow streets into the village of Mellen. After leaving the village, the trail passes through the woods on the castle hill back to the Luisenhütte metallurgical works.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
From Balve railway station, bus route 132 runs in the direction of Fröndenberg. From the bus stop "Helle", it is about four minutes' walk to the Luisenhütte in Wocklum.Getting there
Address for satnavs: Wocklumer Hammer 58802 BalveGPS (UTM): 32 U 422173, 5687899
Google coordinates: 51.336961, 7.882775
Parking
At the Wanderparkplatz (hiking car park) near the Luisenhütte.Coordinates
DD
51.337054, 7.882880
DMS
51°20'13.4"N 7°52'58.4"E
UTM
32U 422182 5687900
w3w
///bruisers.surfs.arrived
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
: h
km
m
m
m
m
Questions and answers
Do you have questions regarding this content? Ask them here.
Reviews
Photos from others