View from the photo point at Hömberg above Oberhenneborn and Sellmecke Photo: Klaus-Peter Kappest, Schmallenberger Sauerland Tourismus

Sauerland-Rothaargebirge

The Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park encompasses a diverse natural and cultural landscape in the Sauerland, Siegerland and Wittgenstein regions, with the Rothaar Mountains running through the nature park from north to south. From forested mountain ridges to meadow valleys and floodplain landscapes to the highest elevations in western Germany, the nature park offers a varied natural landscape that can be traversed especially well on foot.

Area: 3826.01 km²

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The forest areas of the nature park consist mainly of coniferous forest, especially spruce trees are widespread, but also deciduous forest with the beech as the most common tree can be found. The area is crossed by the rivers Sieg, Eder, Lahn, Lenne and Ruhr as well as smaller streams, so that a constant rushing and splashing accompany tours through the park. In addition to forests and waters, gorges and rocks, wide plateaus and valleys, meadows and floodplains, moors and heaths, agricultural use as well as slagheaps and tunnels from the former mining industry ensure a varied stay. Great destinations for culture and history lovers can be found as well as beautiful nature.

Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park near Lake Hennesee
Photo: Jörg Braukmann, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

The cultural landscapes of the nature park are divided into the four regions Sauerland, Medebacher Bucht, Siegerland and Wittgenstein and differ partly strongly. The Sauerland comprises the largest part of the nature park and most diverse landscapes. The Siegerland region mainly contains remnants of the former principality of Nassau-Siegen, while Wittgenstein holds the most densely wooded cultural landscape of the park and Medebacher Bucht includes several urban areas.