4.6
(2279)
11,195
riders
311
rides
Touring cycling around Waldreservat Schanze offers routes through extensive red beech forests and diverse landscapes within the Hochsauerlandkreis. The region is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, typical of the Sauerland, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Many paths are paved, making them accessible for touring cyclists, though some routes may include passages with loose ground. The area is part of the Natura 2000 network, highlighting its ecological significance.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
3.0
(2)
15
riders
7.85km
00:37
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
26
riders
8.32km
00:33
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.3
(23)
162
riders
49.7km
03:31
700m
700m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
61
riders
37.4km
03:33
770m
770m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
riders
36.7km
03:00
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A small spring area with a bench and Disc Golf station
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Here you can find information about the hiking trails.
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Small chapel dating from 1700, with seating. The chapel was purchased in 2024 by a gentleman from Neheim for €1 and is now maintained by him and his family.
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The old bell in the new tower
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It is very nice to see where and at what height the Lenne springs.
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Superb views over the heights of the HSK, Sauerland and Siegerland.
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Friends of cycling, the high point of the Schanze even made it into the pass lexicon of quäldich.de, meaning: it doesn't get more "alpine" than this in North Rhine-Westphalia. Let's stay geologically correct and use the more pleasant term "Variscan." This Variscan landscape could present itself to the cheerful cyclist in all its panorama, if it weren't for the need to brake and the steep, 4km climb. Definitely a road bike route. Otherwise, a classic climb for all crossings of the Rothaarkamm. Traffic is rather light, but there are plenty of non-locals who calmly ride behind you.
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There are over 340 touring cycling routes available in the Waldreservat Schanze area. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy rides to more challenging tours with significant elevation gain.
Yes, Waldreservat Schanze offers a good selection of easy touring cycling routes. You'll find over 50 routes classified as easy, many of which feature gentle gradients and scenic views. An example is the Grafschaft Village Center – View of Grafschaft Abbey loop from Opspring, an 8.2 km path with gentle elevation changes, perfect for a relaxed ride.
The terrain in Waldreservat Schanze is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, typical of the Sauerland region. You'll primarily cycle through extensive red beech forests, with many paths being paved. However, some routes may include passages with loose ground, requiring a good basic level of fitness. The region also features unique cycling paths developed along old railway lines, offering a blend of historical context and natural scenery.
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Waldreservat Schanze offers over 130 difficult routes. These routes often feature significant elevation changes and cover longer distances. A notable challenging route is the View of Lenneplätze – View of Grafschaft Abbey loop from Wilzenberg, a 50.1 km trail with over 680 meters of elevation gain, typically completed in about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The Waldreservat Schanze area is rich in natural beauty and unique landmarks. You might encounter the Mühlenteich Waterfall, or the thought-provoking "Stein-Zeit-Mensch" sculpture by Nils-Udo. Other points of interest include the Pissebaum Old Church Path and the Sound sculpture Over the Ponds. The region's extensive red beech forests themselves are a major attraction, especially during autumn.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Waldreservat Schanze are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point. For example, the popular Schanze Ski Hut – Schanze Country Inn loop from Opspring is an 8.0 km circular trail that takes about 37 minutes to complete.
The touring cycling routes in Waldreservat Schanze are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 2000 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to explore the extensive red beech forests and rolling hills of the Sauerland region.
While specific public transport connections directly to trailheads might vary, the broader Sauerland region is generally well-connected. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules to nearby towns like Grafschaft or Schmallenberg, and then plan your cycling route from there. Some routes, like the SauerlandRadring Rail Trail – View of Grafschaft Abbey loop from Grafschaft, might be more accessible from specific village centers.
Parking is generally available in and around the villages and popular starting points for routes within the Waldreservat Schanze area. For example, if you plan to cycle the Grafschaft Village Center – View of Grafschaft Abbey loop from Wilzenberg, you would typically find parking options near the village centers or designated trail parking areas. It's recommended to check specific route descriptions for detailed parking information.
The Waldreservat Schanze is beautiful throughout the year, but spring, summer, and early autumn are generally the most popular times for touring cycling. During these seasons, the weather is milder, and the red beech forests are particularly vibrant. Autumn offers stunning foliage, while spring brings fresh greenery. Winter cycling is possible, but routes may be affected by snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear and caution.
Yes, the Sauerland region, including areas around Waldreservat Schanze, is known for its unique cycling paths developed along old railway lines. These routes often provide a smoother, flatter cycling experience through scenic landscapes. The SauerlandRadring Rail Trail – View of Grafschaft Abbey loop from Grafschaft is an example of a route that incorporates a rail trail section, offering a blend of historical context and natural scenery.


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