Top 20 Natural Monuments around Kreis Olpe
Best natural monuments around Kreis Olpe are found in the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, offering diverse natural and geological features. The area is characterized by forests, rolling hills, and significant water bodies like the Biggesee and Listersee. Visitors can explore unique geological formations, historical sites, and protected natural areas. Kreis Olpe provides opportunities to connect with nature and appreciate its varied landscape.
Best natural monuments around Kreis Olpe
- The most popular natural monuments is Wegeringhauser Tunnel, a cycle…
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Kückelheim Tunnel (Bat Tunnel)
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Wegeringhauser Tunnel
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Three Lords' Stone
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At Dreherherrnstein, the territories Duchy of Westphalia, Nassau-Siegen and Wittgenstein-Hohenstein came together. The large triangular stone on the Wildborn is on the Nassau side with a Wolfsangel, on the …
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Waldenburg Castle Ruins
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Schwarzbach Ford and Wooden Bridge
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Lennestrand Sculpture Park
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Oberhundem Cliffs
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Margaretenstein (685 m)
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Heinsberg Heath
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Schwarzbachtal Nature Reserve
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Popular around Kreis Olpe
Ehmsenweg – Hiking through Western Sauerland
Siegerland-Höhenring – A classic in six stages
Siegerland-Höhenring – Discover a classic in 6 days
The Lenneroute – From mountains to the Ruhr through the Sauerland
Multi-day hikes in the Sauerland – eight trails, many unforgettable moments
The National Natural Landscapes in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Sauerländer Hütten Hopping - Two days of cabin feeling in Hochsauerland
#GoFurther – discover the views of Germany!
The big D: forest paths and water views in southern Sauerland
Sauerländer Hutten Hopping - Two days of real Huttenfeeling
Other adventures around Kreis Olpe
Tips from the Community
Beautiful nature with a wonderful heath landscape. Great for walking and always with different perspectives in different lighting conditions and seasons. Rightly a protected landscape area and thanks to the good network of paths you can quickly get to many notable points.
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The metallic "book" with the Rothaarsteig logo actually contains more information... so feel free to open it and read it.
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The landscape is great to run
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The castle ruin Waldenburg is a beautiful little castle ruin in the middle of a great forest. There are also small wooden benches so you can take a rest. There is also an information board to find out more about this ruin.
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A request to those responsible: Unfortunately, no diversion is signposted during the closure for the bats! We had to turn back in autumn after searching in vain and asking questions. When it is closed every year, there are also cyclists on the road when the weather is nice and they would be happy to see signs.
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The clippers are only partially visible from the roadside. Only when you leave the path a bit can you see the true beauty of the cliffs
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The Oberhundemer cliffs are one of the few highlights besides the views. There are no safety devices or ropes to hold onto while climbing. If you still want to climb the cliffs, you should choose the smaller of the two.
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"... The Waldenburg is the ruin of a hilltop castle near the town of Attendorn in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the oldest known building in the Olpe district and is considered the nucleus of local self-government in the region. It was built there in the 17th century the Commander Waldenburg of the Teutonic Order, which only existed for a short time. The castle ruins are now in the Waldenburg nature reserve. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldenburg_(Attendorn) "... The Waldenburg castle ruin is the oldest non-sacred monument in the Olpe district. It is located above the Waldenburg chapel and Lake Bigge. The castle can be reached via the asphalt road in the direction of Bürberg to the ruin. Another forest path begins near the Waldenburg Chapel and initially runs parallel to the dam, but later branches off to the ruins. Coming from Attendorn over the Big Bridge in the direction of Helden and after 50m right to the Waldenburg Bay. The ruin is located on a hill next to the Biggetalsperre in the Sauerland. There is parking in the Waldenburg Bay near the Waldenburg Chapel. ... " https://www.sauerland.com/Media/Attraktionen/Burgruine-Waldenburg
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique geological features can I explore in Kreis Olpe?
Kreis Olpe is home to fascinating geological formations. The most prominent is the Atta-Höhle in Attendorn, one of Germany's largest and most beautiful dripstone caves, featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone drapes. You can also find unique rock formations like the Oberhundem Cliffs.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities in Kreis Olpe?
Yes, many natural monuments in Kreis Olpe are suitable for families. The Wegeringhauser Tunnel, a 724-meter long bicycle tunnel, is a unique experience for cycling families (closed November to mid-April). The Schwarzbach Ford and Wooden Bridge offers a fun choice for kids to cross a river. The expansive Biggesee and Listersee areas also provide numerous family-friendly recreational opportunities like swimming, pedal boating, and easy walks.
What historical natural monuments can I visit in the region?
Kreis Olpe features several natural monuments with historical significance. The Two Lime Trees at Bilstein Castle form a striking ensemble with the medieval castle. The Four-Lime Tree at Arnscheider Kreuz served as an important landmark. Additionally, Margaretenstein (685 m) marks a historical border between former districts.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints of the natural landscape?
For breathtaking views, visit the Biggesee and Listersee reservoirs. The Biggeblick viewing platform offers stunning vistas of the lake and dam. Other highlights like Three Lords' Stone, Waldenburg Castle Ruins, and Heinsberg Heath also provide excellent panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valleys.
Are there hiking trails near the natural monuments in Kreis Olpe?
Yes, the region is crisscrossed with extensive hiking paths. You can find numerous trails around the Biggesee and Listersee, as well as near specific natural monuments. For a variety of options, explore the Easy hikes around Kreis Olpe guide, which includes routes like the Hohe Bracht Circular Hiking Trail and paths around the reservoirs.
What cycling opportunities are available around the natural monuments?
Kreis Olpe is excellent for cycling. The Wegeringhauser Tunnel is part of a popular cycle path. The Biggesee and Listersee areas offer scenic routes suitable for touring bicycles. For more detailed cycling routes, check out the Cycling around Kreis Olpe guide, which features routes like the SauerlandRadring.
Can I visit the Atta-Höhle (Atta Cave) and what should I know?
The Atta-Höhle in Attendorn is a must-see. It's one of Germany's largest dripstone caves, offering guided tours through its impressive formations. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 9°C, and its air is exceptionally clean. You can find more information about visiting hours and ticket details on the official tourism website: nrw-tourismus.de.
What is special about the Biggesee and Listersee reservoirs?
The Biggesee and Listersee are significant natural attractions, offering breathtaking scenery with deep forests and rolling hills. They provide extensive recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, camping, and various water sports. The Gilberginsel, an island within the Biggesee, is a designated nature reserve, highlighting the area's ecological importance.
Are there any natural monuments that are particularly good for wildlife spotting?
The Wegeringhauser Tunnel is closed seasonally (November to mid-April) to protect hibernating bat species, making it a key location for bat conservation. The nature reserves around Biggesee, such as the Gilberginsel, and areas like the Schwarzbachtal Nature Reserve, are rich in biodiversity and offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Kreis Olpe?
The natural monuments in Kreis Olpe can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, cycling, and water activities on the lakes, with the Heinsberg Heath being particularly beautiful when the common heather blooms from August to mid-September. Autumn offers vibrant fall foliage, while winter provides a serene landscape for quiet walks, though some attractions like the Wegeringhauser Tunnel are closed.
Where can I find unique tree formations in Kreis Olpe?
Kreis Olpe is home to several ancient and distinctive trees designated as natural monuments. These include the Two Lime Trees at Bilstein Castle, the Four-Lime Tree at Arnscheider Kreuz, and the Sycamore Maple between Melbecke and Obermelbecke, each recognized for their unique character and beauty.
Are there running trails near the natural monuments?
Yes, the area around Kreis Olpe offers various running trails, especially around the Biggesee and Listersee. You can find routes of different lengths and difficulties. For specific running routes, consult the Running Trails around Kreis Olpe guide, which includes options like the Biggesee Viewing Platform loop from Olpe.
Most popular routes around Kreis Olpe
Most popular attractions around Kreis Olpe
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