Forests, railroad tracks and diverse wildlife – Cycling in Sauerland

Cycling in the Sauerland, the land of a thousand hills, is becoming more and more popular. This rural area to the north of the Rhine River in Germany offers rolling hills, green forests, wide fields, bathing lakes, and narrow valleys, which are all perfect to explore from your saddle. The region also has culture and history in abundance with plenty of interesting museums and historical monuments en route.

Around half of the route leads along former railway lines that are almost completely flat. You’ll pass many relics that hint at times gone by such as waiting rooms, railways bridges and the Kückelheim tunnel, which is nicknamed the ‘bat tunnel’ as bats overwinter here.

In this Collection we present two circular cycling routes: The SauerlandRadring (Sauerland Cycle Ring) and the HenneseeSchleife (Hennesee Loop). Covering 52 miles (84 km) in total, the SauerlandRadring is a challenging route through varied landscapes. If you prefer, you can stay overnight and split the route into two, giving you even more time to enjoy your hilly surroundings.

The HenneseeSchleife takes you on a 25-mile (40-km) adventure as it connects the SauerlandRadring with the Ruhr Valley Cycle Way. You’ll ride over former railway lines through Wennetal Valley and finish with a fantastic stretch along Hennessee Lake.

Both of the circulars are easy to reach by train. You can travel from Meschede and Finentrop in under one hour, making the routes ideal for a weekend getaway or relaxing day trip. The routes are signposted throughout so you can enjoy your trip care-free.