Nature Reserve Guide
Schwarzbachtal is a nature reserve spanning 312 hectares in the Sauerland region, located within the municipality of Kirchhundem in the Olpe district. This area, also known as "Schwarzbachsystem mit Haberg und Krenkeltal," is characterized by its extensive and near-natural stream systems, including the Schwarzbach, Krenkelsbach, and Meinscheidbach. The diverse landscape features hillside spring moors, various forest types such as alder alluvial and riparian woodlands, and floodplains with juniper heaths and species-rich wet meadows, making it suitable for several sports like…
147
Routes
4.7
(956)
Average rating
3753
People visited

4.6
(34)
144
hikers
16.0km
04:18
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(73)
225
hikers
11.6km
03:05
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(148)
602
hikers
5.82km
01:31
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(49)
139
hikers
10.0km
02:48
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(6)
35
riders
28.1km
01:33
80m
320m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(50)
150
riders
39.0km
02:31
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(14)
65
riders
12.1km
00:45
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(6)
30
riders
7.49km
00:27
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
112
riders
106km
04:55
1,040m
1,040m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

31
riders
56.1km
02:36
460m
460m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.3
(3)
31
riders
40.4km
01:41
210m
210m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
21
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(22)
82
riders
109km
06:48
1,050m
1,050m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.6
(18)
41
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.6
(12)
22
riders
30.4km
02:19
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(7)
17
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(5)
16
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
15
runners
13.4km
01:26
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
runners
3.75km
00:24
40m
40m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
8
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
5
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
4
riders
37.7km
02:32
490m
490m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
141km
08:47
1,890m
1,890m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Schwarzbachtal is a 312-hectare nature reserve located in the Sauerland region, within the municipality of Kirchhundem. It is characterized by extensive, near-natural stream systems, diverse forests, and various wetland ecosystems. The reserve offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities.
The Schwarzbachtal nature reserve provides opportunities for various outdoor activities, including touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, jogging, and gravel biking. There are more than 100 routes available for exploration in the area. Find more details in the Hiking around Schwarzbachtal guide.
Yes, Schwarzbachtal offers several easy hiking trails suitable for beginners. An example is the "Wisent Bridge – Hardehausen Bison Park loop from Scherfede," which covers about 3.6 miles (5.8 km). Explore more options in the Easy hikes around Schwarzbachtal guide.
Schwarzbachtal features a variety of cycling routes, including options for touring and road cycling. A popular touring cycling route is "Along the Altenau cycle path from Blankenrode to Borchen," spanning approximately 17.5 miles (28.1 km). For more routes, consult the Cycling around Schwarzbachtal guide.
Yes, mountain biking trails are available in the Schwarzbachtal area. Routes like the "Schwarzbach Bridge and Ford – Schwarzbach Valley Forest Trail loop from Warburg-Scherfede" offer moderate challenges over approximately 19.9 miles (32.0 km). Further trails can be found in the MTB Trails around Schwarzbachtal guide.
The reserve is known for its extensive stream systems, including the Schwarzbach and Krenkelsbach. It features diverse ecosystems such as hillside spring moors, alder alluvial forests, and floodplains with juniper heaths. A disused railroad tunnel, important for bats, and an aqueduct are also notable features.
Yes, the paths within the Schwarzbachtal nature reserve are freely accessible at all times. This allows visitors to explore its natural beauty and engage in outdoor activities without specific time restrictions.
Schwarzbachtal is a well-regarded destination on komoot, with more than 2,500 visitors having explored its routes. The available routes have received over 600 ratings, averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars, indicating high user satisfaction.
Key points of interest include the disused railroad tunnel, which serves as a bat roost, and an aqueduct that historically carried the Krenkelsbach over a railway line. The diverse stream systems and unique wetland areas also constitute significant natural landmarks. Explore more in the Attractions around Schwarzbachtal guide.
Yes, Schwarzbachtal offers routes suitable for jogging. An example is the "Hardehausen Bison Park – Wisent Enclosure Rahrbachtal loop from Hardehausen," a moderate route of approximately 6.3 miles (10.2 km). Additional jogging routes are detailed in the Running Trails around Schwarzbachtal guide.
The Schwarzbachtal nature reserve features a variety of forest types. These include stream-side alder alluvial forests, riparian woodlands, and birch and alder swamp and bog forests. These diverse forest ecosystems contribute to the rich biodiversity of the area.
Yes, gravel biking is an option in the Schwarzbachtal area. Routes such as the "Willebadessen Telecommunications Tower – Willebadessen Viaduct loop from Warburg-Scherfede" offer challenging rides over approximately 28.0 miles (45.0 km). More gravel biking routes can be found in the Gravel biking around Schwarzbachtal guide.

