The best cycling routes in the Sauerland

The Sauerland offers a wide range of touring cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. While it's known as the "land of a thousand hills" with challenging ascents for experienced cyclists, there are also numerous relaxed, flatter paths. You'll find over 2,600 easy routes and more than 4,100 moderate routes, often along converted railway lines or river valleys, perfect for leisurely rides.

Yes, the Sauerland is very family-friendly. Many routes are built along old railway lines or follow gentle river paths, offering relatively flat and safe cycling experiences. The SauerlandRadring is a prime example, covering 84 km through varied landscapes, and is popular for its easy gradient.

Absolutely. Many routes in the Sauerland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The region's extensive network, including the "cycling by numbers" system, makes it easy to plan circular tours. For instance, the HenneseeSchleife is a moderate 41.3 km loop that offers stunning views along Hennesee Lake.

The Sauerland is rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter rolling hills, dense forests, and expansive fields. A prominent feature is its collection of six reservoir lakes, including Sorpesee, Biggesee, and Möhnesee, which offer picturesque scenery. Many routes pass by impressive dams like the Möhnesee Dam. You can also explore summits like Kahler Asten or the unique Feldstein Summit (Bruchhauser Steine).

Yes, these are defining features of touring cycling in the Sauerland. Many routes utilize converted railway lines, providing relatively flat and scenic paths. The SauerlandRadring mit Hennesee Schleife combines a railway line path with lake views. Additionally, picturesque river cycle paths like the Diemelradweg and MöhnetalRadweg follow waterways, often with gentle downhill gradients.

The Sauerland is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring offers lush greenery and blooming landscapes, while summer provides pleasant temperatures for longer rides. Autumn transforms the forests into a vibrant display of colors, making it another excellent time for touring. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

The Sauerland region is well-equipped for cyclists, and many towns and trailheads offer designated parking areas. Given the extensive network of routes, including those connecting towns like Finnentrop, Eslohe, Schmallenberg, and Lennestadt, you'll often find convenient parking close to the starting points of popular trails. Look for signs indicating 'Radweg' or 'Parkplatz' near cycle path access points.

Yes, the Sauerland offers public transport options that cater to cyclists. The region has services like the "Freizeitbus" (leisure bus) which can carry bikes, making it easier to access different parts of the cycling network or return to your starting point after a one-way tour. It's advisable to check specific bus routes and bike transport policies in advance.

The Sauerland is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 86,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills and dense forests to the picturesque reservoir lakes. The well-maintained routes, especially those along converted railway lines and rivers, are frequently highlighted for their accessibility and scenic beauty.

Despite its gentle river paths, the Sauerland, known as the "land of a thousand hills," certainly offers challenging routes. Peaks like Langenberg and Kahler Asten provide significant elevation gains. Routes such as the Ruhr-Lenne-Achter, with its 96.5 km distance and nearly 600 meters of elevation gain, provide a good test for experienced touring cyclists.

Many touring cycling routes in the Sauerland connect charming towns and allow you to discover cultural and historical sites. For example, the Auen Cycle Path takes you through Büren and Bad Wünnenberg. Along various routes, you can find small museums and lovingly restored relics of former industrial and craft culture, enriching your cycling experience.

The Sauerland boasts an extensive network for touring cyclists, with over 9,600 routes available on komoot. This includes a wide variety of options, from easy and moderate paths to more difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every preference and fitness level.