SauerlandRadring: HenneseeSchleife

The HenneseeSchleife, an integral part of the SauerlandRadring, offers a varied cycling tour through the Hochsauerland region. It runs along former railroad rights-of-way through the charming Wennetal valley, leads into the Ruhrtal, and follows the river all the way to the county seat of Meschede. This loop tour is characterized by its family-friendly natural setting, cultural attractions, and a variety of places to stop for refreshments. To the north, the loop connects to the Meschede and Freienohl train stations, providing a direct link to the well-known RuhrtalRadweg. Starting point in Meschede: The route first follows the Ruhr River to Wennemen and continues through Berge, Eslohe, and Erflinghausen to Lake Hennesee. A traffic-free path along the edge of the lake leads cyclists to the dam. The Hennedamm can be explored on foot via the Himmelstreppe, which are illuminated in the evening and offer a spectacular panoramic view. At Hennesee, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a break or refreshments; cyclists can also take a boat ride to relax or to shorten the distance along the shore. The current signage for the HenneseeSchleife features the SauerlandRadring-Nordschleife logo, ensuring consistent wayfinding for cyclists.

You can find a list of helpful tips about equipment at:

www.adfc.de/themen/auf-tour

An emergency shelter system has been set up throughout the region (Soest District, Hochsauerland District, Märkischer Kreis, Olpe District, and Siegen-Wittgenstein District). You can find emergency shelters on information boards at intersections and on hiking trail signs, among other places.

In the evening, the Himmelstreppe in Meschede is illuminated, offering a stunning sight and view.

In addition to route descriptions, the ADFC cycling guide "Old Railroad Rights-of-Way in the Sauerland" also provides further information about the sights along the way.

There are direct connections to the train station in Meschede from Dortmund, Hagen, and Kassel,

From the west: Take the A44 to the Werl interchange. Continue on the A445 and A46 toward Arnsberg/Meschede. Take the Meschede exit.

From the north: Take the A2 to the Rheda-Wiedenbrück exit. Continue on the B55 toward Lippstadt/Meschede.

From the south: Take the A45 to the Olpe exit. Continue on the B55 toward Meschede.

You can find a list of parking lots along the SauerlandRadring at https://www.sauerlandradring.de/de/Tourenplanung/Anreise/Parkplaetze-am-SauerlandRadring