Olsberg

In this water-rich region with its fresh forest air, hiking and relaxation are top priorities. There are more than 50 mountains within the city limits, including the Langenberg, which, at 843 m above sea level, is the highest mountain in North Rhine-Westfalen. With elevation differences of up to 530 m, the mountain and valley scenery in the Olsberg area is particularly impressive and offers magnificent views at every turn.

“Hiking. Water. Well-being” is the motto of the 39-km-long Kneipp hiking trail, which is unique in its form with its six natural footbaths. The annual Kneipp Health Week, the AquaOlsberg with its Kneipp box and large sauna garden, as well as the spa park, embody the philosophy and tradition of Kneipp therapy in Olsberg.

But Olsberg also has a lot to offer in terms of history and culture. For example, an impressive collection of castles serves as a reminder of the Electors of Cologne, who used to come here to hunt hundreds of years ago. Even back then, the accommodations were comfortable—and today, typical Sauerland hospitality still awaits behind many of these charming facades. Experiencing also means relaxing. The imposing Bruchhauser Steine, the all-weather toboggan run, AquaOlsberg, and Aslan-style regeneration therapy have become the epitome of relaxation in Olsberg.

A truly Kneipp-inspired delight awaits visitors at the newly designed Kneipp ErlebnisPark Olsberg: at ten Kneipp rest stops, the five elements according to Kneipp can be experienced with all the senses.

Following the Kneipp Active Trail and running alongside the Ruhr and Gierskopp rivers, the wellness route leads to the Kneipp Herb Garden. Touching, smelling, and tasting are expressly encouraged here and in the neighboring orchard meadow.

The journey continues to the historic Dr. Grüne Kneipp Park, featuring a Kneipp facility integrated into a pond, a barefoot trail, and relaxation areas. Next comes the RastOrt Generationenpark: a large Abenteuerspielplatz for the little ones and a nearby fitness trail for the grown-ups.

The route continues along the Young Ruhr to the Bigge district, to the renaturalized Ruhr floodplains, and to the Lebensgarten at the Josefsheim.

Olsberg is certainly unique in its implementation of Kneipp’s teachings.

(Text: Tourismus Brilon Olsberg GmbH)