Olsberg Kneipp Trail: wellness for the body and soul

The Olsberg Kneipp Trail in the Sauerland region is all about walking, water and well-being amidst unspoilt nature. It's time to get away from the hectic pace of everyday life.

Six wading areas in crystal-clear streams and rivers have been specially created for the Olsberg Kneipp Trail in the North Rhine-Westphalian part of the Sauerland region – perfect places to stop, pull off your hiking boots and refresh not just your feet but your body and soul as well. Accompanied walks with a trained Kneipp tour guide are available so that you can learn the art of hydrotherapy according to the teachings of Sebastian Kneipp. There are a number of steep inclines along the route, but your efforts are soon rewarded by sweeping vistas across the Sauerland. The trail passes the magnificent stately home of Schellenstein as well as Gevelinghausen Palace with its inviting restaurant and a historical mill that is open to the public. After the Elpe wading area, the trail takes you up to the lookout point on 729m Mount Ohlenberg, the highest point on the Olsberg Kneipp Trail. Panoramic views from the top of Mount Olsberg, also over 700m high, provide a fitting end to this circular trail, which takes several days to walk in its entirety. The Kneipp trail is situated in the Sauerland mountain walking park.

Tip

Philippstollen visitor mine
The almost 600m-deep iron mine at Philippstollen takes you on an underground tour of discovery. Iron ore was first mined here in pre-Christian times, but the mine was shut down in 1916. Guided tours are available for groups of eight or more.

At a glance

• Starts and ends: Olsberg spa gardens
• Length: 41km
• Number of stages: 3
• Altitude variation (approximate values): Ascent 2,400m, descent 2,400m
• Terrain: 42% unmade, 14% asphalt, 44% other, e.g. gravel