Sundern (Sauerland): Sorpesee, Trails and History

A trip to Sundern (Sauerland) brings together nature, winter sports and local history. Sorpesee lies between Langscheid and Amecke in the Sauerland landscape. In Amecke, the AiRlebnisweg leads along the edge of the Sauerland reservoir; Wildewiese offers winter sports, while museums and historic buildings provide further points of interest. The destinations that shape your stay can be chosen according to the season and your interests. Visiting conditions also vary: the observation tower in Langscheid has seasonal opening hours, while the AiRlebnisweg is open year-round.

Trails and nature in Amecke

The 3.4-kilometre AiRlebnisweg in Amecke features 20 interactive stations about air, breathing and water. A destination for walkers and hikers, it combines a defined route with interactive themes. The trail is illuminated throughout, open year-round and fully accessible. Its length, themes and accessibility features together give a clear picture of this trail in Amecke.

Winter sports and hiking

At the 648-metre-high Schomberg in Wildewiese, there are five ski lifts, several runs up to 1,200 metres long and a ski school. The facilities operate seasonally. There are also around 50 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. They cross the Homert ridge and extend to the area around Röhrenspring; grooming is also seasonal. Those comparing downhill and cross-country skiing can choose between the lifts and slopes at Schomberg and an extensive network of cross-country trails. If you are planning a specific day of winter sports, check current operating schedules and trail grooming.

You can find more hiking options in Endorf and Hellefeld. Endorf has had a dedicated mining trail since 2004, and guided tours are available. If you are planning to take a guided tour, check current availability in advance. Hellefeld is part of the “Altes Testament” hiking region. The two places have different points of interest: mining is the focus of a trail in Endorf, while Hellefeld is part of a named hiking area.

On a guided tour of Allendorf, the “Fickeltünnes” local history society explains important historical events and figures. The focus here is local history, while the trail in Endorf explores the specific subject of mining. If you are planning a tour in Allendorf, ask about current dates in advance.

Museum, castle and palace

The “Alte Kornbrennerei” museum in Sundern displays, among other things, exhibits from Sundern’s lighting industry and mining history. Mining is thus explored in two different ways: as an exhibit at the museum and as the focus of the hiking trail in Endorf. The ruins of Hachen Castle stand on a castle hill rising 80 metres above the Ruhr valley.

Melschede Palace in Hövel dates back to the 13th century, but its present Baroque appearance dates from the 17th century. These two dates describe different historical layers: the palace’s origins and its later style. This distinguishes its earlier history from the appearance that defines the building today.

Langscheid: observation tower and sky bench

The observation tower at the war memorial in Langscheid offers views of the village and the surrounding Sorpesee landscape. It is open from March to November. Visitors can borrow the key to the gate in advance from the Haus des Gastes. As opening is seasonal, check access information locally before your visit.

The Sorpesee sky bench is also located in the spa gardens next to the Haus des Gastes in Langscheid. It has been open to the public since October 2024. Along with the observation tower, it adds two different points of interest in Langscheid; the tower is subject to the opening hours and key arrangements mentioned above.

When to visit and finding accommodation

The destinations offer different considerations when planning a stay: the AiRlebnisweg is open year-round, while winter sports, cross-country trail grooming and access to the observation tower are seasonal. If you are interested in guided tours, check current availability. When looking for a hotel in Sundern, it helps to first decide which activities and themes interest you and when you plan to travel.

Discover more destinations: Langscheid, Wildewiese, Eslohe, Nesselbach, Winterberg, Olsberg, Medebach, Meschede

Return to the main travel overview: Hochsauerlandkreis.