Sondern on Lake Bigge

Sondern and neighboring Hanemicke are located right on Lake Bigge. There are two swimming spots nearby, as well as varied cycling and hiking trails. When planning a stay, you can choose different priorities: time by the water, exercise on foot or by bike, or a combination of both. The lakeside location defines the area, while trails and religious sites offer additional reasons to visit. The lake is more than just a scenic backdrop: swimming spots, boat trips and other water-based activities offer various ways to make it part of your travel plans.

Train station, hiking trail and boat trips

In 2020, Sondern station received the NRW Hiking Station award. The Bigge-Lister Trail leads there, and the station also provides a direct connection to passenger boat services on Lake Bigge. This means you can plan your day around two different destinations: the station is the trail’s endpoint, while the boat offers another activity on the lake. If you would like to combine both, check the boat schedule in advance to make sure the departure fits your plans for the day.

Swimming and activities on the water

The beach at Sonderner Kopf has slides and floating features: a trampoline, a climbing wall and an action tower. Ladders and ramps also allow bathers with limited mobility to enter the water. If you are visiting Sondern for the beach, check whether it is currently open before you go.

There are also specific options for other activities on the water. NamaSteg at Lake Bigge in Olpe-Sondern rents stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and fishing boats; rentals are available on request or for events. If you would like to use a particular type of watercraft, check availability in advance. The Biggesee Diving School is located right at the beach of the “Vier Jahreszeiten” campsite at Sonderner Kopf in Olpe and has its own diving area called “Sonderner Kopf.” It offers diving equipment for rent, diving courses, excursions and trips. The diving school’s services are available on request; check in advance whether the service you want is available.

When choosing, you can distinguish between the activities on offer: the beach combines swimming with floating features, NamaSteg offers watercraft rentals, and the diving school offers equipment, courses and other diving services. The terms also differ: NamaSteg rentals are available on request or for events, while the diving school’s services are available on request.

Religious sites in Sondern

The “Madonna by the Wayside” wayside shrine is located on Diehlberg in Sondern and is a pilgrimage stop on the Franz-Hitze Trail. The Maria-Hilf Church in Sondern is a branch church in the so-called Kirchspiel Rhode parish. Alongside the lakeside activities, these are two religious sites with different characteristics: a wayside shrine on a named pilgrimage route and a church in the Kirchspiel parish. If you would like to include such places in your travel plans, they offer another focus besides swimming, cycling and water sports.

Discover more destinations: Oberveischede

For the main travel overview: Olpe.