Camping in the Sauerland Region

With its beautiful low mountain range landscapes, the Sauerland is the perfect destination for nature lovers. The region is characterised by gentle mountains, green meadows and dense forests: perfect for active holidaymakers who want to explore the wonderful natural surroundings on foot or by bike - and are happy to do so with their four-legged friends. In summer, the crystal-clear lakes invite you to spend exciting hours by the water and are perfect for relaxed camping by the lake. Pretty villages and medieval castles such as Arnsberg and Klusenstein are ideal excursion destinations for the whole family.

Special features of camping in the Sauerland

Sauerland lies between North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse and is part of the Rhenish Slate Mountains - a beautiful low mountain range that reaches its highest point in the Rothaargebirge in Hochsauerland. The sparsely populated region is characterised by its many reservoirs and forests. Numerous cycle and hiking trails lead directly from the campsites into the picturesque landscapes and up into the mountains at just under 900 metres. The Sauerland is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. From the mountains, wonderful views open up over the dense spruce and beech forests and picturesque towns such as Willingen, Schmallenberg or Winterberg. Mountain bikers use the steep trails for long tours in summer. Those who prefer a more leisurely approach can explore the Sauerland on horseback - a popular activity, especially for families with children. In the cold season, the winter sports resort of Winterberg offers opportunities for skiing and tobogganing. Bathing holidaymakers also get their money's worth in the Sauerland: many of the campsites are located directly on one of the many lakes or reservoirs, for example the popular Sorpesee, the Möhnesee with its mighty dam wall or the Hennesee. In summer, you can not only relax by the water, but also go fishing, pedal boating, surfing, sailing or diving.

Popular campsites in the Sauerland

The selection of campsites in the Sauerland ranges from idyllic nature campsites to comfortable family campsites with rental accommodation and mobile homes. Many sites also have a tent pitch and the option of staying overnight in a hire caravan or sleeping barrel.

Camping Gut Kalberschnacke

Camping Gut Kalberschnacke on the south bank of the Listertalsperre is one of the most beautiful campsites in the Sauerland. The facilities, pitches and wide range of leisure activities leave nothing to be desired: Boat and bike hire, a tennis court and sports programme ensure hours of fun. There is also a great children's playground and organised treasure hunts and night hikes for the youngsters. In other words: the perfect family campsite in the countryside.

Camping and holiday park Brilon

The fantastic Brilon camping and holiday park is located directly on the famous Rothaarsteig hiking trail. The pitches offer wonderful views of the Hochsauerland region - the panoramic view alone is worth a visit. There is also a golf course nearby. However, the campsite is particularly popular with campers as a starting point for activities such as hiking and cycling. A great place for active holidaymakers.

KNAUS Campingpark Hennesee

The beautiful KNAUS Campingpark Hennesee is located on the Hennesee lake of the same name. The site is located directly on the eastern shore of the lake and offers great pitches with plenty of sunshine close to the shore. There are also numerous water sports facilities. When the sun isn't shining, there is an indoor pool for guests to use. The Indian tipis are particularly popular with children, and you can also stay in beautiful mobile homes. One of the most beautiful campsites by the lake in the Sauerland.

Favourite places in the region

In addition to wonderful nature and hikes through the nature parks and mountain landscapes, the Sauerland also offers many charming holiday resorts that make great excursion destinations with their pretty half-timbered architecture and historical sights. One of the best-known holiday destinations is the small town of Willingen on the edge of the Diemelsee Nature Park, which appeals to families in particular with its wide range of leisure activities. Also very popular is the former Hanseatic town of Schmallenberg, which is nestled in a beautiful landscape with numerous pretty villages. Winterberg is not only a well-known winter sports resort, but also a great starting point for hikes in summer.

Willingen

Willingen lies to the south of the Diemelsee Nature Park - a dreamlike landscape of wide valleys, flowering meadows and the highest mountains in the Sauerland. The town itself also has a lot to offer: A huge lagoon adventure pool, the historic brewery and the 700 metre long summer toboggan run are just some of the activities. Another great excursion destination is the 62 metre high Hochheideturm, which is the highest vantage point in north-west Germany. If you want to go even higher, take the Ettelberg cable car and enjoy the best view of Willingen from the 838 metre high Ettelsberg.

Schmallenberg

The small town of Schmallenberg is nestled in the hilly Schmallenberger Sauerland and is undoubtedly one of the most charming places in the region. There are numerous small villages around the town centre, each one more beautiful than the next - no wonder that nine districts of Schmallenberg have been awarded the title of "Bundesgolddorf". One highlight is certainly the village of Grafschaft with its well-preserved monastery complex. The picturesque Eslohe with its wonderful spa gardens is also well worth a visit.

Winterberg

Winterberg is the most famous winter sports region in the Sauerland and has 83 ski and toboggan runs as well as a network of cross-country ski trails covering around 170 kilometres. However, it is also worth a visit in summer - especially for hikers and active holidaymakers. The main attraction is the Hochheide on the summit of the 842 metre high Kahler Asten with its famous weather station - a great destination for an extended hiking tour. Other elevations such as the Poppenberg, the Kappe adventure mountain with its treetop trail and the Bremberg are also worth a visit. Another popular excursion destination nearby is the Ruhr spring.

Sights and excursions

• Freizeitwelt Sauerland: The adventure park is one of the most popular excursion destinations for families. Attractions include a climbing wall, a high ropes course, an obstacle course with trampolines and a go-kart track.
• Lake Sorpe: The Sorpe dam is one of the most beautiful of the many reservoirs in the Sauerland region. The water quality is excellent. There are also a variety of leisure and sports activities such as swimming, rowing, sailing and surfing. In summer, you can set off on an excursion on the "MS Sorpesee".
• Winter sports facility in Winterberg: The famous St. Georg ski jump is also one of Winterberg's most famous sights in summer.
• Herdringen Castle: The Herdringen hunting lodge in Arnsberg is considered the most important neo-Gothic castle in Westphalia. Today, the huge castle complex provides a unique backdrop for concerts.
• Klusenstein Castle: The former robber baron's castle is enthroned on a 60 metre high cliff above the Hönn valley and looks back on 600 years of history.

Tour tip

If you are travelling by motorhome in the Sauerland and want to see more than just one place, you can also simply drive through the most beautiful places. The popular 5-Lakes Route takes you through the whole of the Sauerland, passing the region's most beautiful lakes along the way. The tour starts in Arnsberg, from where it first heads to the Möhnesee, Diemelsee and Hennetalsperre lakes. After a stopover at the Listertalsperre dam with its impressive dam wall, the tour ends at the popular Sorpesee lake, which is considered by locals to be the most beautiful lake in the Sauerland. A perfect tour in summer!

More information about the tour