Sauerland curve tour through the Rothaargebirge mountains

Route details

A 245 km route from Bielefeld through the winding Sauerland and Rothaargebirge mountains to Lüdenscheid. The Tour leads through the so-called land of a thousand mountains with its characteristic low mountain roads.

This motorcycle tour leads from Bielefeld in East Westphalia southwards through the Sauerland and Rothaargebirge mountains to Lüdenscheid in the Märkisch district. The route of around 245 kilometers crosses the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park, which is considered one of the most popular motorcycling areas in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The first section from Bielefeld leads south along well-maintained Country roads. As the route progresses, it gains in altitude and curves. In the Kirchhundem area, you reach the heart of the Sauerland region. Here you will find the Panorama-Park Sauerland Wildpark - a leisure park with a summer toboggan run, which is located directly on the L553 and is a great place to take a break.

The L728 from Kirchhundem to Hilchenbach is one of the best-known motorcycle routes in the region. Curves follow one another, the road winds through wooded hills with heights of around 600 meters. At Hilchenbach-Lützel, it is worth taking a Detour to the Gillerturm - a 15-metre-high observation tower on the 653-metre-high Giller, built in 1892. On a clear day, the view extends as far as the Siebengebirge and Feldberg in the Taunus.

The so-called Lützelschleife - an approximately five-kilometre route from Lützel to Netphen - is considered a classic among motorcyclists. The road is narrow, the bends are tight and the surface is mostly in good condition. The route requires attention, as there are some confusing passages and oncoming traffic.

As the route continues towards Lüdenscheid, it crosses the Ebbegebirge and Lennebergland mountains. The roads are mainly asphalted, some with patches. The width of the road varies - in addition to well-developed Country roads, there are also narrow side roads without central reservations. The traffic volume is moderate during the week, but at weekends you can expect a higher volume of motorcyclists, as the Sauerland is a popular destination for day trips.

The Hohe Bracht near Lennestadt is not directly on the route, but is a well-known viewpoint in the region. The 36-metre-high tower at an altitude of 588 meters is considered a landmark of the Olpe district and has a café-restaurant with a panoramic terrace.

The Tour ends in Lüdenscheid. Overall, the route is suitable for riders with low mountain experience. Technically demanding passages are rare, the challenge lies more in the number of Curves and the changing road conditions. The Tour is recommended in dry weather, as damp leaves and Wet conditions on the shady forest sections can impair grip.