Sauerland tour through the Rothaargebirge mountains

Route details

A 257 km long round trip through the Sauerland and Rothaargebirge mountains, combining winding low mountain roads with altitudes of up to over 800 meters.

The Route starts in Lüdenscheid and first heads south through the Siegerland region via Netphen and Erndtebrück. The latter municipality lies on the southern slope of the Rothaargebirge mountains and looks back on over 750 years of history. From there, the route heads into the Hochsauerland region to Winterberg, a well-known winter sports resort that serves as a starting point for motorcycle tours in summer.

The route runs mainly on country and district roads through dense forest areas. The roads in the Rothaargebirge are characterized by technically demanding passages with gradients and tight bends. The contrast between open mountain roads and shady forest sections is particularly attractive. The difficulty results less from individual Hairpins than from the high density of bends over longer routes.

At 841 meters, the Kahle Asten near Winterberg is the highest accessible place in the Sauerland. The summit offers a high heath landscape and, on a clear day, views of up to 100 kilometers. The ascent is via well-developed Switchbacks. Near Olsberg are the Bruchhauser Steine, a national natural monument with volcanic rocks up to 92 meters high and Iron Age ramparts.

The Route continues via Olsberg to Arnsberg. The historic old town lies on a ridge in a loop of the Ruhr and is characterized by half-timbered houses and baroque town houses. The castle ruins and the bell tower are landmarks of the town. From Arnsberg, you cycle through the Ruhr valley back to Lüdenscheid.

The road conditions on the main and regional roads are mostly good. The surface can vary on smaller district and side roads. On narrower sections, agricultural traffic and varying road surfaces are to be expected. In wooded sections there is a risk of game crossing. The Sauerland is known for regular traffic checks, especially at weekends and on public holidays on popular motorcycle routes. During the week, the routes are much more relaxed.

The best time to travel is between May and September. It is often 5 to 8 degrees cooler in the Hochsauerland than in lower-lying regions. The Tour is suitable for riders with some experience, as the technically demanding sections require concentration.