- Circular route
This circular trail with meadows, forests, small rivers and great views runs through the romantic Sorpetal and over the Hunau, where the primeval forests of tomorrow await.
Hiking parking lot "Großes Bildchen"
Hiking parking lot "Großes Bildchen"
On the circular trail through the romantic Sorpetal and over the Hunau, guests hike through the primeval forests of tomorrow. Starting at the "Großes Bildchen" hiking parking lot, the tour leads through meadows and forests, past small rivers and along idyllic villages, marked with a white H on a blue background. In the middle of the forest lies the Alte Forsthaus Rehsiepen, a beautiful architectural monument. At Sattelbogen, the trail meets the Sauerland-Höhenflug (marked with a white H on a yellow background), which leads high up to the Huna ridge with the mighty Bödefeld telecommunications tower. There and at the Bödefeld ski lift, hikers can marvel at the magnificent views. In the nature reserve on the Hunau, extensive Buchenwald forests and mysterious moors are fascinating.
The circular trail starts at the Großes Bildchen hiking parking lot near Altastenberg. From here, you first follow the Sauerland-Höhenflug up to the Hunau. Extensive Buchenwald forests of the Hunau nature reserve accompany the hiker. The Hunau natural forest cell is a special feature. In natural forest cells, there is no forest management, i.e. the forest development is essentially left to natural development, so that ideally a primeval forest can develop after a long time. A high proportion of old trees, a lot of dead wood and large tree fungi are the hallmarks of a natural forest cell. Opposite the natural forest cell is the top station of the ski lift in the Bödefeld-Hunau ski area. A large panorama board explains the most important landmarks. Not only is the natural forest cell on the Hunau special, the raised bogs are also rare and endangered. The "Nasse Wiese" nature reserve is a moorland that is over 8,000 years old and is home to rare plant species such as narrow-leaved cottongrass and spotted orchid. Below the Hunau summit, you will come across a very special grave - the dog grave. A faithful hunting dog "Isolde von der Hunau" was buried here in 1936 and a memorial was erected to her (listen to the Sauerland-Höhenflug podcast!). The hiking trail reaches the Irreplatz via the Hunauweg. Numerous hiking trails have met here for centuries and the inhabitants of the surrounding villages know that many a hiker has lost their way at this point.A short time later, the high-altitude flight passes the mighty Bödefeld telecommunications tower, which is the unmistakable distinguishing feature of the Hunau from afar and can be seen on a clear day from the Aussichtspunkt Windhausen near Attendorn, for example.Along the Hunauhütte, the Sauerland-Höhenflug only leads downhill to the "Am Sattelbogen" crossroads. Here you leave the Sauerland-Höhenflug and now follow the blue H on a white background. The hiking trail now runs mainly through meadows and along streams through the romantic Sorpetal valley. Wonderful views deep into the valley and idyllic yet agricultural villages such as Mittel- and Obersorpe (refreshments available) await the hiker. The circular trail leads along the beautiful old forester's lodge, which is now a listed building, back to the hiking parking lot.
We recommend that you bring sturdy shoes, clothing suitable for the weather and sufficient food and drink.
A rescue point system has been installed in the Hochsauerland district. Rescue points can be found on the information boards at junctions and on the hiking signs.
Hiking map Schmallenberg, scale: 1 : 25,000
Hiking map Sauerland-Höhenflug. PublicPress publishing house. ISBN 9783899205176
There is no public transportation here.
The "Großes Bildchen" hiking parking lot is located just above the L742 near the Antoniusquelle spring. Here you can access the Sauerland-Höhenflug directly. The marked Sorpetal variant joins the main trail after approx. 50m on the left.
Free parking is available at the "Großes Bildchen" hiking parking lot.