High-flying round tour through the Sorpetal

The circular route starts at the Großes Bildchen hiking parking lot near Altastenberg. From here, you first follow the Sauerland-Höhenflug up to Hunau. Extensive beech 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 Windhausen viewpoint 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 Sorpe Valley. Wonderful views deep into the valley and idyllic yet agricultural villages such as Mittel- and Obersorpe (refreshments available) await the hiker. The circular route leads along the beautiful old forester's lodge, which is now a listed building, back to the hiking parking lot.