Olsberg Kneipp Hiking Trail—Water, Hiking, and Well-Being

The starting point of the Kneipp Hiking Trail is at the “Rote Brücke” (Red Bridge), a striking railroad bridge above the Gierskopp neighborhood, along “Roter Weg” street. (Of course, you can also start from Olsberg Touristik, Ruhrstraße 32, via an access path to the Kneipp Hiking Trail.)From the “Red Bridge,” the trail initially leads uphill for a short distance. Then keep to the left and follow a picturesque meadow path for about 500 meters. After that, the trail becomes steeper and leads you uphill. The barefoot path then takes you to the foot-bath area “am Papendiek.” Following Kneipp’s teachings, it’s recommended to take off your shoes and walk barefoot for a bit to experience nature more intensely. A subsequent water treading session refreshes and strengthens the immune system The trail continues around the Forstenberg to the Eisenberg. At the Maxstollen, numerous information panels offer interesting insights into Olsberg’s mining history. The area around the Maxstollen invites you to linger, and the fresh spring on site is ideal for a refreshing Kneipp-style arm rinse. From there, the trail continues uphill to the Langerberg, where an adventure trail was established several years ago. This trail offers additional opportunities to enjoy nature and learn more about the surrounding area. The trail then leads back downhill to the Ruhrauen. Crossing the newly built bridge, the trail then leads beneath the old railroad bridge onto the road toward Schellenstein Castle. The route then continues to the district of Gevelinghausen. There, the Schloss Gevelinghausen is just as worth seeing as the Alte Mühle, which can be toured by appointment. The path now follows the “Elpe” River to the Elpe footbath, which once again invites you to cool off. The route continues through the district of Wiggeringhausen up to the Ohlenkopf. A longer stretch now follows until you reach the “am Voßbach” footbath. Here, once again, it’s time to “tread in the water” according to Sebastian Kneipp. The trail now heads toward Olsberg.It leads along the “Ruhr” footbath to the Hasley Hut. From there, the trail ascends via the “Klippenpfad” to the summit of the Olsberg. After enjoying a spectacular view, the descent begins. Pass the forest altar—head downhill until you see a sign for the Kneipp Hiking Trail on the right. The trail now leads steeply downhill through a former fir tree plantation to a meadow path. Back on the forest trail, above a large horse stable, the route continues via the “Gierskopp” footbridge back to the starting point—the “Red Bridge.”Of course, the Kneipp Trail cannot be experienced in a single day’s hike. Four great stages bring the trail to life. Information on the stages is available from Olsberg Touristik.An “access trail to the Kneipp Hiking Trail” is well marked starting from Olsberg Touristik, Ruhrstraße 32. Free parking is available here.