Stage 1: Olsberg Kneipp Hiking Trail—Spring Tour

We start at Dr. Grüne’s Kneipp Park and hike along the well-marked access trail K (approx. 800 m) to the KneippWanderWeg, which we reach above the Gierskopp housing development. From here, we continue toward Elleringhausen—along the road—above the houses until the trail veers right onto a dirt path.We turn left and head downhill to the “Tretstelle an der Gierskopp” (also known as “An der Scharfsbrücke”). Here we take a short break and cool our hot feet. Afterward, the Olsberg Kneipp Trail takes us back about 100 meters and then to the right along the paved path until, after about 400 meters, we’re led down a well-trodden path—straight and steeply downhill along the edge of the field—to the river. From there, we walk a short distance along the river to the Giersker Treff. Benches here invite you to rest. From here, continue on, cross the road, and walk through the residential area to the “Rote Brücke.” Here, you have the option to make a detour tothe “Schinkenwirt” inn or walk directly back to Olsberg (about 2 km). From here, the trail goes uphill for a short distance, then continues to the left along a beautiful meadow path. After about 1 km, the trail climbs steeply uphill to the barefoot trail. This stage takes us further along the Kneipp Trail, through a 300-meter-long reforested section of woods. Here, we recommend walking a section of the trail “barefoot.” Signs can be seen on the remaining tree trunks. Next comes the natural “Tretstelle am Papendiek” with opportunities to rest and refresh. The route continues along the well-marked hiking trail at Forstenberg and around the Eisenberg.An information board at the Maxstollen provides Wissen about mining in Olsberg. Several benches invite you to rest right at the tunnel’s entrance. Fresh spring water from the inlet of the spring basin quenches our thirst and tastes absolutely delicious.You can stop for a bite to eat at the “Schinkenwirt” inn here, or you can finish the tour and hike back to Olsberg (approx. 2 km). Now we continue on:On the Kneipp Hiking Trail, our next stop is the Langer Berg (take bus S40 to Olsberg from the hiking parking lot). After crossing the country road, we hike from the starting point of the Sauerland-Waldroute along the Langer Berg toward Bigge. The interactive stations along the “Große Freiheit Siebenstern” adventure trail hold a few surprises in store.We also enjoy the particularly beautiful views of Bigge. Via various paths, we reach the Ruhr floodplains. There, we must cross the new bridge. Via the KneippAktivWeg, along the young Ruhr River (against the river’s current), we then head back to the town center and the Kneipp ErlebnisPark. Here, the “blue watering can” sign clearly points the way back to the tourist office.