Orketal circular route (Medebach: Medelon-Berge-Dreislar)

The circular trail from the Orketal parking lot first follows the Gewässerpfad Orke to Medelon. On the way, you will find interesting facts about its habitats, animals and plants, about the former use of the watercourse and about nature conservation measures of the LIFE project at several stations along the Orke. As part of the European LIFE project, the Orke has been restored to a more natural state through extensive measures.

The circular trail runs through Buchenwald forests, meadows and the "Heideköppel" nature reserve to the small village of Berge. Berge is the smallest part of Medebach and at the same time one of the oldest. It was first mentioned in 1126. Until today Berge has kept its character as an idyllic and agricultural village.

Over the Lückenkopf with a beautiful distant view over the Medebach bay, the hiking trail leads through the nature reserve Rüggen to the summit of the Kreuzberg above Dreislar. The interconnected forests around the Rüggen have emerged from a former coppice forestry and provide a habitat especially for small mammals and cavity nesting birds. From the summit of the Kreuzberg you can enjoy a magnificent view over Dreislar and the Medebach Bay before descending to Dreislar via a steeper path.

Dreislar itself is well known for the Museum of Heavy Spars. The mining tradition in Dreislar and thus the mining of barite dates back to 1777. Today, these fascinating crystals can be admired in the barite museum.

North of Dreislar lies the rest area "Im Schwinkel". With a water treading pool, barefoot path, massage trees and relaxation loungers, the place invites you to take a well-deserved break and relax. Here, the circular trail meets the Sauerland-Höhenflug, which opens up further wonderful distant views of the Medebach Bay, which is designated as a European bird sanctuary.