High altitude round trip through the Sorpetal valley

Start of the circular trail is the hiking parking lot Großes Bildchen near Altastenberg. From here you follow the Sauerland-Höhenflug first up to the Hunau. Extensive Buchenwalds of the nature reserve Hunau accompany the hiker. A special feature is the natural forest cell Hunau. In natural forest cells no forest management takes place, i.e. the forest development is essentially left to natural development, so that in the ideal case a primeval forest can develop after a longer period of time. A high proportion of old trees, a lot of deadwood and large tree fungi are characteristics of a natural forest cell. Opposite the natural forest cell is the mountain station of the ski lift in the Bödefeld-Hunau ski area. A large panorama panel explains the most important landmarks. Not only the natural forest cell on the Hunau is special, but also the raised bogs are rare and endangered. The nature reserve "Nasse Wiese" is an over 8000 year old bog, where especially rare plant species like narrow-leaved cotton grass or spotted orchid can be observed. Below the Hunau peak you can find 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!). Via the Hunauweg, the hiking trail reaches the Irreplatz. This is where numerous hiking trails have met for centuries, and the residents of the surrounding villages know to report that many a hiker has gotten lost at this spot.A short time later the high-altitude flight passes the mighty telecommunications tower Bödefeld, which is the unmistakable distinctive feature of the Hunau up to far distances and can be recognized, for example, from the lookout point Windhausen near Attendorn in clear visibility.Along the Hunauhütte, the Sauerland-Höhenflug leads only downhill to the trail junction "Am Sattelbogen". Here you leave the Sauerland-Höhenflug and now follow the blue H on a white background. Mainly through meadows and along streams, the hiking trail now runs through the romantic Sorpetal valley. Wonderful views deep into the valley and idyllic and at the same time agricultural places like Mittel- and Obersorpe (refreshment stop) await the hiker. Along the beautiful, old forester's lodge, which is now an architectural monument, the circular route leads back to the hiker's parking lot.