What can you do in the surrounding area?

In the south-west of Sauerland, sandwiched between the mountains, is Biggesee. With a length of 15 km, it is the largest (dam) lake in the region, the construction of which was completed in 1965. Where the water now flows, there were once houses. You can swim in the Biggesee at the Sonderner Kopf, Schnütgenhof or at the beaches of Waldenburger Burcht and Vorstaubecken Kessenhammer. On the Biggesee, you can also enjoy sailing, surfing or take a boat trip.

High above Biggesee, this 90-metre-high observation platform looks out over the lake and the surrounding area. Biggeblick is beautifully illuminated in the evening. Romanticism at its best!

Stroll through the historic centre of the Hanseatic city of Attendorn. The town has a number of museums, such as the Südsauerlandmuseum, which is located in the former town hall and now serves as an art museum. In the museum, you can learn everything about the history of art and culture in the area. Attendorn also has plenty of cosy shops and restaurants. With a bit of luck, you can take part in one of the cultural events - from the shooting match to the juggling festival.

In this castle, you can imagine yourself to be back in the Middle Ages. With its towering spires and mighty walls, Burg Schnellenburg towers majestically above the green hills of the Sauerland. It is one of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in the area and was first mentioned in 1222. Take a look in the chapel and in the knight's hall. The restaurant offers good food and you can stay overnight in the castle.

In the 19th century, Sauerland was the centre of the metal industry and mining. Many museums in the area are reminders of this era. Like the Wendener Hütte in Wenden, one of the oldest remaining blast furnaces in Germany, and the Knochenmühle (bone mill) in Meinerzhagen-Mühlhofe. Many of the museums are interactive and are also great fun for children!

You can hike endlessly here, from three long-distance trails to short stretches. For example, the 46 km long Bigge-Lister trail takes you along the shores of both lakes with beautiful viewpoints. You can go for the two-day trail, but you can also follow short sections of the route. Other interesting multi-day hiking trails are the Veischeder Sonnenpfad and the Sauerland-Höhenflug that starts at the Meinerzhagen ski jump. There are also several themed routes along mining areas and artworks, such as the 7 km long KultTour in Drolshagen along art and nature objects. Want to see all the hiking trails? Then check out the Sauerland App.

Biggesee is bursting with beautiful routes for cyclists and mountain bikers. The Bigge-Lister Radring has two routes around the enchanting lakes: an upper route and one along the shores of the lakes. The challenging upper route is 64 km long and takes you past Attendorn, Drolshagen, Olpe and both lakes. Near the village of Drolshagen you will find the Wegeringhauser Tunnel. The tunnel is closed every year from November to mid-April, when rare species of bat hibernate here. The 50 km long route along the lake is flatter and also suitable for children. In Attendorn there is a mountain bike park.

East of Attendorn is the Atta cave, one of the most beautiful stalactite caves in the Sauerland. It is also the largest interconnected cave system in Germany. A 45-minute guided tour takes you past the most beautiful limestone formations. The Atta Cave owes its name to the Germanic queen Atta, who according to legend founded the town of Attendorn.

Step aboard and enjoy the fresh breeze on the deck and the fantastic view during a cruise on the Biggesee. The whole route takes 1 ½ hours and you can get on board at various points. From April to October, the MS Bigge travels from Sondern across the Sonderner Talbrücke to the Attendornstuwdam and back. Bicycles, wheelchairs, prams and SUP boards can be taken free of charge and there are charging points for e-bikes. Tickets are available here.

The Biggolino Bimmelbahn travels up and down between the Atta cave and the jetty at Biggedamm. During the ride, the beautiful landscape of the Sauerland passes you by and you can see the centre of Attendorn and the surrounding area through the window of the heated vehicle. You can get on and off at the stops along the way.

Climbing through the tops of trees! In the Biggesee Climbing Park you will find more than 6 courses with more than 54 different climbing exercises. The courses are divided into different levels of difficulty. Children can have fun on the Rosenthal Robber Trail, while climbing pros can prove their skills on the Rothaarsteig, the most difficult climbing course.

Sailing, surfing, diving and much more. Biggesee is the best place for water sports activities in the Sauerland. There are 4 sailing clubs here alone, a diving school and at EuroParcs Biggesee you can even moor a small sailing boat or rent one in the immediate vicinity. Grab your SUP board or kayak and take a leisurely spin around the lake or enjoy the cool water at one of the many swimming spots.

At the Olpe swimming pool, you will find everything you need for a perfect day of swimming and wellness. There are steam baths, a sauna area, a sports pool, a saltwater pool and an almost 100-metre-long water slide. The outdoor pool has a paddling pool, a sunbathing area and a beach volleyball court where you can let off some steam.

Experience a day of swimming full of adrenaline at the adventure pool AquaMagis. The pool has more than 10 slides. Here you will find not only the standard slide, but also looping slides, tyre slides and even a 6-metre free-fall slide. After an exciting slide you can relax in the wellness area and refuel for the next round.

Have you ever stroked and fed a monkey? In the Eckenhagen Monkey & Bird Park, you can see Barbary apes and squirrel monkeys up close and feed them treats. You can also see black storks and cattle egrets flying in the Donaudelta-Freiflughalle. In the indoor adventure hall, which is suitable for all weathers, you will also find play equipment and a climbing wall.

In the middle of the Biggedam, the lighthouse overlooks the Biggesee. Not only does it offer a breathtaking view of the landscape, but you can also enjoy culinary delicacies from the region. Charge your e-bike during your break, fill your water bottle for free and there are even bike tools available for minor repairs. The Biggolino funicular also stops here.

Take a look inside a modern brewery? That is possible at Krombacher World. During a guided tour you will not only learn all about the craft of brewing beer, but you will also be able to taste the various beers during a beer tasting session. The beers are selected by the beer sommelier of the brewery and give you a taste of the Sauerland. Cheers!