First a coffeeStarting point Langenberg
Half past nine in the morning in Neanderland. The sun is at its best while Hannah and Ilonka - still a little tired - consider whether they would rather take the bus to the starting point of their eleven-kilometre hike.
"Well, are you ready to go, girls? Do you need another coffee?" calls a cheerful older gentleman from the quaint little café just a few minutes' walk from Velbert-Langenberg railway station. A quick chat with the friendly owner, a delicious coffee in the morning sun and it's clear: the hike doesn't start at the official starting point, but right at the station. And it's well worth it in this pretty little historic town.
Small and large surprises await us along the way on the "Organic farms in the Windrath valley" discovery loop. Lots of impressions and small and big moments of happiness that we are happy to share.
Sweeping views, green fields and the most beautiful places to take a breakThrough romantic valleys
The path is not without its difficulties and we can literally feel our sore muscles waiting in the wings for the next day. However, as we are rewarded with unique views after each ascent, we soon forget all about the effort.
We walk past fields of wind turbines and enjoy the friendly herds of cows, take a seat on an old wooden bench that offers a unique view over the green hilly landscape and take a break at the small chapel surrounded by fruit trees. Oops, so late already? How quickly time flies when every little detail on the organic farms has to be photographed.
Regional delicacies and lovely details on every cornerFrom farm to farm
"Watch out, children playing, chickens and cows!" is written on a homemade poster as we approach the first organic farm. Six farms await us along the route and tempt us with farm produce such as fresh milk, eggs, vegetables and other regional organic products. Savour the atmosphere of a lively farm and enjoy coffee and cake or hot meals in the farm café: pure relaxation. Each farm has its own focus and charm, but what they all have in common is that there are many lovely details waiting for visitors.
Highlights off the route, moments of happiness for in-between and all the senses and definitely no end in horror. Keep your eyes peeled, you shouldn't miss these places on your hike through the Windrath Valley.
Our favourite places
- Organic bakery and café: The smell of fresh bread wafts from the bakery. An old wood-fired oven and a jumble of furniture that would make any antique dealer's eyes light up. Time somehow seems to move more slowly in the Kauz organic café with its integrated bakery. Regional products are emphasised here and some even come from the farms we visited. Whether as a refreshment before the hike, as a crowning finale or just for fun: we highly recommend a visit to Café Kauz.
- Örk-Hof: "Everyday is a good day on the farm" is written on the postcard on an old brick wall. We immediately believe it when we look at the Örk farm. We are allowed to help ourselves at the large vegetable stand and the seating area here is particularly cosy. As we drink our organic lemonade, we notice a number of lovely details. Small vases with colourful flowers, dried flowers "for peace", which visitors are allowed to take with them, and colourful bunting have us constantly pulling out our cameras.
- Hofladen-2-Go: The hike is almost over when we notice a small wooden house. What a lovely end to the day: Fresh eggs, organic honey and cocoa are stored in a large fridge and can be taken away as souvenirs or gifts. A farm shop-2-go - so to speak. If our rucksacks weren't already so full, we would definitely have made another stop here.
