While the town of Winterberg in the Sauerland is mainly populated by skiers in winter, more and more cyclists are drawn to the region in spring and summer. Against the backdrop of ski jumps and chairlifts, they set off on the Lenne route, which is 142 kilometers long and leads to where the Lenne flows into the Ruhr near Hagen. The route is therefore ideal for an active vacation in one of the most beautiful natural regions in the country and offers a constant change between town and country, idyll and industrial history.
The route leads through lush green forests, blooming meadows and picturesque half-timbered villages on well-maintained cycle paths and quiet side roads past castles and palaces, as well as evidence of the wire industry, which once had its center in the Märkischer Kreis. There are a few easy climbs along the way, but even less experienced cyclists or families with children should be able to manage them.
However, you should be fit if you want to cycle up to Altena Castle. Everyone else can take the new adventure elevator, which runs from the bottom of the town to the castle courtyard and has seven stations with legends and stories about the region. Once at the top, it's worth taking in the view over the Sauerland forests and visiting Altena Castle and its museums. The world's first youth hostel, which was set up in the castle over 100 years ago and has been preserved in its original state, is particularly impressive. Among other things, you can still see the sleeping quarters made of straw. For those who prefer something more modern, another part of the castle also houses a modern youth hostel.
Just a few kilometers further on, in Iserlohn, wondrous structures such as the organ, palm column and stalactite emperor await cyclists. The Dechen Cave, discovered by chance in 1868 during railroad work, has some of the most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites in the country and is a popular excursion destination for young explorers and speleologists.
