In this article, we take you along winding roads, through picturesque villages and over challenging hills that make Winterberg a unique destination for any cycling enthusiast. Put on your helmet, put on your gloves and prepare for beautiful routes just across the border in Sauerland. Before, we paid attention to cycling in Germany. Not for nothing is this neighbouring country very popular with the Dutch and Belgians. The variety of routes and possibilities is endless. Main advantage: Germany is very close by! You can go on beautiful tours at an easy and quick reach of the Dutch border.
Text and photos: Paul Hoff
Now there is an area that is very suitable for both summer and winter holidays namely the Sauerland, with Winterberg as the central place. From Winterberg, there are beautiful tours on ski, something everyone has heard of. But that this area is also very suitable for beautiful tours on a road bike, gravel bike or mountain bike is less known.In recent years, however, there has been a visible growth in the number of Dutch people heading to the Sauerland, even outside the ski periods. Summer is becoming more popular, as are spring and autumn.
Basecamp Winterberg
'Ferienwelt Winterberg', the tourism association Winterberg, has been increasingly focusing on cycling and hiking holidays in recent years, and it shows. In cooperation with local partners, a beautiful route network has been developed. That, by the way, is for both cyclists and hikers. So if you don't want to cycle for a day, you can always 'take the plunge'. The network is almost endless, with marked routes, but you can also use your own imagination. For cyclists, there is a handy website available: www.bike-arena.de. On this site, you will find a very comprehensive overview of all cycling routes in Sauerland and Winterberg. And all arranged by severity and length.
Do it yourself
Of course, you can decide whether you want to ride through the woods or on the road. From my own experience, I can say that you should not be mistaken about the length of the route. When you quickly cycle 80Km on the road here in the Netherlands, that's something you won't do very quickly in the Winterberg forests. Subsoil and the steep trails often make it quite difficult for you.Over short stretches, you'll sometimes reach 20% rise and fall.
Starting point: Villa Annabelle
Now, if you really want to have a blast in the Sauerland, there are a lot of places to go. We ourselves have Villa Annabelle used as a starting point. A beautiful house, located on the most beautiful road in Sauerland. And that is the road through the Sorpetal, towards Schmallenberg.This holiday home has room for up to 14 people and the bikes are neatly stored in the garage. In short, a great starting point for a weekend with your cycling friends.
Cycling routes in Sauerland - Komoot Collection
Still looking for beautiful cycling routes in Sauerland? With this komoot collection, you have a lot of beautiful cycling routes in Sauerland on a silver platter!
