Germany has an incredible variety of nature to offer. Not only the vast coastal landscapes in the north or the Alps in the south are ideal for varied holidays: imposing low mountain ranges such as the Sauerland and the Hessian Highlands combine unspoilt nature with exciting hiking and cycling trails and make for an unforgettable break.

Discover charming little towns, cultural highlights and a fascinating variety of nature with Romantik on the relaxed route from the Sauerland to the Hessian Mountains.

Relaxing short break, active holiday or romantic weekend in Sauerland

Stop 1: Iserlohn

The idyllic town of Iserlohn is home to numerous natural and cultural attractions in the beautiful Sauerland region. Above all, the impressive Dechenhöhle cave is well worth a visit. One of the most beautiful and most visited show caves in Germany, it has been extended to 360 metres for visitors and offers exciting insights. In the middle of Iserlohn's city forest on the Fröndenberg, a great excursion destination also awaits visitors. With a height of 28 metres, the Danzturm offers a magnificent panoramic view over the Sauerland low mountain range.

Hotel Tip:

In the quiet Iserlohn district of Lössel, the Romantik Hotel Neuhaus welcomes you in a friendly, modern ambience. As an ideal starting point for exploring the Sauerland, the hotel will delight you with its creative gourmet cuisine and a great wellness area.

Stop 2: Attendorn

In the Biggetal valley, the historic old town of Attendorn is well worth a visit. Charming cafés, quaint pubs and attractive shops invite you to linger. Highlights such as the Atta Cave, the Südsauerland Museum and the Sauerland Cathedral provide variety in the nearby surroundings. In summer, the nearby Biggesee lake is the place to go for bathing fans and water sports enthusiasts.

Hotel Tip:

Surrounded by the rolling hills of the southern Sauerland region, the Romantik Hotel Platte, rich in tradition and now in its sixth generation, awaits you. Enjoy Westphalian culinary delights, go horseback riding at the hotel's own rice sports facility or dare to tee off at the 18-hole Repetal Golf Park.

Stop 3: Schmallenberg

With its historic town centre, the charming little town of Schmallenberg is one of the most beautiful listed towns in North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to the old town, the unique Forest Sculpture Trail is a real insider's tip for nature and art lovers. Here you can discover 23 kilometres of impressive sculptures and art installations from Schmallenberg to Bad Berleburg. You can catch a glimpse of history at Grafschaft Monastery. Once built in the Baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century, it now houses a hospital as well as a museum that provides exciting insights into Benedictine and Borromean monastic culture.

Hotel Tip:

The Pearls by Romantik Wellnesshotel Deimann is the address in the Schmallenberg Sauerland and combines excellent cuisine with an impressive wellness offer and first-class service. The hotel's own golf course ensures unforgettable hours on the course for golf fans. The Romantik Hotel Störmann also awaits you in the heart of Schmallenberg. Here you will stay in cosy rooms and at the same time benefit from the wonderful location in the old town.

Stop 4: Winterberg

The small town of Winterberg is particularly popular with winter sports enthusiasts, and in the winter months you will be thrilled by its perfectly groomed ski slopes. In the summer months, hiking and cycling trails provide sporting variety. For the adventurous, Germany's most versatile bike park is guaranteed to be a challenge: exciting trails for downhill and freeride fans, including comfortable lifts that bring you comfortably back to the top, await your visit.

Hotel Tip:

At the foot of the Kahler Asten in the enchanting landscape of the Hochsauerland district, the Romantik Berghotel Astenkrone welcomes you. Here you can enjoy a great time-out in the heart of nature in friendly, family surroundings.    

Stop 5: Edersee

As one of the largest reservoirs in Europe, the 27-kilometre-long Edersee is picturesquely nestled in the Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Park. Whether it's extensive swimming fun on warm summer days, varied hikes along the impressive steep slopes around the lake or simply enjoying the magnificent views of nature - Lake Edersee is a true paradise.

Hotel Tip:

Close to Lake Edersee, the Romantik Hotel Landhaus Bärenmühle welcomes you harmoniously nestled between forest and meadows in a quiet valley. The old mill, the parents' house of the hosts, has been lovingly converted and today offers every comfort in charmingly furnished rooms. The fine country cuisine with French influences provides real moments of pleasure.

History and Nature in the Hessian Mountains

Stop 6: Fritzlar

Explore the cathedral and imperial city of Fritzlar in northern Hesse on an extensive tour of the old town. With Germany's oldest town hall and the market square with its unique half-timbered ensemble, the little town is bursting with history. The magnificent St. Peter's Cathedral, which received the honorary title of papal basilica in 2004, is one of the most important Romantic and Gothic buildings in central Germany. Extensive renovation work from 2010 to 2012 allowed the building to shine in new splendour.

Hotel Tip:

In the midst of greenery in tranquil Felsberg-Hesserode near Fritzlar, the Romantik Hotel Zum Rosenhof ensures a relaxing break in the idyllic rose garden. The 450-year-old family farm is a place full of peace and relaxation. Host Hannelore Mayer-Stahl herself provides first-class cuisine with fresh and regional delicacies.