Breathe easy in Schmallenberg, a picturesque wellness resort surrounded by rolling hills, forests and mountains. The River Lenne flows past the town and adds to the serene setting. Book a speleotherapy treatment in a subterranean healing cave and visit historic attractions like a Benedictine monastery and centuries-old castle.
Things to do in Schmallenberg
Get lost in Kyrill-Pfad Schanze, a woodland park with sculptures and viewing platforms. Trails and wooden boardwalks wind through the park and take you past enormous trees knocked down in a storm. Instead of clearing the trees, the local council incorporated them into the natural landscape. Hike up 840-metre-high Kahler Asten if you’re up for a challenge. You can enjoy spectacular views over the Rothaar Mountains and surrounding countryside from the summit.
Explore the ruins of Rappelstein Castle, a hilltop fort built in the 12th century. It’s one of the highest in the North Rhine-Westphalia region and commands sweeping views over the Nesselbach Valley and surrounding peaks. Enjoy a picnic on the grass and climb up to the keep for the best views.
Book a session at a local healing cave and breathe in the pure, allergen-free air. The underground caves are located in former slate mines and feature ambient humidity of almost 100%. Tiny air droplets actively capture particles and transport them out of the caves. The treatment is known as speleotherapy and can be incredibly beneficial for treating lung and respiratory conditions.
Visit Grafschaft Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery built in the Late Baroque style. Today it serves as a Catholic convent with a working hospital and beautiful grounds. The small on-site museum offers more information on the unique history of the monastery.
Getting around Schmallenberg
Schmallenberg is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, a 1.5-hour drive from Dortmund. Find train stations in the nearby towns of Lennestadt-Altenhundem, Meschede and Winterberg. Düsseldorf International Airport is a two-hour drive away.