44th Schmallenberger Sauerland Hiking Week 2026

Five Days of Hiking in the Land of a Thousand Mountains

The Schmallenberger Sauerland Hiking Week has been one of the most renowned guided hiking formats in North Rhine-Westphalia since 1983. From July 21st to 25th, 2026, the 44th edition will lead you and other hiking enthusiasts through the most beautiful landscapes of the Schmallenberger Sauerland and the adjacent Eslohe holiday region. Five days of high-quality hiking, expert guidance, and typical Sauerland hospitality.

The Concept: A New Tour Every Day

Day Hikes 13–18 km

Each day features a different route — the tours are between 13 and 18 kilometers long and lead over ridge paths, forest trails, and quiet stream valleys. The five days are offered as a complete package; individual day tours cannot be booked.

Bus Transfer Included

From the central meeting point in Schmallenberg, the bus transfer conveniently takes you to the various starting points of the day hikes. You will receive the exact meeting points and departure times by email or phone after registration.

Lunch Break in the Forest

Each tour includes a hearty lunch break with provisions — freshly prepared by the region's hosts. Bread, sausage, cheese, sometimes with bacon, eggs, and a schnapps to warm up: the Sauerland knows its hiking traditions.

Two Hours at the Destination

At the end of each tour, there are two leisurely hours at the destination — time for a stop at a tavern, a piece of cake, or a cool drink. Only then does the bus drive back.

The Hiking Region

Schmallenberger Sauerland

With over 800 kilometers of hiking trails and the highest density of hiking trails in NRW, the Schmallenberger Sauerland is one of Germany's most important hiking regions. Altitudes between 300 and 800 meters, mixed forests, stream valleys, heathlands, and viewpoints — all are represented in the five tours of the hiking week.

Eslohe Holiday Region

Located west of Schmallenberg, Eslohe, with its forests and meadows, is part of the Sauerland Höhenflug (Sauerland high-altitude trail) and one of the most beautiful sections of the hiking week.

Hiker-Friendly Accommodation

Most partner accommodations in Schmallenberg and Eslohe are Quality Hosts Wanderbares Deutschland (Hiking in Germany): with boot cleaning facilities, drying rooms for wet clothing, hiking maps for loan, and hearty hiker's cuisine in the evening. Reisewelt Sauerland offers tailor-made hiking packages including accommodation and participation in the hiking week.

Hochsauerlandkreis as a Hiking Eldorado

The Hochsauerlandkreis in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its low mountain ranges, dense forests, and strong hiking traditions, is the hiking eldorado in western Germany. The Schmallenberger Sauerland Hiking Week is the sociable classic of the annual program — precisely because of its long tradition, new friendships are formed every year between regular guests and newcomers.