Eslohe

Together with Schmallenberg, Eslohe forms the Schmallenberg Sauerland. The already picturesque Sauerland villages are perhaps even more picturesque here, nestled between perfectly rolling hills. If there is one word to describe the impression the region conveys, it would probably be "security". If two more were allowed, then it would probably be coziness and hospitality. All three together are the three Gs of the Sauerland.

Village hospitality

The region's villages are truly unique. Most people find them beautiful without being kitschy. They are not perfect, perhaps rough and edgy depending on the season, but authentic. That is the decisive factor: They are not tourist backdrops.

The villages are the way they are because the people who live here want them that way. They are the expression of intact communities. And the inhabitants are willing to share this with their guests. The people are not exuberant. As a guest, you have to approach them. But if you do, you will be rewarded with a piece of home for a while. All tourist regions are looking for their unique selling point. For the Sauerland-Wanderdörfer, this is the ability to seriously offer a temporary home away from home. And what time of year could be better suited to enjoying this in all its comfort than the pre-Christmas period?

Eslohe's shopping street is appropriately decorated in the run-up to Christmas - not flashy, not colorful, but Sauerland stylish. Some of the group are delighted by the owner-managed stores, from florists to clothing, while others are more tempted by the aromas and culinary delights - for example, the Schulte butcher's shop with its game specialties, which are also available as delicious pickled barbecue food in summer, or the legendary Kaptein patisserie.

If you want to stretch your legs a little further, you don't have to go on a long hike. On a saddle above Eslohe sits another Sauerland-Seelenorte: the Rochuskapelle with its Renaissance frescoes. The chapel is usually closed for conservation reasons. You can admire the frescoes through a small peephole created especially for this purpose without damaging them. The walk there can easily be extended into a short, panoramic tour.

The highlight of our stroll through Eslohe is, of course, the house through whose large windows copper kettles shine out promisingly: the Essel-Bräu brewery inn. It's not just in Bavaria: good old inn tradition with home-brewed beer. Werner Schulte, the boss of the establishment, doesn't want to know much about the newfangled term "craft beer": "Our beer is simply good, old-fashioned craftsmanship. It has to be tasty, not chic." Two varieties are available all year round: a light pilsner and a dark country beer. The Maibock and Christmas bock are added seasonally - extremely drinkable. A little caution is now required. Otherwise the way home will suddenly be full of new bends.

While we carefully compare the Weihnachtsbock with the other two varieties, the brewery owner explains the special features of his product: "Our slightly naturally cloudy, golden yellow beers are brewed with Sauerland spring water that is low in minerals. This is perfect for beer and would even be suitable for first-class whisky. Our beers get their fine spiciness from malts made from two-row spring barley. Valuable aroma hops from Hallertau and Tettnang give the beers a soft bitterness with a fine, tart finish after a six-week fermentation and maturation period. The slightly fruity flavor rounds off the special taste experience." That doesn't just sound good, it tastes good too.

We even get to try our hand at the brewing kettle and the open fermentation vat. That makes you thirsty again. For a long time, Essel beer was only served directly in the brewery inn opposite. Now you can also take it home with you. If you are still able to carry valuable cargo when you leave the house, you can choose between a 2 or 3-liter siphon bottle or a small 5-liter keg. Now that's a shopping spree for everyone.

Klaus-Peter Kappe