Olsberg

Striking rocks, mines, peaks, young rivers - all this characterizes the landscape around Olsberg. Nevertheless, it's not just about hiking here. Wellness and, above all, the paths to health that the old priest Sebastian Kneipp pointed out are particularly close to the hearts of the people of Olsberg. Nature and tranquillity - clean air and soft, clear water - sauna and delicious food - these are the ingredients for a world that has everything you need to feel really good.

Feel-good world

The Bruchhauser Steine are undoubtedly one of the Sauerland's most spectacular natural photo motifs and therefore one of the great highlights in the municipality of Olsberg. Countless good photo angles from near and far have already been used in every conceivable light. A special photo of them can only be taken on one day of the year: the day of the winter solstice.

Two hours before sunrise, we make our way up the Olsberg. It is not only the local mountain of the municipality because it bears the same name as the village at its foot. It also offers the best panoramic view for miles around. To the north you can see the Brilon plateau, to the west the village of Olsberg deep in the valley and to the south the Sauerland forest mountains rise to ever greater heights. A rock with a hidden shrine and benches on rocky ground provide a touch of alpine atmosphere.

A special sight can be seen from Olsberg to the south-east: the Bruchhauser Steine. If you look at the Istenberg with the stones from somewhere in the valley, they are always easy to spot because they stand out clearly against the sky. Viewed from above, from the Olsberg, the stones seem to be somewhat hidden in the forest. Only the highest of them, the Feldstein, looks out over the ridge.

And it is precisely this boulder that we are concerned with this morning. Only on the day of the winter solstice does the sun rise almost exactly behind the boulder. What a spectacle of light when it suddenly takes on a golden halo. Just a few minutes later, the rising sun also floods the other Bruchhauser Steine. And then it happens quickly: more and more peaks, forests and finally places in the valleys light up. The blue sky is reflected by the frost on the bushes and grasses. The trees glow orange. Blue and orange are complementary colors. If a picture is dominated by two complementary colors, it immediately has twice the emotional appeal. It all fits perfectly today - a photographer's dream in winter light.

After such great impressions and especially after such a mountain tour before sunrise, we deserve a delicious breakfast. Between the summit of the Olsberg and the Bruchhauser Steine is the right address for this: the Schinkenwirt. By the time we arrive, the sun has worked its way down into the valley at the foot of the Borberg. The Schinkenwirt really is at the focal point of the hiking trails. The Rothaarsteig leads over the Borberg above the house. Four of the 40 or so Sauerland-Seelenorte are within walking distance of the Schinkenwirt, one of which is right on the doorstep: the Eisenberg. Borberg's churchyard and the Ginsterköpfe require a short climb up the ridge. To reach Schmalahsee lake, you even have to descend a little beyond the Ginsterkopfs into the next valley. If you want to explore Sauerland-Seelenorte, the Schinkenwirt is the perfect starting point.

But we'll save these tours to the soul places for later. After breakfast, we have other plans: sauna and a Kneipp treatment await us in the garden behind the hotel.

Klaus-Peter Kappe