Winterberg is a small, picturesque town in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This region, blessed with dense vegetation, craggy mountain ranges and panoramic views, is a popular getaway choice for families throughout the year. However, Winterberg really comes to life in the colder months, when thousands of adventure-seekers flock to this resort town to indulge in thrilling winter sports and feast their eyes on snow-blanketed vistas.
Ski adventures at Skiliftkarussell Winterberg
Resort
Skiliftkarussell Winterberg is the largest ski resortin Sauerland. It witnesses almost a million visitors every year and is the venue for international sporting competitions. The resort offers 27.5 km (17 miles) of ski slopes, 26 ski lifts and superb skiing conditions for experts as well as intermediaries. If you are enthusiastic about taking up skiing or brushing up your skills, sign up at the ski school here. In summer, the resort transforms into a paradise for downhill bikers and mountain-boarding enthusiasts.
Adrenaline rush at Erlebnisberg Kappe
For a day of non-stop fun and action, head straight to Erlebnisberg Kappe. This theme park is full of activities for the whole family, including a bike park, climbing courses, a panorama adventure bridge, summer toboggan slide, trampolin, minigolf, vehicles for children as well as restaurants.
Choo-choo on the Kappe Express
Explore Winterberg in an adorable little train – Der Kappe Express. This fire red, two-wagon train takes travelers on a nostalgic ride through the quaint town of Winterberg. Jump aboard at the mountain square and relax as the Kappe Express lazily chugs along the winding streets and up the mountain, dropping you off at the starting point in around 45 minutes. The train also makes a stop at Erlebnisberg Kappe.
Awesome biking trails
Park
A great place for bikers to get into the heart of the action is Trail Park Winterberg. Over 40 km (24.9 miles) of biking routes of varied difficulty crisscrosses through forests, winding roads and stone passages. While some routes are family-friendly and relaxed, some others challenge seasoned bikers with steep slopes and sharp turns.
Winter wonderland in Snow World Züschen
Cafe
Snow World Züschen is yet another opportunity for snow lovers to indulge in a variety of winter sports, including skiing, bobsledding, snowtubing and airboarding. Here, you can also learn skiing under the watchful eyes of expert instructors. Snow World Züschen earns major brownie points with children with their super-exciting kid-oriented snow activities. If you are not into winter sports, that’s no reason to feel left out. This is a great place to enjoy breathtaking views of the snowy landscape, watch others in action and munch some warm goodies at the cafe.
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Unique exhibits at West German Winter Sports Museum
Museum
If you are fascinated by all things winter sports, you might want to drop in at the West German Winter Sports Museum. Through various interesting exhibits, you can trace the evolution of winter sports equipment from the very basic to the cutting-edge versions we have today. Expect to see vintage ski poles, snow tires, snow shoes, etc., and learn a good bit about the history of bobsledding, skating and sleighing.
Panoramic hiking trails
If the idea of hiking among the highest peaks of Sauerland thrills you, Winterberg is the right destination for you. The 82 Km (51 mile) long Winterberger Hochtour (Winterberg High-Altitude Trail), which starts and finishes in Kahler Asten mountain, is an immensely popular trail among hikers. The trail cuts through stunning mountain heath, beautiful valleys, cultural attractions and adorable mountain hamlets. The most amazement-inducing section of the trail is the ridge of the Rothaar mountains, from where hikers get an uninterrupted 360 degree panorama of the landscape.
Need for speed at Kartfun Neuastenberg
Kartfun Neuastenberg is yet another great option for sporty fun-seekers. Feel the ultimate adrenaline rush as you zip round and round the go-kart tracks. To add to the fun, bring your friends and race against each other. Even children can participate in the fun, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Date with nature at Wild- und Freizeitpark am Ettelsberg
Park
A favorite with children, Wild- und Freizeitpark am Ettelsberg is home to a number of interesting animals and birds. Visitors are allowed to feed many of the animals, but only food purchased from the machines in the park. The bird show is especially popular with visitors. Set in a natural, tree-shaded region, this wildlife is a nice place to spend a few quiet hours in. The park also has a small playground and a cafe.
Fort Fun Abenteuerland is the most popular theme park in Sauerland, and with good reason. Here, the whole family can giggle and scream as they try out one ride after the other. While some of the rides are especially made with daredevils in mind, there is enough to do for the tiniest ones as well.
