South Westphalia Travel Guide

Plan your trip to South Westphalia, Germany with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, accommodations, and local culture and customs information.


Introduction to South Westphalia

South Westphalia is a region located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, in Central Europe. It is a cultural and scenic area that attracts visitors throughout the year. South Westphalia boasts an assortment of cultural landmarks, scenic locations, and outdoor adventures for tourists.

List of Places to Visit in South Westphalia

Below is a list of top tourist spots in South Westphalia that you should include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, Castles, and Historical Places

  1. LWL Museum for Archeology
  2. Burg Altena Castle
  3. Hohenlimburg Castle
  4. Niederheide Open-Air Museum
  5. St. Mary’s Church in Soest
  6. The Westphalian Bell Museum

Natural Attractions of South Westphalia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Bigge Reservoir
  2. Kahler Asten Mountain
  3. Attahöhle Goblin Caves
  4. Arnsberg Forest and Wildlife Park
  5. Lahn-Dill Heights for Hiking, Biking and Winter Sports
  6. Balver Cave and Hiking Trail

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Westphalia

South Westphalia offers many paths for hiking and biking enthusiasts including the Sauerland High Height Trail, RuhrtalRadweg and the Lahn-Dill Heights Trail. The Lahn-Dill Heights Trail is famous for its extensive network of trails and passes through three different states of Germany.

Best Things to Do in South Westphalia: Activities and Tours

  1. Visit the famous archeological museum and Burg Altena Castle
  2. Take a hike in the scenic region of Rothaargebirge in Bigge Reservoir
  3. Explore the historic Hohenlimburg Castle and learn about the events that have shaped its history
  4. Go skiing or snowboarding in Winterberg, Sauerland
  5. Admire the unique natural landscape of Atta Cave

Week-Long Itinerary for South Westphalia

Day 1 - Visit LWL Museum for Archeology and explore the city of Soest Day 2 - Take a bike ride along the Ruhr River, visit bigge reservoir and relax at a nearby cafe Day 3 - Explore Hohenlimburg Castle and then travel to Arnsberg Forest and Wildlife Park Day 4 - Admire the beautiful Kahler Asten Mountain and take a ride on the panoramic cable car Day 5 - Visit the Niederheide Open-Air Museum and take a tour around the town of Balve Day 6 - Go shopping and bring home unique souvenirs and locally-made products Day 7 - End your trip in Buergerschaftshaus in Attendorn and enjoy the local food and drinks

Food and Drink Scene of South Westphalia

Aside from its tourist spots, South Westphalia is also famous for its local food and drinks. The region is known for its fusion of modern and traditional dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Pumpernickel Bread
  2. Panhas
  3. Sauerbrauten
  4. Spezialbier
  5. Traditional Sauerland Plum Cake

Local Beverages

  1. Warsteiner beer
  2. Sauerland Schnaps
  3. Apfelwein (apple wine)

Where to Stay in South Westphalia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Westphalia offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from hotels to hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of the best accommodations:

Budget

  1. Backpacker Hostel
  2. Hotel Am Sorpesee
  3. Rither Hof

Mid-Range

  1. Hotel Fuchs
  2. Hotel Gut Funkenhof
  3. Hotel Jagdhaus Wiese

Luxury

  1. Hotel Jagdhaus Wiese
  2. Welcome Landhotel Gasthof Cramer

What to Buy in South Westphalia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

South Westphalia offers many interesting items that you can bring back home. Some of the popular souvenirs are:

  1. Pottery from Westerwald
  2. Souvenir plates featuring local landmarks like Burg Altena and Kahler Asten
  3. Traditional wool blankets from the region
  4. Sauerland wooden toys

Local Culture and Customs of South Westphalia

South Westphalia has a rich cultural heritage, and one of its most significant customs is ‘Schützenfest’. It is a traditional festival celebrated every year in this region featuring a parade, music, and dance.

Best Time to Visit South Westphalia

The best time to visit South Westphalia is from May to September when the weather is warm, but those who love winter sports should visit between December and March. For those who enjoy seasonal festivals, the best time would be in August during the annual Schützenfest, or November during the famous ‘Martinszug’ parade.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Westphalia

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and traditions
  2. Try the traditional local delicacies
  3. Explore the scenic spots and natural attractions
  4. Bring cash to make purchases from local vendors

Don’t:

  1. Litter on the streets or natural parks
  2. Wear inappropriate clothing in holy sites or public places
  3. Take photographs without permission of the sites or individuals
  4. Be disrespectful of local customs and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Westphalia

South Westphalia is generally a safe place to visit. Still, tourists are always advised to take standard precautions like keeping an eye on your surroundings and valuable belongings.

Health in South Westphalia

The region has excellent healthcare facilities.

Getting to South Westphalia: Transportation Options and Logistics

South Westphalia is easily accessible by rail, road, and air with frequent connections running to and from most major cities within Germany and Europe.

Airports Near South Westphalia

  1. Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport
  2. Dortmund Airport
  3. Duesseldorf Airport

Bus Stations Near South Westphalia

  1. Bus Station Lennestadt
  2. Bus Station Siegen
  3. Bus Station Attendorn

Other Options

Travellers can also rent a car at the airports and zip along the scenic landscape.

How to Get Around in South Westphalia

You can enjoy the scenic beauty of South Westphalia by train, bus, bikes, and on foot. The region’s public transport system is well-established with trains and buses running frequently to most of the tourist sites.

Where to Go Next from South Westphalia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Cologne - explore the stunning Cologne Cathedral
  2. Bonn - the former capital with a rich history and museums
  3. Koblenz - Small district rich in German architecture
  4. Düsseldorf - largest city in the region famous for its shopping, fashion, and business.

Conclusion

South Westphalia is a gem hidden in plain sight of Germany. It offers a unique blend of cultural and scenic attractions making it a must-visit destination for avid travellers. Plan your itinerary in advance and enjoy the beautiful scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality of South Westphalia.

Arnsberg old market Arnsberg old market St. Peter's Church and St. Patrokli Cathedral, Soest St. Peter's Church and St. Patrokli Cathedral, Soest Old town of Freudenberg Old town of Freudenberg Altena Castle Altena Castle Biggesee reservoir near Olpe Biggesee reservoir near Olpe Traditional brewing copper at the historical brewery in Rönsahl (near Lüdenscheid) Traditional brewing copper at the historical brewery in Rönsahl (near Lüdenscheid)


    Lüdenscheid
    Schmallenberg
    Siegen
    Soest