Winterberg

Winterberg is a municipality in Hochsauerlandkreis, North Rhine-Westphalia, sitting at roughly 668 meters (2190 feet) elevation and covering forested hills and open valleys. The landscape consists of spruce woods, pastures and gentle ridges crossed by marked walking paths.

The settlement received town rights around 1270 from Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden, strengthening the legal standing of its inhabitants. Over the following centuries the place grew into a center for timber trade and later for tourism.

The name refers to the mountain setting where the town developed over centuries, and today locals work in tourism and outdoor recreation. Visitors see families on walking trails, skiers preparing equipment, and shops selling regional products along the main streets.

The different parts of the municipality connect by country roads, and parking is available in most areas. Those arriving in winter should bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear, while summer visitors can manage with lighter hiking shoes.

The nearby mountain Kahler Asten reaches 841 meters (2759 feet) and ranks among the highest peaks in North Rhine-Westphalia. On clear days the summit offers wide views across the Sauerland ridges and sometimes as far as the Rothaar range.

Location: Hochsauerlandkreis

Elevation above the sea: 668 m

Shares border with: Olsberg, Schmallenberg, Bad Berleburg, Hallenberg, Medebach

Website: https://winterberg.de

GPS coordinates: 51.19500,8.53000

Latest update: December 15, 2025 01:53