Family-Experience

The Biggesee-Listersee Nature Experience Area offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture for the whole family. Whether it’s water sports like sailing, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding—exciting experiences await visitors of all ages here. Picturesque shores invite you to swim, sunbathe, and picnic, while idyllic hiking and biking trails wind through the breathtaking landscape. Horse lovers will find plenty to enjoy with exciting horseback riding opportunities. The region also has plenty to offer on land: Numerous playgrounds invite children to run and play, and cultural highlights like the Atta-Höhle or the Südsauerland Museum delight visitors with fascinating insights into the history and traditions of the Sauerland. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with a wide range of family-friendly activities, makes the Biggesee-Listersee Nature Experience Area the perfect choice for a day trip or a short getaway.

Day Trip Tip 1: Discover Nature and History

Start with a visit to the Attendorn Stalactite Cave (Atta-Höhle) in Attendorn, an impressive natural wonder. Afterward, the Biggolino tourist train will take you on a leisurely ride from the cave to the Biggedamm dock on Waldenburger Bay. Take a ride on the Biggesee passenger ferry to enjoy the scenery from the water. Afterward, explore the Südsauerland Museum to learn more about the region’s history.

Day Tip 2: Adventure and Relaxation

Visit the Biggesee Climbing Park in Olpe for fun and athletic challenges among the treetops. Afterward, relax with a snack or drink at the park. Enjoy a summer afternoon at the Sonderner Kopf swimming area, rent a boat at NamaSteg, and explore Lake Biggesee from the water in a kayak, pedal boat, or stand-up paddleboard. In the evening, unwind with a cozy barbecue.

Day Tip 3: Nature and Creativity

Join the guided “zeichenKURS” hike in Drolshagen and let nature inspire you to create a wonderful work of art. Afterward, explore the famous hedge maze. Enjoy a bite to eat, for example, at the Kalberschnacke restaurant. Afterward, rent rowboats or SUPs right at the Kalberschnacke campground and explore the lake on your own.

Day Tip 4: Animal Encounters and Fun

Start your day in Meinerzhagen at the Alpakahof Blomberg or the Bergwaldhof, where children and adults alike can get up close to the animals (advance registration required). Afterward, visit one of the lovely playgrounds, such as the Ihnewiesen Playground, the playground on Otto-Fuchs-Straße, or the Meinerzhagen Public Park. Next, head to the Meinerzhagen disc golf course, where the whole family can score points with fun and skill.

Day Tip 5: Fun and Relaxation

Visit the Olpe Recreation Pool for some swimming and sliding, or relax in the sauna. Afterward, enjoy a delicious Essen at places like Restaurant Extrablatt, Bootshaus Biggesee, or Brauhaus (BiggeseeFront). Round out the day with a leisurely stroll along the Valentinsrunde (3.4 km) by the Olpe Obersee.

Day Tip 6: Pure Nature and History

Take a 26-km bike ride through the Großmicketal valley and along the nature trail near Wenden. Visit the historic Wendener Hütte, a fascinating industrial monument, and enjoy the view from the Wenden Heid observation deck. Cap off the day with a meal, for example, at the Jasmin Chinese Restaurant.