Schmallenberg Week
A five-day open-air town festival in late August under the motto "A Festival for All", held since 1980. The main streets become themed miles with musical acts and culinary offerings.
Plizio Visual Lab
Schmallenberg
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Schmallenberg
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take advantage of the SauerlandCard for free bus rides if you stay overnight in the region.
- Winter tires are a must in the colder months, as the upland roads are frequently snow-covered.
- Morning light is excellent for photographing the scenic half-timbered houses in the center.
- Keep an eye out for parking zones requiring a parking disc; the first hour is often free.
🍽 Food
🍽
Sauerländer Potthucke
A hearty potato bake, best enjoyed in a traditional tavern in the historic center.
🍽
Rinderwurst (Beef sausage)
A local delicacy you can find at traditional butchers or on the menu of rustic eateries.
🍽
Local Pilsner
Try a freshly tapped regional beer in a cozy local pub.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Falke Factory Outlet
A great place to shop for high-quality socks and knitwear directly from the brand.
🛍
Farm shops (Hofläden)
Buy fresh, regional produce directly from the farms surrounding the town.
🧘
Kurpark Schmallenberg
A peaceful park with well-maintained paths, first-rate for a quiet stroll.
🧘
Rothaarsteig trail
Hike a section of this famous trail to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy great views.
🧘
Wilzenberg mountain
Climb to the top for a serene visit to the pilgrimage chapel and panoramic views.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Schmallenberg in the Hochsauerland district is a city characterized by its impressive landscape and strong economic base. Spanning over 300 square kilometers, it is one of the largest cities in Germany by area, comprising more than 80 villages and hamlets. The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to the famous Rothaarsteig hiking trail and serving as a major center for winter sports. Economically, Schmallenberg is inextricably linked to the textile industry; the Falke company is headquartered here and has shaped the region's professional life for generations. The town center's appearance is defined by typical Sauerland slate houses, rebuilt in a neoclassical style following a major fire in 1844. As a recognized climatic health resort, Schmallenberg attracts numerous seekers of relaxation annually who appreciate the tranquility of the vast forests and the region's first-class gastronomy.
- Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Top sights: Grafschaft Abbey · Wilzenberg Mountain · Schütte Forge
- Nearby: Bad Berleburg (14 km)
- Population: ~24.970
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 52 | 54 | 47 | 74 | 70 | 82 | 74 | 60 | 59 | 66 | 72 |
Geography
Facts
- Covers an area of approximately 303 square kilometers.
- Population stands at about 25,000 residents.
- Highest point is the Kahle Asten at 841 meters.
- Falke was founded in Schmallenberg in 1895.
- The historic town center has been heritage-protected since 1983.
- Home to the Westphalian Slate Mining and Local History Museum.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Schmallenberg (10)
Frequently asked questions
What makes the architecture in Schmallenberg special?
Schmallenberg is known for its black-and-white half-timbered houses with slate roofs, which create a very harmonious and typical Sauerland appearance.
Where are good hiking spots?
The Rothaarsteig trail leads through the town area. The 'Sauerland-Höhenflug' also provides fantastic views and well-marked hiking trails.
What is the history of the textile industry here?
Schmallenberg was a center for knitwear production. The world-famous brand FALKE still has its headquarters and a factory outlet here today.
Are there indoor activities for children?
Yes, 'Thikos Kinderland' is a large indoor playground, convenient for bad weather. It gives climbing facilities and many attractions.
What is the connection to ski resorts?
Schmallenberg has its own small lifts. The large Winterberg ski lift carousel is only about 20-30 minutes away by car or bus.
Schmallenberg: where is it located?
Schmallenberg is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Schmallenberg: what is there to see?
Highlights include Grafschaft Abbey, Wilzenberg Mountain, Schütte Forge.
Schmallenberg: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Schmallenberg: why is it worth visiting?
Schmallenberg in the Hochsauerland district is a city characterized by its impressive landscape and strong economic base.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Germany →
Nearby cities
Köln
Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany, located on the Rhine River in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Dortmund
Dortmund is the largest city in the Ruhr area, known for its industrial history, passion for football, and green parks.
Bochum
Bochum is a major city in the heart of the Ruhr Area, embodying the successful transition from heavy industry to a knowledge and service-…
Wuppertal
Wuppertal in the Bergisches Land is famous for the historic suspension railway, one of the oldest electric elevated railway systems in th…
Bielefeld
Bielefeld is the economic and cultural center of the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region in the northeast of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Bonn
Bonn is located in the south of North Rhine-Westphalia on the banks of the Rhine and has a history spanning over 2,000 years.
Münster
Münster is a large Westphalian city, known as Germany's cycling capital, a significant university city and the historic centre of the Pea…
Gelsenkirchen
Gelsenkirchen, centrally located in the Ruhr Area, was once known as the 'City of 1000 Fires' when the winding towers and smoking chimney…
Hagen
Hagen is called the gateway to the Sauerland.
Hamm
Hamm is known for its large glass elephant.
Herne
Herne is a core city in the Ruhr area, known for its major archaeological museum and the Cranger Kirmes, one of Germany's largest folk fe…
Solingen
Solingen is the city of blades in Germany.
Solingen
Solingen is located in the Bergisches Land region of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Leverkusen
Leverkusen is inseparably linked to the Bayer corporation.
Paderborn
Paderborn is located in North Rhine-Westphalia and is known for its numerous springs.