recommended route
Bergwiesen bei Altastenberg - Mountain Meadows near Altastenberg west of Winterberg
Theme trail
· Sauerland
Responsible for this content
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest e.V Verified partner
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest e.V Verified partner
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Bergwiesen bei AltastenbergPhoto: Axel M. Schulte, Biologische Station Hochsauerlandkreis
The mountain meadows with their wealth of flowers in the high-altitude areas of the Sauerland show the most beautiful aspects of the region. Around Winterberg you will find the most significant examples of this habitat in North Rhine-Westphalia.
moderate
Distance 4.4 km
1:30 h
109 m
109 m
782 m
709 m
The nature reserve "Mountain Meadows near Altastenberg", situated at an altitude of 600-770 meters above sea-level, consists of species-rich, montane grassland communities. Mountain meadows are among the most endangered habitats in Europe, because they are dependent not only on the mountain climate, but also on haymaking, an increasingly rare form of land use. The characteristic species of mountain meadows are Golden Oat Grass, Northern Hawksbeard, Wood Cranesbill and Black Devil's Claw. As a feature of the LIFE project ‘Mountain Meadows’ a very interesting theme trail, the "Bergwiesenpfad" was created here.
In addition to the mountain meadows, you will see mountain heaths, Mat Grass fields and montane tall forb communities with Alpine Blue Sow Thistle and Pond Water Crowfoot on your way around the circular trail.
In good weather you have a good chance of seeing the emblem of the Mountain Meadow Trail, the glossy-orange Scarce Copper butterfly.
Author’s recommendation
The mountain meadows are particularly beautiful before they are mowed in July.
Difficulty
moderate
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
782 m
Lowest point
709 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt
0.5 km
Dirt road
1 km
Forested/wild trail
1.4 km
Path
0.6 km
Road
0.8 km
Safety information
You will sometimes be hiking through pastures with cattle. Please behave thoughtfully towards the animals in order to avoid dangerous situations.As in any nature reserve, dogs have to be on a leash but special consideration is required in order not to frighten the grazing animals.
Tips and hints
LIFE Project Mountain Meadows near Winterberg: www.bergwiesen-winterberg.deAudio trail of the Rothaarsteig on the subject of mountain meadows: www.rothaarsteig.de
Start
Car park "P1-Kapellenhang" (773 m)
Coordinates:
DD
51.186323, 8.466637
DMS
51°11'10.8"N 8°27'59.9"E
UTM
32U 462724 5670680
w3w
///fended.lengthy.occults
Destination
Car park "P1-Kapellenhang"
Turn-by-turn directions
Near the car park in the direction of the "Kapelle" (chapel), there is a portal notice board with information about the area. From there follow the "Bergwiesenpfad" mountain meadow trail, which is marked by the orange butterfly and the word "Naturweg". You will find more information boards at the seven theme stations. The trail sometimes consists of narrow paths and in places goes through pasture land, so that some sections can be muddy or dirtied by cow pats.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
The closest bus stop is called "Astenstraße" (about 3 minutes’ walk to the starting point of the trail).For current timetable information, please visit: http://efa.vrr.de
Getting there
Coming from the direction of Winterberg, you will see the car park at the start of Altastenberg village. This is the starting point of the mountain meadow circular trail.Address for satnavs: Historischer Pfad, 59955 Altastenberg (Winterberg)
GPS (UTM): 32 U 462824, 5670812
Google coordinates: 51.187510, 8.468050
Parking
Car park "P1-Kapellenhang" (parking fee payable in the ski season).Coordinates
DD
51.186323, 8.466637
DMS
51°11'10.8"N 8°27'59.9"E
UTM
32U 462724 5670680
w3w
///fended.lengthy.occults
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Book "Naturschätze Südwestfalens entdecken" (ISBN: 9783000481215)
Author’s map recommendations
Book "Naturschätze Südwestfalens entdecken" (ISBN: 9783000481215)
Book recommendations for this region:
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Recommended maps for this region:
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Equipment
Sturdy shoes are an absolute must, because the trail sometimes consists of unsurfaced paths.Difficulty
moderate
Distance
4.4 km
Duration
1:30 h
Ascent
109 m
Descent
109 m
Highest point
782 m
Lowest point
709 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 6 Waypoints
- 6 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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