Discover Valme

Valme is a place for peace, relaxation and enjoying the landscape. Paths follow the Valme stream and pass through varied mixed forests. A cultural landmark in Obervalme, the Maria Hilf der Christen Chapel was built between 1899 and 1900. For a trip focused on hiking, distance, walking time and elevation gain provide a clear guide: routes range from circular walks just under eight kilometres long to the considerably longer Bestwig Panorama Trail.

Compare circular routes around Valme

The circular route Around Faulenberg (VA5) is 7.87 kilometres long, with a stated walking time of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It includes 151 metres of ascent and 147 metres of descent. The trail crosses a ridge to Obervalme, then returns through the valley to the Valmetal hiking car park. Its length and described route make it easy to assess.

The Valme Circular Trail (VA2) is slightly longer at 8.11 kilometres. Its stated walking time is 2 hours and 21 minutes, with 255 metres of ascent and 255 metres of descent. It follows the Valme stream, passes through varied mixed forests and is well signposted. In direct numerical comparison, the two circular routes differ by 240 metres and 14 minutes; their stated elevation figures also differ. As route details may be revised, check the information again before planning your hike.

From the stream to the Bestwig Panorama Trail

The Bestwig Panorama Trail (B) is a 56.1-kilometre circular long-distance hiking trail. It has 1,733 metres of ascent and 1,732 metres of descent. Since 2011, it has been regularly awarded the “Quality Trail—Wanderable Germany” designation by the German Hiking Association. Its route passes through Untervalme, by the Maria Hilf der Christen Chapel and on to Valme, then continues through Faulenberg, the Brabecke Valley and the Twillmecke Valley to Bastenberg above Ramsbeck. It differs considerably from the shorter circular routes: the trail links several named places and landscapes over a long distance.

The Valmetal-Hunau Tour offers another waterside route. It starts at a small wooden bridge over the Valme and follows the stream towards Untervalme. The trail continues to Hunau, its highest point, at an elevation of over 800 metres. The hike to the waterfall has its own described section: it leads from the Valmetal hiking car park over the small wooden bridge by the Valme stream to Untervalme.

Near Valme, the 15.83-kilometre circular route “Hike to the Waterfall” leads to the Plästerlegge near Bestwig-Wasserfall. In the wider Bestwig travel destination, the Plästerlegge is North Rhine-Westphalia’s only natural waterfall. The water drops almost vertically about 20 metres over a rocky ledge, then continues for around 500 metres as a torrent. From the car park in the village centre on Aurorastraße, the waterfall can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes; trail conditions may vary.

More destinations in the wider Bestwig travel area

Bestwig also offers a variety of ideas for planning your trip. In Ramsbeck, the Sauerland Visitor Mine’s electric mining train travels around 1.5 kilometres through the dark Eickhoffstollen tunnel. Bus route R72 runs regularly from Bestwig station to the visitor mine; the “Ramsbeck-Ziegelwiese” stop is right outside. Check the timetable before travelling.

The Old Corn Mill in Ramsbeck is the only surviving mill in North Rhine-Westphalia with three millstones and medieval technology. It opens every year on Whit Monday, International Mill Day. Free guided tours are offered at the mill festival; during live milling demonstrations, visitors can watch water power being used to grind grain into flour. As the date changes each year, it is advisable to check it before your trip. For more hiking options, Bestwig has the Bestwiger BestWege: varied circular trails around Andreasberg, Heringhausen, Nuttlar, Ostwig, Ramsbeck and Velmede-Bestwig. With walking times of two to four hours, they are suitable for half-day hikes.

Discover more destinations: Waterfall, Andreasberg, Berlar

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