Elleringhausen: Half-timbered houses, trails and history

Elleringhausen offers a variety of things to enjoy during a stay: half-timbered houses in the village center, the Peace Chapel, and routes for hikers and cyclists.

Village setting along the Gierskoppbach

The so-called Solstätten, with their half-timbered buildings, form the village center. The Gierskoppbach shapes the village landscape and has retained its natural stream bed to this day. A total of 19 bridges cross the village stream along the village street. Together, the half-timbered houses, stream and bridges provide distinctive, easy-to-recognize landmarks in the village center.

Hiking and cycling

The signposted Elleringhausen Panorama Trail loops around Elleringhausen and starts and ends at the Old Church Square in the center of the village. The Golddörferweg trail can also be started there. The church square is therefore a shared starting point for two hiking trails with different names. Trail conditions may change; check the latest route information before setting out.

There are also clear reference points for choosing a cycling route. The Kneipp RadWeg Olsberg runs along a cycle path from Olsberg to Elleringhausen. The green-signposted Tour 8 cycle route, “The Three Gold Villages Tour,” runs about 5 km to Elleringhausen. Signage and conditions may change; check the latest route information before setting off.

There is a playground and a covered picnic area at the shooting hall. If you plan to use either spot, check its current condition before your visit.

The Peace Chapel and local history

The Peace Chapel is one of the 43 Sauerland Soul Places. It was built by men from Elleringhausen who returned from the war. From the Old Church Square, you can reach the chapel by following the Gierskoppbach, crossing a footbridge and climbing up to the Ruthenberg. The Stations of the Cross on the Ruthenberg end at the Peace Chapel; the site is classified as a historic site and monument.

Another striking work of art is the Fire Oak near Elleringhausen: the 8-meter-high carved oak depicts the course of human history and, in particular, humanity’s dependence on wood and fire. At night, the artwork is illuminated by solar cells, and an artificial flame made of titanium lights up.

The artist Jürgen Suberg’s studio is one of the remaining Solstätten in Elleringhausen’s half-timbered quarter. Many of his works are located there. If you are considering a visit, please check with the studio in advance about visiting arrangements.

Kneipp sites in Elleringhausen

Kneipp-related features can also be found at specific locations: Schogge has a small Kneipp herb garden laid out on a hillside. The village green has a nature-oriented barefoot path inspired by Kneipp’s teachings. The two installations differ in their design and location within the village.

In the wider Olsberg destination

The Bruchhauser Steine are a distinct regional attraction within Olsberg. In April 2017, they were designated North Rhine-Westphalia’s first National Natural Monument. The Bruchhauser Steine area near Olsberg-Bruchhausen is a nature reserve, an FFH site and a bird sanctuary. A visitor information center with guided tours and several themed trails provide access to the protected rocky area.

Between the Bruchhauser Steine lies a prehistoric hillfort and place of worship dating from around 500 BC. This means that, within the wider Olsberg destination, protected nature and an archaeological site feature as distinct themes alongside Elleringhausen’s half-timbered houses and village history.

Discover more destinations: Gierskopp, Wulmeringhausen, Assinghausen, Antfeld, Bruchhausen, Wiemeringhausen, Elpe

Go to the main travel overview: Olsberg.