Rehsiepen: Natural Environment and the History of the Old Forester’s House

Rehsiepen can be explored through two themes: the protected cultural landscape complex and the Old Forester’s House. The natural environment and forestry history reveal different sides of the area. Information about the ranger tour and a circular trail also provides a practical framework for planning your stay.

Nature in the Rehsiepen Cultural Landscape Complex

At the head of the valley in the Rehsiepen Cultural Landscape Complex nature reserve is a diverse, species-rich biotope complex. It includes wet and damp grassland, nutrient-poor grassland, spring-fed streams and small ponds. South of the Old Forester’s House, the nature reserve also contains a spring-fed fen with orchids and cotton grass. This natural environment brings together different grassland and aquatic habitats, as well as a specific spring area with characteristic plants.

The Old Forester’s House and its history

For 85 years, Rehsiepen Forester’s House served as the official residence and workplace of a district forester. The Old Forester’s House survived two wars without being destroyed. As a protected historic complex, it was a combined residence and farmstead for foresters: living and working were joined here. The grounds include a kitchen garden, trees, pastures and adjacent wet meadows. A foundation maintains the wet meadows. These features make the complex distinctive both as a historic place to live and work and for its surrounding grounds.

Ranger tour around the Old Forester’s House

The ranger tour around the “Old Forester’s House” in Rehsiepen starts at a car park and passes through old beech woods, by numerous springs and traces of charcoal burning, before reaching the old forester’s house dating from 1884. The route is about 7 kilometres long, takes approximately 3 hours and is of moderate difficulty. Its length, duration and difficulty rating provide guidance when planning your outing. A tour is listed for 10 November 2026; check the date before you travel.

Circular trail and getting there

The circular trail from the Großes Bildchen hiking car park in Rehsiepen (A7) can be reached by bus route 462, getting off at the “Rehsiepen” stop. Check current services before travelling. You can plan your bus journey for this circular trail using the route and stop listed here.

Forest history in the wider destination of Schmallenberg

The wider destination of Schmallenberg offers more topics related to forests and forestry history. In Schmallenberg-Latrop, the Forestry Museum displays historic tools, photographs of former forest and village life, historic foresters’ records and information on the development of the chainsaw. Also in Latrop, the Forestry Workers’ and Foresters’ Trail covers 4.5 kilometres and has 17 stations on topics such as forest ecology and timber use. The museum and trail focus on forestry work and its history, while Rehsiepen is centred on the protected biotope complex and the Old Forester’s House.

Discover more destinations: Menkhausen, Obringhausen, Sellinghausen, Arpe, Niederhenneborn, Kirchilpe, Winkhausen, Werntrop.

View the wider travel overview: Schmallenberg.