Enjoying nature and enjoying the views ­ gently rolling hills and romantic half-timbered buildings

The verdant Sauerland region is the epitome of an idealised German landscape. Sparsely populated with good snowfall and hilly terrain, it makes the perfect destination for winter sports. But there is lots to discover at other times of year as well, including pretty little towns with historical old quarters, majestic castles and palaces and, of course, the magnificent scenery.

Sauerland underground

As part of the Rhenish Slate Mountains ­ formed some 320 million years ago from lagoon deposits ­ the Sauerland region has a wealth of spectacular dripstone caves. The largest of these in Attendorn is well worth a visit with its fairytale backdrop of stalactites and stalagmites. The old Ramsbeck ore mine near Bestwig is now a visitor mine where you can see how lead and zinc were once extracted. Old mining traditions are brought to life at a depth of 300 metres. In the original tunnels where the temperature remains a constant 12°C, experienced guides regale you with stories of their former mining days.

Winterberg

Winterberg is the highest altitude resort in the Sauerland and the venue for the Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup. If you want to go even higher, visit the Panorama Adventure Bridge, which extends for more than 420 metres. A good 20 metres above the Winterberg Cap, it commands panoramic views over virtually the entire region. Descending towards the valley at the foot of the walkway are a bobsleigh run, a summer toboggan run and the downhill tracks of Winterberg Bike Park. In addition to Winterberg, the Sauerland region has many other winter sports resorts and ski areas. These include the Sauerland Wintersport Arena, home to the Willingen ski jump. Keen walkers will find a selection of wonderful routes such as the Rothaarsteig. A great day out is also to be had at Fort Fun adventure park with its many Wild West attractions.

Willingen

Together with eight delightful little villages Willingen forms a spellbinding holiday and winters sports region with a wide choice of leisure activities. The many highlights include an adventure golf course, a visitor mine, a go-kart track, the Lagunen pool complex, the Mühlenkopf ski jump, a summer toboggan run, a wildlife and leisure park, a network of walking trails and a mountain bike park. When the weather turns cold Willingen becomes an international winter sports venue, offering visitors of all ages the full complement of snow-based activities and spectator sports. The FIS World Cup Ski Jumping is always extremely popular.

The Luisenhütte foundry

The iron and steel industry of the Ruhr region has its roots on the edge of the Sauerland. One of the Sauerland's first blast furnaces is preserved in Balve-Wocklum in the Homert nature reserve. The charcoalfired and water-powered iron foundry is part of a complex historical facility, which is the only one of its kind in Germany. It is now a permanent feature of this popular area for hikers and Nordic walkers.

The Sauerland Autumn

The Sauerland Autumn, the world's largest brass band festival, celebrates this colourful time of year with a programme of culture and music. Spread across a number of towns and villages, the various concerts and workshops take place in churches, disused factories, car dealerships and other unconventional venues. At all times of year the region has beautiful churches and an impressive array of museums to visit.

Altena Castle

The world's first youth hostel opened in 1912 at Altena Castle. At the Youth Hostel Museum you can experience the spartan conditions for yourself, including what it was like to sleep on straw mattresses. Other museums within the castle walls explore the history of the Westphalia region and the County of Mark using armoury, weapons and antiques as well as curiosities and objects made by artists and artisans.

Walking on the Rothaarsteig

The Rothaarsteig is one of the most popular hiking trails in Germany. It runs for 154 kilometres through a richly varied landscape with clear markings for walkers to follow. Attractions include a rope bridge, a woodland sculpture trail and a series of themed stations.

Reservoirs for the Ruhr

The industrialisation of the Ruhr region called for an abundant supply of water. Several reservoirs were created in the Sauerland to meet the massive demand. One of the largest, Lake Biggesee, is now a popular destination for water sports. Around its shores there are a number of campsites and holiday apartments

Sauerland beer and cheese

The Sauerland climate is similar to that of the Emmental valley in Switzerland. Milk produced by Sauerland cows and goats is used to make a first-class selection of cheeses. Local restaurants also serve a range of homemade wurst and speciality hams. Other favourites include mushroom and potato dishes. A Sauerland speciality is the potthucke, a kind of potato bake made with smoked sausage and speck.