Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Discover

Places to see

Caves

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Arnsberg District

Märkischer Kreis

Hemer

Echsenschacht, Laubschacht and Bärenhöhle

Discover

Places to see

Caves

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Arnsberg District

Märkischer Kreis

Hemer

Echsenschacht, Laubschacht and Bärenhöhle

Highlight • Cave

Echsenschacht, Laubschacht and Bärenhöhle

Recommended by 194 hikers out of 199

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Sauerland-Rothaargebirge

Save

Location: Hemer, Märkischer Kreis, Arnsberg District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Save

See hikes here

Take Me There

Routes here

Best Hikes to Echsenschacht, Laubschacht and Bärenhöhle

4.6

(98)

275

hikers

1. Felsenmeer Hemer – View of the Ruhr Area loop from Deilinghofen

23.5km

06:52

640m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Expert

4.6

(33)

154

hikers

2. Felsenmeer Hemer loop from Oberhemer

7.44km

02:05

140m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Intermediate

4.9

(27)

hikers

3. Quarry – View of the Ruhr Area loop from Deilinghofen

15.3km

04:20

350m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Intermediate

Tips

Moonbeam🌜

November 6, 2024

In the extreme southeast of the GeoPark lies the Felsenmeer Hemer, a bizarre karst landscape that can be explored free of charge via a circular path with viewing platforms and panoramic bridges. Information boards provide the geological background.

Translated by Google •

Schwerte-Radler

February 22, 2024

The Felsenmeer in Hemer, a unique natural monument in the Sauerland, combines natural history and cultural aspects in a fascinating way. The geological formation of this remarkable geotope dates back millions of years and is the result of the weathering of limestone through dissolution processes. Rainwater, enriched with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, turns into a weak acid that dissolves limestone, forming the characteristic rock formations of the Felsenmeer. Over geological periods, the impressive landforms that are now known as the Sea of Rocks emerged.

This nature reserve is not only a prime example of the dynamic forces of earth's history, but also a place full of legends. One of the stories is about dwarves who searched for precious metals under the rocks and about giants who wanted to steal these treasures. The legendary dwarven king Alberich is said to have used a magic spell to cause the ceiling of the rock hall to collapse, which buried the giants under the rocks and created the sea of rocks.

Visitors can explore the Sea of Rocks on various paths, including a wooden walkway that leads directly over the cliffs and rocks. There is also a viewing platform and an upper bridge that are barrier-free, allowing visitors with limited mobility to enjoy the nature reserve. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and there is a large, free parking lot at the neighboring Sauerland Park.

The Felsenmeer Hemer is a special experience in every season, be it snowy, in the colorful autumn forest or in the lush green of summer. The cliffs and caves of the Felsenmeer are part of the impressive karst landscape, which visitors can explore in more detail on display boards. The recognition as a "Significant Geological Monument of Germany" and as a "National Geotope" underlines the unique significance of this natural monument and its position as one of Germany's outstanding natural wonders.

Translated by Google •

Norbert

February 15, 2025

Great karst and mining landscape. Best viewed when the trees have little or no leaves.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 280 m

Weather

Thursday 30 October

10°C

5°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Hemer, Märkischer Kreis, Arnsberg District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Felsenmeer Entrance Information Point

View of the Ruhr Area

View of Deilinghofen, Sundwig, and Bernberg

View of Ronsberg

Observation Tower at Former Military Training Area, Naturpark Sauerland-Rothaargebirge

Oelmanns Kreuz

Hexenteich Menden

Pinnbrücke

Felsenmeer Hemer

View of Stephanopel

View of Sauerland from Naturpark Sauerland-Rothaargebirge

View of the Valley near Naturpark Sauerland-Rothaargebirge

Echsenschacht, Laubschacht and Bärenhöhle

1. Felsenmeer Hemer – View of the Ruhr Area loop from Deilinghofen

2. Felsenmeer Hemer loop from Oberhemer

3. Quarry – View of the Ruhr Area loop from Deilinghofen

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️