The first winter hike of 2024 in Schmallenberg – or training for weather conditions like in Austria
A winter wonderland awaits in the Hochsauerland region near Schmallenberg! From the campsite in Osterwald, embark on a fascinating expedition through snow-covered fir trees and past ice-sculpted waterfalls on the Hunau and Milsenberg mountains. Dense fog and unexpected encounters guarantee an adventure. The cable car is out of service, but the hike itself will be an unforgettable experience.
We were magically drawn to the snow – Schmallenberg in the Hochsauerland district, a veritable snow mecca in North Rhine-Westphalia, is not too far away. Why here in particular? Primarily because of the snow, but also because we wanted to experience a bit of winter atmosphere with our campervan. In February, we're planning a trip to Austria to relax, hike, and explore the world.
Our hike doesn't start directly in Schmallenberg, but at our campsite in Osterwald, about 10 minutes from Schmallenberg, nestled in the "mountains" of the Sauerland region. From here, we'll set off on a winter hike that will not only boost our mental well-being but also offer a little taste of the weather in our neighboring country.
At first, I struggle to tuck my long hair neatly under my hat and am still unsure about the weather conditions and the camera. We cover the first 250 meters in a kind of stop-and-go fashion, barely making any progress. But as we turn into the forest, the wonder begins: a small river beside the path forms tiny waterfalls, surrounded by "ice sculptures." Looking into the distance, we see snow-covered fir trees – here, the world truly is still in order. But it's cold, very cold. We stop frequently, admire the scenery, and warm ourselves with tea.
Our route takes us further towards the Hunau and the Milsenberg. We are repeatedly surprised by dense fog, so that visibility is barely 15 meters. Originally, we planned to simply take the cable car from the summit down to the valley halfway through. However, after four or five kilometers, it becomes clear that the cable car is out of service. So we continue our journey on foot.
In the valley, we meet the local hunting leaseholder, whose daughter is currently on vacation in Japan and has asked him to look after her young dog. The conversation is a welcome break from our hike, but we're also glad to continue on our way, as we can feel the cold slowly creeping into our clothes.
The last kilometer is quite challenging: We walk along the leeward side of the forest, and nature decides to unleash heavier snowfall and wind than before. After about two and a half hours, we return to the campsite and treat ourselves to some tea, gluten-free banana bread, and a few nuts. This hike is highly recommended.