Orketal circular route (Medebach: Medelon-Berge-Dreislar)

The circular route from the Orketal parking lot initially follows the Orke water trail to Medelon. Along the way, you will find several stations along the Orke with interesting facts about its habitats, animals and plants, the former use of the watercourse and the nature conservation measures of the LIFE project. As part of the European LIFE project, the Orke has been made more natural through extensive measures.

The circular route runs through beech forests, meadows and the "Heideköppel" nature reserve to the village of Berge. Berge is the smallest district of Medebach and also one of the oldest. It was first mentioned in 1126. To this day, Berge has retained its character as an idyllic and agricultural village.

The hiking trail leads over the Lückenkopf with its beautiful views over the Medebach Bay through the Rüggen nature reserve to the summit of the Kreuzberg above Dreislar. The contiguous forests around the Rüggen are the result of former coppice farming and provide a habitat for small mammals and cavity-nesting birds in particular. From the summit of the Kreuzberg, you can enjoy a magnificent view over Dreislar and the Medebach Bay before descending to Dreislar via a steeper path.

Dreislar itself is famous for its barite museum. The mining tradition in Dreislar and thus the mining of barite dates back to 1777. Today, these fascinating crystals can be admired in the barite museum.

The "Im Schwinkel" rest area is located to the north of Dreislar. With a water treading pool, barefoot path, massage trees and relaxation loungers, the site invites you to take a well-earned break and relax. This is where the circular trail meets the Sauerland-Höhenflug, which opens up further wonderful views of the Medebach Bay, a designated European bird sanctuary.