- Family friendly
- Refreshment stop
- Accommodation option
- Circular route
- Signage
Am Gewässerpfad Orke - Naturerlebnispfad
... on the trail of the Orke!
Numerous watercourses are the lifelines of the Hochsauerland. But water alone does not make a stream. The Orke, with its diversity of floodplain and stream inhabitants, is an impressive example of this.
Numerous watercourses are the lifelines of the Hochsauerland. But water alone does not make a stream. The Orke, with its diversity of floodplain and stream inhabitants, is an impressive example of this.
Tour starting point:
Hiking portal in the center of Medelon
Tour destination point:
Hiking portal in the center of Medelon
Properties:
Category
regionaler WanderwegLength
9.5 kmDuration
3:00 hElevation ascent
115 mElevation descent
114 mLowest point
376 mHighest point
446 mCondition
Difficulty
Recommended seasons
Nature lovers and families will have a great time on the discovery trail!
At 13 stations, QR codes provide interesting information about habitats, animals, and plants, the historical use of the waterway, and nature conservation measures.
The tour follows the stream, through meadow valleys and floodplains, along trails, and past a geological outcrop.
Hiking with children
Families with younger children can look forward to the playground in the village center. The hike can be shortened at the wooden bridge, making it manageable even with younger children at approximately four kilometers. The trail is not suitable for strollers!
Information on the renaturation:
As part of the European LIFE project—“Building Block for Natura 2000”—the Orke River was restored to a more natural state through extensive measures. By modifying or bypassing 22 cross-structures, the river’s passability was restored for brown trout, brook lamprey, and bullhead. The black stork also benefits from the renaturation thanks to an improved food supply. Areas previously reforested with spruce or hybrid poplars have been converted back to grassland, which is now managed by farmers in accordance with nature conservation principles.
Information
Directions
The best way to experience the Orke valley is on the Am Gewässerpfad Orke. From the starting point, follow the mascot "Koppi", a bright bullhead (fish) on a blue background.Western section:Via Marienglück into the Vildischer Grund to Forsthaus Kaltenscheid and back (7.4 km; 9 stops).Eastern section:To renaturalized sections of the Orke below Medelon and back (2.2 km; 4 stops).
Equipment
Sturdy shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Depending on the weather, the paths and trails may be wet.
Author Tip
Families with children can borrow an explorer rucksack for young naturalists from the Medebach Tourist Information Office!
Literature
Flyer Gewässerpfad Orke, available from the Medebach Tourist Information Office
Maps
Medebach cycling and hiking map, 1 : 25,000, available from the Medebach Tourist Information Office
Public transit
From Medebach: Bus 361 (BRS): Medebach - Medelon - Hallenberg
From Winterberg: Bus 356 (BRS): Winterberg - Hallenberg / change in Hallenberg to bus 361 in the direction of Medebach
From Brilon/Olsberg bus S30 (RLG): Brilon - Medebach / change in Medebach to bus 361 direction Hallenberg
From Korbach bus 510 (NVV): Korbach - Medebach / change in Medebach to bus 361 direction Hallenberg
From Frankenberg bus 530 (NVV): Frankenberg - Lichtenfels - Medebach / change in Medebach to bus 361 direction Hallenberg
How to get there
Parking is available directly on the main road in the center of the village of Medelon. A pavilion marks the entrance to the water trail. An alternative access to the area is the "Orketal" hiking parking lot
. address for navigation: Orkestraße 21, 59964 Medelon (Medebach)
Parking
Parking is available at the side of Medelon Straße. You can also park by appointment at the Landhotel Müller or at the Medelon parish hall.