Balve Forest mountain peak

It already has a strange name: Balve Forest. Is it a forest or a mountain? It's both! The forest is named after the town of Balve and most of it is located in Hemeran. For the sake of simplicity, its highest point has been given the same name.

At 546m, the "Balve Forest" is also the highest elevation of the Iserlohn Heights in the northern Märkischer Kreis. And of course you can climb it. Less than 5 km from Balve town center, you climb the hill and are surrounded by the charming, romantic landscape of the Hönnetal. There are 274 meters of altitude to overcome, but thanks to well-developed hiking trails, you can manage this even if you are only in average physical condition. There is also a refuge to the south of the ascent. But as a general rule: avoid the forest in strong winds or rain, or for a few days afterwards, as there are dangers from falling branches.

The 17 km circular trail around Balve Forest is a little more challenging.