- Free of charge / accessible at any time
Lüdenscheid-Altena-Iserlohn Wire Trade Route
Where wire was once traded, a scenic hiking trail now winds through the Märkische Sauerland. Follow in the footsteps of the wire and discover history, nature, and unique sights along the way.
Tour starting point:
Lüdenscheid Train Station You can start the Drahthandelsweg at the Lüdenscheid train station. From here, the route leads over the hills of the Märkisches Sauerland toward Altena and on to Iserlohn. Alternatively, you can also start the hike in Altena or Iserlohn.
Tour destination point:
Iserlohn Train Station The tour ends at the Iserlohn train station. From here, there are good public transportation connections. Of course, the route can also be hiked in the opposite direction.
Properties:
Category
regionaler WanderwegLength
31 kmDuration
9:00 hCondition
Difficulty
Following in the Footsteps of Wire Through the Märkische Sauerland: The 31-kilometer-long Wire Trade Trail connects Lüdenscheid, Altena, and Iserlohn, tracing the historic trade route of wire merchants from the 17th to the 19th century.
Winding through forests, valleys, and over the ridges of the Märkische Sauerland, this themed hiking trail leads to 23 stations where the history of wire production and the wire trade comes to life. Information panels tell the story of wire drawing, the labor-intensive transportation process, and the region’s significance for the development of the wire industry.
Along the way are some of the region’s most notable attractions, including the Phänomenta, the Fuelbecke Talsperre, and the Burg Altena, the Danzturm and the German Wire Museum.
31 kilometers, three cities, and plenty of wire history: The Wire Trade Trail brings industrial history to life and connects it with the natural beauty of the Sauerland.
Information
Directions
The Drahthandelsweg connects the cities of Lüdenscheid, Altena, and Iserlohn over a distance of about 31 kilometers. The route follows historic trade routes and is signposted throughout in both directions.You can hike the Drahthandelsweg as a single, continuous tour or explore it in two stages: Lüdenscheid–Altena and Altena–Iserlohn.The route runs mainly along forest trails and quiet side roads through the varied landscape of the Märkische Sauerland. Forests, ridges, and valleys offer ever-changing views along the way.At 23 stops along the way, you’ll learn more about the history of wire production and the wire trade and gain fascinating insights into the era when wire was still transported through the region along historic trade routes.
Equipment
- Ankle-high hiking boots with good traction
- Clothing suitable for the weather
- Sufficient drinks and provisions
- Hiking map or GPS device/smartphone
- Sunscreen and, if necessary, rain gear
Safety guidelines
Sturdy shoes are recommended. Some sections have exposed tree roots or may be slippery after rain.
You’ll need to cross several roads along the way. Please pay special attention to traffic, especially on busier roads.
The trail includes long ascents and descents and requires a good level of basic fitness.
In the event of a storm or severe weather, you should avoid hiking in the forest.
Author Tip
Be sure to set aside some time on your tour to check out the sights along the way. Particularly worth visiting are the Phänomenta in Lüdenscheid, Burg Altena with the German Wire Museum, the Fuelbecke Talsperre, and the Danzturm with its beautiful views.
Want to delve deeper into the region’s history? Then it’s worth spreading the Drahthandelsweg over two days. That way, you’ll have plenty of time along the way to explore sights, stop for a leisurely break, or spend the night.
Public transit
All three starting and ending points have train stations and are accessible via regular regional trains and bus routes. This makes it easy to plan the hike as a through-hike without having to return to the starting point.
How to get there
The tour can start in Lüdenscheid, Iserlohn, or Altena. All three cities are easily accessible via the A45 and A46 highways and the region’s federal highways.
Parking
Free or public parking is available at the train stations in Lüdenscheid, Altena, and Iserlohn. This makes the Drahthandelsweg particularly well-suited for multi-day hikes with train travel to and from the trailhead.