Eureka! I think I understand why getting to Herscheid in North Rhine-Westphalia by just about any mode of transport isn’t so easy. Oh, excuse me if I’m writing that like I’m actually happy.
Hold on a sec, I am happy that I figured it out and I’m happy that it’s no easy feat for an arrival in Herscheid. But, just as you don’t read a book from back to front — let me start at the beginning.
The little town of Herscheid has been around for centuries, and is located within the precious Sauerland Mountains. This location within the mountainous region makes it a primo location for all sorts of forest jaunts — including hiking and mountain biking. Ya never know, you might even get to see a European bison wandering around while you’re out there.
Herscheid’s mountain and forest location makes for an out of the way town, thus partly responsible for making it a little difficult to get here. But, the beautiful countryside more than makes up for it.
Plus, there isn’t any passenger train service here any longer — just as the closest highway exit is in Lüdenscheid, the next town over.
While you’re in the town itself, you’ll have the chance to see the 11th century Church of the Apostle. I’d recommend taking the guided tour (you gotta call for an appointment) to fully appreciate the Romanesque and Gothic elements of the church.
As old (and beautiful) as the Apostle Church is, it is the Spieker that is Herscheid’s landmark. The official date says this half-timbered house is from the 17th century, but it is believed to have been built two centuries before that.
For a historical look at industry, the Ahe-Hammer is ideal. It’s been around since 1562, using its two water wheels right up to 1945. In the 1950’s it was converted to a museum.
Another kind of education awaits you at the Waldlernpfad, a 5 & 1/2 kilometer trail (that’ll take you about 2 hours or so) with information boards chocked full of fun facts about the forest. Tough luck if you get tired before the half-way point, cause that’s where you’ll find the park benches. ;-)
Wheww, I’m tired already… I guess I’ll go hit up the Night Bus (service runs on weekends) to take me someplace new. I guess Herscheid isn’t that hard to get to after all. Nah, maybe they just make it easy for you to leave. ;-)
