Discover Bödefeld: Nature, Culture and Family Experiences

Bödefeld combines nature experiences, regional architectural heritage and family-friendly discoveries to create a diverse destination in North Rhine-Westphalia. Since 22 July 2026, the village has officially been recognised as a state-approved recreational resort. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can enjoy their time here in many different ways: with hiking and cycling experiences, historical highlights or excursions where children can also discover plenty.

Raised Bog, Hiking Trails and Special Views

The Rauhe Bruch in the Bödefeld forestry district offers a distinctive landscape experience. It is a raised bog more than 8,000 years old. The network of hiking and cycling trails opens up various ways to experience the surroundings actively. A special attraction is the Bödefeld Hollenpfad trail. It is signposted with a golden G on a red background and with the B5 trail marker, combining historical and legendary themes with information about flora and fauna.

The Hollenpfad trail can also offer interesting stops for families. The Walkenmühle nature playground is located beside a restored stream directly next to the Hollenpfad, just beyond the Bödefeld exit in the direction of the Hunau/Osterwald ski lift. The Hollenhaus along the trail offers a very beautiful view. This makes it possible to combine exercise, nature observation and a child-friendly exploration of the trail without prescribing any particular daily itinerary.

Half-Timbered Houses, Slate and Traces of Church History

The villagescape includes numerous typically Sauerland half-timbered and slate-clad houses. The present-day parish church of St Cosmas and Damian provides a distinctive cultural landmark. It was built in 1910/1911 in an octagonal form based on a design by Joseph Buchkremer from Aachen. The middle entrance of Bödefeld parish church is designated for viewing the “Black Hand”.

The Kreuzberg Chapel also tells of the religious history of the village. Built in 1729, the chapel has always been a well-known pilgrimage site, attracting many worshippers, particularly during Lent. Seven wayside shrines were initially erected along the route there in 1730; in 1856, they were replaced by Stations of the Cross. Those interested in churches, pilgrimages and historic village landscapes will find several different ways here to explore Bödefeld’s history.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Style

When looking for a holiday apartment in Bödefeld, it is worth clarifying your preferred focus for the trip in advance. If the holiday is to be centred primarily around hikes and nature observation, the Hollenpfad, the Rauhe Bruch and the view from the Hollenhaus will be key considerations when planning. Travellers interested in culture can discover the parish church, the “Black Hand”, the Kreuzberg Chapel and the historic houses in their own ways. Families can also include the Walkenmühle nature playground and the red deer enclosure in their plans.

At the red deer enclosure, families with children can see red deer at close range. During feeding times, it is possible to help out after registering in advance with the local tourist association on 01516 1060586. The Hollenpfad makes hiking exciting and interesting for children too. Bödefeld therefore offers opportunities for active days as well as relaxed cultural discoveries. Choose your accommodation according to the type of trip you prefer for your time together.

Discover More Places

If you would like to discover more places besides Bödefeld, you can also include Werntrop, Winkhausen, Niederberndorf, Arpe, Nordenau, Lenne, Oberrarbach and Obringhausen in your further research.

For the overarching travel overview: Schmallenberg.