Lüdenscheid-Altena-Iserlohn Wire Trade Route

Cycling World - Sauerland / Open Data Hub Touren / Lüdenscheid-Altena-Iserlohn Wire Trade Route

The Wire Trade Route between Lüdenscheid, Altena, and Iserlohn highlights the defining industrial history of the Märkischer Kreis. It traces the development of the wire trade and provides insights into regional industrial structures.

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.

Download

Download Tour

Download reversed Tour

Length

31 km

Duration

9:00 h

Condition

Difficulty

The Wire Trade Route in the Märkisches Sauerland is a historically significant route connecting the cities of Lüdenscheid, Altena, and Iserlohn. This trail, which looks back on a long tradition stretching from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period, was once used to transport wire and “Osemund,” a soft, malleable form of iron. During this era, the region established itself as a key global producer of wire goods and iron products. Winding through forests, valleys, and over ridges, the tour offers a diverse array of landscapes. Informational panels featuring the distinctive wire-reel design line the path and provide in-depth insights into the history of wire production, processing, and the associated transportation routes. Visitors learn details about the working methods of the so-called “Reidemeister” and “Zöger,” who once used this path. Among the stops are Altena Castle and the Fülbecke Dam. This historical themed route thus offers an opportunity to explore the industrial past of the Sauerland region against the backdrop of a diverse natural landscape.

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, complete 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 Märkisches Sauerland. Forests, ridges, and valleys offer ever-changing views along the way.At 23 stops, 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 footwear is recommended. Some sections have exposed 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 see the sights along the way. Particularly worth visiting are the Phänomenta in Lüdenscheid, Altena Castle with the German Wire Museum, the Fuelbeck Dam, and the Danzturm with its beautiful views.

Want to delve deeper into the region’s history? Then it’s worth splitting the Drahthandelsweg into two days. That way, you’ll have plenty of time along the way to visit 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 one-way trip 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.