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.

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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 Wire Trade Trail connects the cities of Lüdenscheid, Altena, and Iserlohn over a distance of about 31 kilometers. The route follows the historic trade routes of the wire merchants and is signposted throughout in both directions. It can be walked as a single tour or in two stages (Lüdenscheid–Altena and Altena–Iserlohn). The trail runs mainly along forest paths and quiet side roads, leading through varied woodlands, over ridges, and through the valleys of the Märkisches Sauerland. Along the way, 23 information stations provide insights into the history of wire production and the wire trade.

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, as some sections may be root-covered or slippery after rain.
You’ll need to cross several roads. Please be especially careful on busier roads.
The trail features several 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 allow enough time to see the sights along the route. Particularly worth visiting are Altena Castle with the German Wire Museum, the Fuelbeck Dam, and the Danz Tower with its beautiful views. If you want to immerse yourself in history, you should split the tour over two days and stop for a break or spend the night along the way.

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.