Orketal circular trail (Medebach: Medelon-Berge-Dreislar)

The circular route from the Orketal parking lot initially follows the Orke watercourse path to Medelon. Along the way, you will find interesting information about their habitats, animals, and plants, the former use of the watercourse, and nature conservation measures of the LIFE project at several stations along the Orke. The Orke was designed to be more natural as part of the European LIFE project through extensive measures.

Through beech forests, meadows, and the "Heideköppel" nature reserve, the circular route leads to the small village of Berge. Berge is the smallest district of Medebach and also one of the oldest. It was first mentioned in 1126. Berge has retained its character as an idyllic and agriculturally shaped place to this day.

The trail leads through the Rüggen nature reserve to the summit of Kreuzberges above Dreislar, passing Lückenkopf with a beautiful view over the Medebach Bay. The contiguous forests around Rüggen originated from former coppice forestry and provide a habitat for small mammals and cavity nesters. From the summit of Kreuzberges, you can enjoy a magnificent view over Dreislar and the Medebach Bay before descending via a steeper path to Dreislar.

Dreislar itself is known for the Fluorite Museum. The mining tradition in Dreislar and the extraction of fluorite dates back to 1777. Today, these fascinating crystals can be admired in the Fluorite Museum.

North of Dreislar is the rest area "Im Schwinkel". With a water-treading basin, barefoot path, massage trees, and relaxation loungers, the area invites you to a well-deserved break and relaxation. Here, the circular route meets the Sauerland-Höhenflug, which offers further wonderful panoramic views of the Medebach Bay designated as a European bird sanctuary.