Kahler Asten

The Kahler Asten near Winterberg is the best-known mountain in the Sauerland, the hilly, forested region east of Germany's Ruhr cities. At 2,762 feet (841.9 m), it is the second-highest peak in North Rhine-Westphalia, crowned by the stone Astenturm tower with a weather station, a hotel and a small natural history exhibit. A road runs all the way to the top, so you can enjoy its rare upland heath and wide views without a long hike.

Why visit the Kahler Asten

The summit is covered by a protected upland heath, a nature reserve since 1965, kept open by grazing sheep and careful management. The climate is famously rough for a mountain of this height: about 56 inches (1,420 mm) of precipitation a year and snow cover on roughly 120 days. Fog is common, but on clear days the view stretches far across the Rothaar Mountains.

Near the top rises the Lenne River, whose spring at about 825 m is the highest in northwestern Germany. The river flows 80 miles (129 km) to join the Ruhr at Hagen.

The Astenturm

Work on the first tower began in 1884, and after a storm destroyed the unfinished structure, it opened in 1895. Artillery fire nearly destroyed it in April 1945; repairs lasted until 1955, and it was renovated in 2006. A weather station has operated in the tower since 1918 and has run automatically since 2016. Today the building also houses a hotel with a tower restaurant and a branch of the LWL Natural History Museum. Climbing the tower costs about €1 during the hotel's opening hours, according to regional tourism listings; call ahead to confirm current times.

Things to do

• Walk the heath trail: A loop of about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) starts at the tower and takes around 20 minutes.
• Hike the Rothaarsteig: This long-distance trail is one of more than 20 routes crossing the summit.
• Ski in winter: The mountain is part of the Winterberg ski area, one of the best-known winter sports areas in Germany's low mountain ranges.

How to get to the Kahler Asten

• By car: It is the highest point in North Rhine-Westphalia reachable on a paved road, with parking at the tower. Winterberg is about 2 hours from Cologne and about 1.5 hours from Dortmund.
• By train: Regional trains run to Winterberg station; from there continue by bus, bike or on foot.
• Nearest airports: Dortmund and Paderborn/Lippstadt.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you are exploring the Sauerland or Winterberg. It is a quick, easy outing with a historic tower, unusual heathland and, in winter, rime-frosted trees. Pair it with the Winterberg bobsled track or a section of the Rothaarsteig.