Olpe(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Olpe, the top-rated hotel is Hotel am Stadtpark, a boutique property located just steps from the historic Old Town Square and near the ruins of Alt-Olpe Castle. Its modern yet rustic design blends comfort with local charm, offering panoramic views of the surrounding greenery. For a more traditional experience, Gasthof Römer provides authentic North Rhine-Westphalia cuisine and cozy rooms within a centuries-old building. Both offer excellent value and are ideal for exploring Olpe’s cultural heritage and scenic trails.

The city center of Olpe is the best area for staying, as it's close to key landmarks like the Town Hall, St. Martinus Church, and the Old Market Square. The district is pedestrian-friendly, safe, and surrounded by cafés, boutiques, and local eateries. From here, you can easily reach nearby nature trails such as Hagenwald Forest within 10 minutes by car or bus. With excellent public transport links, the city center balances convenience, history, and authentic local atmosphere.

Yes, Familienhotel Waldheim is one of the most recommended family-friendly hotels in Olpe. It features a dedicated children’s playroom, outdoor sandpit, and themed family rooms. The hotel also offers a small on-site animal garden where kids can interact with goats and rabbits. Located just 500 meters from the Olpe Children’s Museum, it provides free shuttle service and serves organic breakfasts with fresh bread and house-made jams—perfect for a relaxed, enriching family getaway.

One must-try cultural experience is the annual Mittelalterfest (Medieval Festival) held in the Old Town Square, where locals dress in period costumes and sell handmade crafts, leather goods, and regional delicacies. You can also join guided tours of the Alt-Olpe Castle Ruins, uncovering stories from the 13th century. Evening events include bonfires, folk music performances, and traditional dances—immersing visitors in the rich medieval heritage of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Near Olpe, Hagenwald Forest is a premier destination for hiking and nature lovers, with over 12 km of well-marked trails through ancient woods and along streams. In spring, wild cherry blossoms and tulips bloom across the forest floor. Another hidden gem is Eichbergsee Lake, perfect for boating, fishing, and lakeside picnics. Both locations are accessible by bus in under 30 minutes from Olpe’s town center, making them ideal for short escapes into nature.

Olpe’s culinary highlight is Sauerbraten mit Kartoffelpuffer—slow-braised beef served with tangy gravy and crispy potato pancakes. Another must-try is the Schwarzbrot und Käseplatte, featuring locally baked dark rye bread paired with artisanal goat cheese and homemade jam. These dishes are best enjoyed at Gasthaus Römer or Brauerei Hohenberg, both renowned for preserving traditional recipes passed down for generations.

Don’t miss the Alt-Olpe Castle Ruins, remnants of a 13th-century fortress that once protected the region. Though now in ruins, its stone walls and towers offer stunning views and insight into medieval architecture. Nearby, St. Martinus Church, built in the 18th century, features exquisite Baroque frescoes and an original pipe organ. Both sites are centrally located and easily accessible on foot, offering a deep dive into Olpe’s layered history.

Absolutely. Olpe is a hiker’s paradise, especially along the Olpe-Waldweg trail leading into the Erbetal Valley. This 4-km path winds through lush forests, beside clear streams, and past scenic viewpoints—ideal for a half-day adventure. Starting from Olpe Train Station, the route is well-signed and includes rest benches and picnic areas. With minimal elevation gain and excellent signage, it’s perfect for families and beginners alike.

Olpe shines in artisan markets and independent boutiques. Every Saturday, the Olpe Handwerkermarkt transforms the Old Town Square into a hub of local craftsmanship—featuring pottery, hand-carved woodwork, and textile art. Visit Kunsthandwerk Olpe for curated selections of original glass sculptures, embroidery, and handmade soaps—all made by regional artists. Ideal souvenirs include wool scarves with the city’s coat of arms or locally crafted candles.

Transportation in Olpe is highly convenient. The town is served by Regionalbahn trains from major cities like Düsseldorf and Münster, reaching Olpe Train Station in 30–50 minutes. Within the city, a circular bus network connects all major sights and accommodations. Car-free zones in the historic center encourage walking or cycling, with multiple public bike rental stations. For drivers, large parking lots like Parkplatz am Stadtpark provide easy access to key attractions.