Schmallenberg

Schmallenberg is a town in the Hochsauerland district, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It lies in the Sauerland region, at the northern edge of the Rothaargebirge, along the Lenne river. Schmallenberg serves as the administrative center of the Schmallenberg municipality, which comprises several villages and localities.

The area has medieval origins and was incorporated into larger municipal structures during the 1970s reforms in North Rhine-Westphalia, forming Schmallenberg as a single town that includes districts such as Niedersfeld, Bad Fredeburg, Grafschaft, and Alt-Schmallenberg. The town acts as a local government and service center for surrounding communities.

Economy and environment: Schmallenberg sits in a heavily forested, hilly landscape typical of the Sauerland. The local economy is driven by tourism, forestry, and small-scale manufacturing. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with hiking and cycling networks, and Niedersfeld offering a winter resort area with nearby ski opportunities.

Notable facts: The Schmallenberg name is also associated with the Schmallenberg virus, identified in cattle in 2011 in the region, named after Schmallenberg.

Transport and culture: The town is connected by regional roads and regional rail services in the Hochsauerland area, with access to larger motorways in the adjacent districts. Schmallenberg has traditional Sauerland architecture, and hosts local festivals and markets that reflect the rural culture of the region.