Lörmecketal - Lörmecke Valley between Warstein and Rüthen

The present-day character of the Lörmecke valley results from the area’s special geological conditions and the historical land-use methods. The extensive limestone massif was progressively eroded away by the acidic water of the stream until a lengthy stretch of the fissure and cave system finally collapsed. The collapse valley in the "Hoher Stein" area is a particularly impressive formation. The "Hohler Stein" cave also shows the power of the Lörmecke water.

The lower Lörmecke is a valley with two faces. On the western side of the valley grow ancient, stately deciduous forests, mainly consisting of Beech trees. The forest on the eastern side of the valley is, however, younger. Less than 100 years ago, these slopes were free of forest, as they were grazed by the goats of the nearby village of Kallenhardt. At the "Hohen Stein", a particularly beautiful section of this historically-evolved cultural landscape has been preserved. The Beech forests are at their best in spring when Hollowroot Birthwort, Yellow Anemone and other spring flowers are in bloom. The grazed slopes at the Hoher Stein come alive in spring and summer with the colours of countless pasture-land flowers. Several species of orchid also occur in this area.