Kahler Asten
A bare upland summit with a weather station that has recorded the region's lowest temperatures since 1918.
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The Kahler Asten reaches 841 metres in the Rothaargebirge and is among the highest points in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its name means bare Asten: the top is heath and bog rather than forest, kept open historically by grazing and burning and now maintained as a nature reserve for its upland plants. A weather station has operated here since 1918 and the summit is regularly the coldest and snowiest place named in German forecasts, which has made the name familiar nationally. An observation tower of 1900 stands beside it. Winterberg below is one of Germany's main winter sports centres with a bobsleigh track.
What you actually see
- The bare summit - heath and bog kept open above the tree line's natural level.
- The weather station - operating since 1918 and quoted in national forecasts.
- The 1900 tower - an observation tower with views over the Sauerland.
- The upland reserve - protected moorland plants on the plateau.
When to go
May to October for walking and the moorland flora; December to March for snow, when Winterberg's lifts operate. The summit is exposed and often in cloud.
Honest expectations
The summit is developed with a road, car park and buildings. Cloud and wind are frequent. The reserve restricts walking to marked paths.
Nearby
Winterberg lies below; the Atta cave is west.
What to pack for Kahler Asten
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
