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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Germany

Air Travel to Sauerland

Major Airports Serving Sauerland

Several airports provide access to the Sauerland region, each offering different advantages. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany's largest, with global connections, 2.5-3.5 hours drive from Sauerland.

Airport Options

  • Dortmund Airport (DTM): Closest to northern Sauerland (1-1.5 hrs drive), mostly European flights.
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): Good range of European flights (1.5-2 hrs drive).
  • Düsseldorf Airport (DUS): Major international hub (1.5-2 hrs drive).

Airlines & Transfers

DUS, CGN, and DTM see service from major European airlines (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair, and easyJet). Frankfurt (FRA) operates as a main hub for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners.

Transfer Options to Sauerland

  • Train (Deutsche Bahn - DB): Excellent connections from all major airports. Use DB Navigator app.
  • Car Rental: Highly recommended for flexibility; major international companies at airports. Book early.
  • Taxi/Ride-share: Taxis are expensive for long distances. Uber not widely available in Sauerland.

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club offers flight deals. Skyscanner helps find affordable flights.

Car Rental

DiscoverCars.com for comparing and booking car rentals.

Mobile Data

Airalo provides eSIMs for international mobile data.

Flight Pricing and Availability

Peak Season

  • Highest prices: Summer (July-August).
  • Highest prices: Christmas and New Year holidays.
  • Reflects peak demand for leisure and family visits.
  • Book early for better rates.

Shoulder Season

  • Better value: April-May and September-October.
  • Pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Better deals for flight and accommodation.
  • Check global connections to Frankfurt (FRA) or Düsseldorf (DUS) airports.

Airport Services

Facilities

Major German airports provide extensive facilities. These include car rental counters, direct train stations, shops, restaurants, and lounges.

Currency

Currency exchange and ATMs are available. Using an ATM for cash withdrawals often yields better rates than airport exchange kiosks.

VAT Refunds

VAT Refund Offices are available at major international airports for non-EU travelers.

Land Transportation to Sauerland

Train Connections

Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates the national rail network. Sauerland is served by regional train lines (Regional-Express, Regionalbahn).

Train Services

  • Regional Trains: Connect towns within Sauerland (Winterberg, Arnsberg) to larger cities (Dortmund, Hagen).
  • ICE Trains: High-speed rail. Take ICE to a gateway city (Dortmund, Hagen), then transfer to a regional train.
  • DB Navigator app: Indispensable for schedules, routes, and tickets.

Bus Options & Self-Driving

FlixBus is the dominant long-distance bus operator in Germany. Services connect major German cities to some towns in Sauerland. While generally more affordable than train tickets, bus journeys can be slower and connections may be less direct.

Self-Driving Considerations

  • Valid driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU citizens.
  • Excellent road network, including Autobahn (some sections no speed limit, advisory 130 km/h).
  • Winter tires are legally mandatory in snowy or icy conditions.

Train Travel

Efficient, comfortable, often scenic routes, environmentally conscious. Limited direct connections to very small towns.

Bus Travel

Generally more affordable than train tickets, some direct routes to larger towns. Slower travel times, less frequent services.

Car Travel

Ultimate flexibility, direct access to remote attractions, convenient for carrying luggage. Higher cost, navigating unfamiliar roads, winter driving challenges.

Driving Safety & Laws

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Speed limits strictly enforced (50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural).
  • Winter tires are legally mandatory in snowy or icy conditions.
  • Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
  • Wildlife crossings on rural roads (dawn/dusk).

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland Region

Sauerland is an inland region; direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable for reaching the destination.

Water Activities

  • The region's lakes are mainly for recreational use.
  • Not for transport into the region itself.
  • Travelers arrive by air or land.

Important Note

Sauerland's geography, characterized by mountains, forests, and lakes, positions it away from major navigable rivers or coastal access points.

Direct Access

  • The mountainous terrain naturally limits water-based transportation.
  • Visitors typically rely on air or land routes for regional access.
  • Planning focuses on road and rail connections from Germany's major transport hubs.

No Sea Access

Sauerland is landlocked within Germany.

No River Transport

Rivers are for recreation, not regional transport.

Air & Land Access

Main access methods are by airplane or ground transport.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

There are no specific exit fees or taxes imposed upon leaving Germany or the Schengen Area.

Included in Tickets

  • Your airfare or other travel tickets typically include all necessary taxes and fees.
  • This applies to departures from any German airport within the Schengen Area.
  • No additional fees are collected at the point of departure.

Departure Procedures & Timing

For international flights (outside the Schengen Area), arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. For domestic or Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.

Airport/Station Facilities

  • Allow extra time during peak travel seasons or major holidays.
  • Major airports and train stations offer check-in counters and efficient security screening.
  • Duty-Free Shops for last-minute souvenir shopping or purchasing goods after security.

Departure Checklist

Reconfirm Flight Status

Check online for any delays or gate changes.

VAT Refunds

Process tax refunds on eligible purchases at major international airports.

Amenities

Various restaurants, cafes, and airline lounges are available for travelers.

Final Check Before Departure

Before heading to the airport for departure, reconfirm your flight status online. This helps you stay informed about any delays or gate changes, saving you time and stress.