Converted from an old monastery into a castle for the Count of Waldeck. Our Queen Emma was also born here. Bad Arolsen therefore plays an important role in the history of our royal family and is thus included in the Orange Route for good reason. Opening hours: from May to September from 10.00 – 16.00. In April and October from 10.00-15.00. The castle is closed on Mondays. From November to March: only guided tours on Saturdays at 11.00. Price: adults € 5 p.p. Children up to 14 years € 1.50 p.p. For your navigation system: Schloss strasse 27, Bad Arolsen.

Waldeck Castle was the castle of the counts of Waldeck before they moved to Schloss Arolsen in Bad Arolsen. When the castle was no longer inhabited, it was used as a prison. Today the castle is used as a hotel and museum. From the Edersee you can take the cable car to the city and Waldeck Castle, from where you have a magnificent view of the Edersee. You can take your bicycle up there for a small fee. Open: daily from 9.30 to 18.30. For your navigation system: Schloss Strasse 1, Waldeck.

Located in the Ebbe Mountains Nature Park in the Olpe region, this town is an important starting point for many places of interest. The village itself is located in a beautiful wooded area. Nearby is the largest reservoir in the Sauerland: Biggesee. You can also visit the stalactite caves of Attendorn. So plenty to do!

Bad Berleburg has become famous for its low-allergy climate. At the centre of the historic village is Bad Berleburg Castle (also known as Wittgenstein Castle) with half-timbered houses with slate roofs at the foot of it. This castle is definitely worth a visit. Bad Berleburg is one of the first places you can visit on the Orange Route.

Bad Wünnenberg is located on the northern edge of the Sauerland, amidst extensive forests. It is surrounded by rolling hills and open fields, which offers nature lovers a varied landscape. Whether you are looking for well-known centres such as Willingen (29 km) and Winterberg (25 km) or the more unknown Sauerland, the choice is yours, as both the Hochsauerland and the Waldeckerland can be reached within half an hour. The beautiful reservoir and the famous Diemelsee (12 km) are also more than worth a visit.

Paderborn, highly recommended!!!!!! An atmospheric Diocese city that has existed for 1200 years. The centre is located around the “Paderborn Cathedral”. Here you will find various clothing and souvenir shops and other cosy shops where you can buy all kinds of gadgets. The centre consists of a mix of very beautiful, restored historic buildings. The combination of the different architectural styles provides a special and distinct effect. Moreover, you will find the better and larger shops in Paderborn.

In addition to boat trips, sailing and surfing lessons are also possible here. We are happy to call for you at the reception to check availability. You can also rent a sailboat to sail on the lake for a few hours. Cycling? The environment is well suited for that as well. Boat trip price: adults € 7 p.p. Children € 3.50 p.p. For your navigation system: Möhnestrasse, 59519 Möhnesee Distance from Schlosshotel Sophia: 45 km.

High above Detmold is the landmark of the city and the Teutoburg Forest, the Hermannsdenkmal. The monument commemorates the victory over the Romans in 9 AD here somewhere in the Teutoburg Forest. The monument, which is approximately 54 metres high, is now a popular sight and also offers a wonderful view of Detmold, Lippe and the Teutoburg Forest. For sporty visitors, the Teuto climbing park is located on the edge of the monument, which offers a lot of adventure and fun for young and old with different levels of difficulty. Open: During summer, daily from 9.30 – 18.30 – During winter, daily from 9.30 – 16.00 For your navigation system: Grotenburg 50, 32758 Detmold.

In the new ‘Sudhaus’, built in September 2006, you will see the film “Willingen and his Brauhaus”. Then you will see how the Willinger Landbier is brewed according to the rules dating from 1516. After the tour (about 1 hour) you have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Willinger Land beer in the Hopfenstube or the Brau-hausstube. Price: € 5 p.p. Open: Mondays through Fridays from 10.30. For your navigation system: In den Kämpen 2, 34508 Willingen www.willinger-brauhaus.de Afstand vanaf Schlosshotel Sophia: 28 km.

The glass Quax-Hangar at the airport Paderborn-Lippstadt, opened at the end of May, is a true eye-catcher (1800 m²). Visitors can enjoy historic aircraft here in unique exhibition spaces. You can also see members of the Quax Association working on their Oldtimers. The highlight is the long-awaited panorama terrace; from here you can watch planes taking off and landing. Enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere and let the friendly staff spoil you in our new gastronomy “Triebwerk”. The aircraft-style bistro with direct access to the terrace serves as a café, bar and restaurant. Pay us a visit and see for yourself! Open: daily from 10.00 – 18.00. For your navigation system: Flughafenstr. 33, 33142 Büren.