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Vacation rentals in Balve.
A small Sauerland town in the romantic Hönne valley, built around the vast Balver Höhle cave and surrounded by hiking routes.
The difference
A host wants $1,161. Here’s what it costs.
The host keeps their full price. The displayed total includes a 3.9% cost contribution for Stripe payment fees and refunds. BookNoFees earns nothing from it.
Take a simple example: an owner who wants to earn $1,161 for a week.
| What each platform takes | Airbnb | Booking.com | BookNoFees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform commission | 15.5% | 15%–25% | 0% |
| Payment processing & protection | included | contract-specific | 3.9% |
| Owner keepson a $1,161 listing | $981 | $871–$987 | $1,161 |
| Guest paysfor $1,161 to reach the owner | $1,374 | $1,366–$1,548 | $1,207 |
Over 18 weeks let, that is more than $2,903 a year in this example — money that stays with the guest or reaches the owner.
Rates checked in September 2026. Under its single-fee structure, Airbnb charges most hosts 15.5%; Airbnb says other hosts typically pay between 14% and 16%. Exceptions depend on country and account type. Booking.com sets the commission rate in each accommodation agreement, and visibility programmes may increase it. This worked example uses a possible range of 15% to 25%. If Booking.com facilitates payment, the applicable payment terms and transaction cost are contract-specific. Our 3.9% cost contribution is included in the displayed total and contributes towards Stripe payment fees and refunds. BookNoFees earns nothing from it. Nothing is added at checkout and nothing is deducted from the owner. Fee models can change, so please check each platform’s current terms. Sources: Airbnb Help Center and Booking.com General Delivery Terms.
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Places to stay in Balve
All-in priceBalveWaldLoft Dream Vacation Rental1 bedroom · 3 guestsfrom $97View stay →
All-in priceBalveROBINSON Dream Vacation Rental1 bedroom · 3 guestsfrom $97View stay →Growing
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Food and drink nearby
Restaurants and cafés in Balve
Genuss-Bäckerei Tillmann · Genuss-Diele Tillmann · Alibabas Grill · Dreikönigsgrill · Balver Grillstübchen · La Pizza Noemi
Nearby
Things to see near Balve
Balver Höhle · Luisenhütte Wocklum · Hönnetal
About Balve
Staying in Balve
Balve sits in the Hönne valley (Hönnetal) in the Märkischer Kreis, part of the Sauerland uplands of western Germany. Its landmark is the Balver Höhle, described as Europe's largest open-hall cultural cave: a tunnel-like limestone hall with one of Germany's biggest cave portals, used since the 1980s as a concert and festival venue for everything from folk and rock to the town's traditional Schützenfest. It is also a significant Palaeolithic archaeological site. Around town you will find the Hönnetal, one of North Rhine-Westphalia's most cave-rich valleys, plus the Luisenhütte in Wocklum, one of Europe's oldest preserved blast furnaces, now a technology museum. Walkers follow the Sauerland Waldroute and shorter circular trails from the cave; cyclists roll out from the Luisenhütte through beech woods. Late spring through early autumn suits hiking, festivals and the mild valley weather best. A car helps you reach trailheads and neighbouring towns, though the Hönnetalbahn rail line also serves Balve. It suits nature lovers, hikers, cyclists and culture-minded travellers wanting a quiet base.
Good to know
Vacation rentals in Balve — FAQ
What is the Balver Höhle and can you visit it?
It is a large natural limestone cave hall in the Hönne valley, widely called Europe's largest open-hall cultural cave. It hosts concerts, festivals and the local Schützenfest through the year, and its striking portal and surroundings are a draw even outside event days. Check current event and access details before you go.
How do I get to Balve and do I need a car?
Balve lies in the Sauerland, reachable by road from the wider Ruhr and Dortmund area. The Hönnetalbahn rail line connects it toward Menden, Fröndenberg and Neuenrade. A car is useful for reaching trailheads, the Luisenhütte and nearby towns, but the town centre and cave are walkable.
When is the best time to visit Balve?
Late spring to early autumn is ideal for hiking, cycling and the valley's festival season, including events staged in the Balver Höhle. Summer is liveliest; spring and autumn are quieter and good for walking. Winters are cooler and calmer.
What is there to do besides the cave?
Hike the Sauerland Waldroute and circular trails through the cave-rich Hönnetal, cycle from the Luisenhütte Wocklum, tour that historic blast-furnace museum and the nearby prehistory museum, and take day trips to Hemer, Menden, Sundern and Arnsberg.
How does booking on BookNoFees work?
Choose a Balve stay and message the host through BookNoFees. For a booking request, Stripe first places a card hold for the full amount; the host has 48 hours to accept, and only then is the amount captured. Instant Book is charged immediately after Stripe confirms payment.
What costs does BookNoFees include?
BookNoFees deducts no commission from the amount set by the host. The displayed total includes a 3.9% cost contribution for Stripe payment fees and refunds, and BookNoFees earns nothing from it. Nothing is added at checkout.
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