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Vacation rentals in Sauerland.
Germany's green low-mountain playground of reservoir lakes, winter-sports peaks and long-distance trails.
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.
Stay here
Places to stay in Sauerland
All-in priceSundernBoho Haus Sorpesee Vacation Home with Private Sauna3 bedrooms · 6 guestsfrom $422View stay →
All-in priceBalveROBINSON Dream Vacation Rental1 bedroom · 3 guestsfrom $97View stay →
All-in priceBalveWaldLoft Dream Vacation Rental1 bedroom · 3 guestsfrom $97View stay →Growing
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Food and drink nearby
Restaurants and cafés in Sauerland
Gaststätte Lesvos Grill · Genuss-Bäckerei Tillmann · Genuss-Diele Tillmann · Alibabas Grill · Dreikönigsgrill · Balver Grillstübchen
About Sauerland
Staying in Sauerland
The Sauerland spreads across western Germany, mostly in North Rhine-Westphalia with a corner reaching into Hesse, a rolling landscape of wooded low mountains, deep valleys and big man-made lakes. Those reservoirs give the region its summer pulse: the Sorpesee near Sundern, the sprawling Möhnesee with its long shoreline, the Biggesee between Olpe and Attendorn, and the Hennesee at Meschede all draw swimmers, sailors, surfers and paddlers, with lakeside promenades and cycle paths for gentler days. Higher up, Winterberg and Willingen turn the seasons around — ski and toboggan slopes and cross-country loops in winter, downhill bike parks and hiking in summer, with the Rothaarsteig long-distance trail threading the ridges. Between lakes and peaks sit show caves like the Atta cave at Attendorn and the vast Balver Höhle, quiet market towns such as Schmallenberg and Brilon, and endless forest paths. It is an active, family-friendly, four-season region.
Good to know
Vacation rentals in Sauerland — FAQ
Which lake should we pick for a summer stay?
It depends on the pace you want. The Sorpesee near Sundern and the Hennesee at Meschede are on the smaller, calmer side and good for families wanting space to swim and stroll. The Möhnesee has a long shoreline with several lidos and lots of cycling, while the Biggesee between Olpe and Attendorn is the largest reservoir in the area and popular for sailing and boat trips.
Is the Sauerland good for winter sports?
Yes. Winterberg and Willingen are the main winter hubs, with ski and snowboard slopes, toboggan runs, cross-country loops and winter walking trails when there is snow. As a low-mountain region snow cover varies from season to season, so it is worth checking current conditions before you travel.
What is there to do besides the lakes and skiing?
Plenty. The Rothaarsteig and other long-distance trails cross the ridges for hikers, Winterberg and Willingen have downhill bike parks for mountain bikers, and show caves like the Atta cave at Attendorn and the huge Balver Höhle make good rainy-day trips. The Kahler Asten, the region's highest point, is a classic viewpoint. Market towns such as Schmallenberg and Brilon add cafés, shops and history.
Do we need a car in the Sauerland?
A car is genuinely useful here. The lakes, ski areas, caves and trailheads are spread across a rural landscape and having your own wheels makes it easy to move between them. Trains do reach towns like Winterberg, Brilon and Meschede, so a car-free base near a station is possible for a walking-focused trip, but for a lake-and-mountain holiday most visitors drive.
When is the best time to visit?
It is a genuine four-season region. Summer is peak time for the reservoirs — swimming, sailing, paddling and lakeside cycling — and for hiking the trails. Winter draws snow-sports visitors to Winterberg and Willingen. Spring and autumn are quieter and lovely for walking in the forests.
How does booking direct on BookNoFees save us money?
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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