Assinghausen: Germany’s ‘Rose Village’ in the Sauerland is a Must-Visit
Assinghausen, a village of approximately 650 residents nestled in the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has been recognized as one of the 15 most beautiful villages in Germany, according to an ADAC overview from 2025. The village, located roughly 93 miles from Cologne, is renowned for its extensive rose gardens and well-preserved half-timbered houses.
Assinghausen first gained national recognition in 1989, winning the nationwide competition ‘Unser Dorf soll schöner werden’ (Our Village Should Be More Beautiful), now known as ‘Unser Dorf hat Zukunft’ (Our Village Has a Future). This achievement earned the village the title of ‘Bundesgolddorf’ (Federal Gold Village). In 2006, the Deutsche Rosengesellschaft e.V. (German Rose Society) further honored Assinghausen by awarding it the title of ‘Rosendorf’ (Rose Village), acknowledging the central role roses play in the village’s identity.
Today, over 150 different rose varieties bloom in the gardens, front yards, and public spaces of Assinghausen. Visitors can explore these floral displays along four designated ‘Rosenwege’ (Rose Paths), with guided tours available for rose enthusiasts. The combination of vibrant roses and historic architecture creates a picturesque setting that attracts tourists.
Despite its small size, Assinghausen offers a range of accommodations, including hotels and holiday apartments. Local restaurants, such as the ‘Kettler’ and ‘Zur Höhe’ guesthouses, provide traditional German cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.
Assinghausen is accessible by car via the A1, A46, A4 and B55 highways. Public transportation options are more complex, requiring travel to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, then a connecting train to Bigge, followed by an S-Bahn to Wulmeringhausen, and finally a 20-minute walk to the village.
The village’s success in cultivating hardy rose varieties demonstrates the adaptability of these plants to the climate of the Sauerland, a region known for its cold winters. The Sauerland.com website highlights Assinghausen as a nature conservation area and natural monument.