Wanderregion Familie

Family-Friendly Community 2025: Lennestadt

Ongoing Commitment to Family-Friendly Policies

Text last updated: 2026-10-08

To ensure equivalent living conditions in all 43 districts

Lennestadt, with a population of about 25,000, is located in the heart of the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park and, as the most populous municipality in the Olpe district, comprises 43 villages. While the region was once primarily characterized by mining and the metalworking industry, outdoor tourism has also gained importance in Lennestadt. Since September 2023, the city—as one of about 20 municipalities throughout Germany—has been permanently designated a “family-friendly municipality.”

Family as a Cross-Cutting Issue in Public Administration

For over ten years, Lennestadt has been certified as a family-friendly municipality and is thus one of the leading municipalities in promoting family-friendly policies. The city’s commitment is also evident in the fact that “family-friendliness” is embedded as a cross-cutting priority within the administration and is coordinated by a steering committee.

In addition to many other initiatives and programs, residents can contribute ideas through regularly held workshops. In one of these workshops, for example, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks related to loneliness in Lennestadt were analyzed, and proposed measures to combat loneliness were developed.

Lennestadt demonstrates how family policy measures can be implemented. The city thinks strategically, connects stakeholders, and develops measures that have a long-term impact. Its family-friendly environment strengthens social cohesion and is a key location factor.

State Award for Family-Friendly Communities 2025

The town’s long-standing participation in the “Family-Friendly Municipality” certification program attests to its ongoing commitment to family-friendliness. Combined with its understanding of family-friendliness as a cross-departmental priority, Lennestadt has won over the jury. Lennestadt was awarded the State Award for Family-Friendly Municipalities 2025 in the “Comprehensive Family Policy Project” category.

Here, we’d like to introduce you to some of the city’s offerings. Further information, links to the project descriptions, and details about the State of North Rhine-Westphalia’s award can be found in the sidebar.

Family-Friendly Activities in Lennestadt

  1. “Together Instead of Alone” – Intergenerational Encounters

    The “Together Instead of Alone” event series brings together families, single parents, seniors, and newcomers—for example, through game afternoons, craft activities, or shared meals. It fosters neighborly interaction and helps families—especially those without a strong social network—to connect with the community.

  2. A wide range of childcare services, including vacation programs

    Lennestadt offers an extensive network of daycare centers with flexible hours—tailored to the needs of working parents. In addition, the city’s summer program (“Ferienspaß”) helps many families by offering children a variety of activities during school breaks—at an affordable price and close to home.

  3. TalVITAL in Saalhausen – Leisure, Exercise, and Socializing for Families

    With a nature-inspired adventure park, a water playground, and plenty of space to play and relax, TalVITAL is an ideal gathering place for families. With no admission fee and easily accessible activities, the park provides a space for shared activities, relaxation, and intergenerational interaction.

  4. A Wide Range of Volunteer Activities

    About 200 clubs, dedicated neighborhoods, village communities, and many individuals shape life in Lennestadt. With great dedication and passion, they organize recreational activities, support those in need, and thereby strengthen the sense of community. The volunteer exchange EiL – Volunteering in Lennestadt connects and supports this valuable commitment.

The Other Award-Winning Municipalities for 2025

The cities of Siegen, Vreden, and Nettersheim were also recognized either for their comprehensive family policy plan or for an innovative individual project.

More Information Activities for Families in Lennestadt

Together Instead of Alone (Flyer: Second Half of 2025)
A wide range of childcare services, including vacation programs
TalVITAL in Saalhausen
EiL – Volunteering in Lennestadt

More Information Video of the winning municipality, Lennestadt

YouTube

This video from Lennestadt vividly illustrates the local community's commitment to family-friendly initiatives.

YouTube

More Information Links for Further Reading

“Families. Communities. Cohesion”: Under this motto, the Ministry of Family Affairs in North Rhine-Westphalia announced the 2025 state award for “Family-Friendly Communities.” Municipalities were invited to apply for the award by submitting their comprehensive family policy plan or an innovative individual project.

State Award for Family-Friendly Communities 2025