Hiking in Willingen

661 meter high, panoramic mountain top on the Rothaarsteig between Brilon-Wald and Olsberg-Elleringhausen - Duration: approx. 2 hours

This trail is one of 43 places of the soul in the Sauerland that the author Michael Gleich has experienced and described with various local and regional hiking guides. A hiking trail that is so varied: After leaving the wide forest road, the trail goes uphill on narrow paths between dark green mossy boulders on soft forest floor and further uphill over rocky passages. Here you walk on parts of the Rothaarsteig and the Briloner Kammweg. Gleich describes the sublime nature of the "migration of the soul": "Finally, we emerge from the forest and reach the exposed northern peak of the Ginsterkopf. Distant view, we can set our gaze to infinity. To the southwest, the Bruchhauser Steiner, huge volcanic rocks, rise out of the sea of ​​waves of the treetops."

I enjoy the hike on this path on the way back from work in the office in Willingen. "Up here you only meet a few hikers. If I'm really looking for silence, then I go here. On this path I can let my soul dangle and clear my head. As I go up, everyday worries fall away and as I look into the distance I come up with completely new thoughts. It's what makes the soul place."

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Experience untouched nature with high heaths, moors, orchid meadows, fields and forests, climb the highest mountain in the Hochsauerland and also in North Rhine-Westphalia, the 843 m high Langenberg. You will also find boundary stones from times long past as well as historical sites such as the execution site or the medieval ramparts of the Schwalenburg.

Our tip: The entire Uplandsteig can be easily managed with 3 day tours (22 km each).

THE PATH OF THE SENSES: The Rothaarsteig is a 154 km long popular quality hiking trail that grounds the senses, mind and soul in the middle of Germany. There is no way around the Rothaarsteig if you are a fan of stage hiking. Far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you can enjoy the wealth of views on one of the Top Trails of Germany.

The Rothaarsteig runs north-south over the ridge of the Rothaar Mountains. The starting point is Brilon on the north-eastern edge of the Sauerland. Over the Langenberg (highest mountain in NRW), the trail leads past the source of the Ruhr to Winterberg and the Kahler Asten. Here in the source area of ​​the Lenne, the second large river in the Sauerland, the Rothaarsteig turns west and runs south of Schmallenberg to the Rhein-Weser-Turm. From here it goes south again through the Rothaarvorhöhen into the Hilchenbacher Winkel and further into the source area of ​​the Lahn, Sieg and Eder above Netphen. Via the Haincher Höhe the Rothaarsteig finally heads for its destination, the Orange town of Dillenburg with the imposing Wilhelmsturm.

Our tip: The Rothaarsteig can be wonderfully hiked in stages (approx. 20 - 25 km each way) - also from Willingen.

THE "TRACES OF LIFE" REFLECTION PATH: Pilgrimage paths are trendy. The Upland reflection path is a 17.1 km long small pilgrimage path on which you can reflect on your own life's traces.

The pilgrimage path leads in four sections on a well-signposted circular hiking path and invites you to reflect and reflect with various reflection stations on the way signs. The pilgrimage path is made up of beautiful landscapes and untouched nature. Use the time to find yourself again.

Our tip: Take a break in the Schwalefeld pilgrimage church and the "Light Church on the Way" in Rattlar.

ON A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY ON THE SUBJECT OF MILK: Embark on a journey with Helma the cow, the mascot of the Upländer Bauernmolkerei, who accompanies you on this tour through the Diemeltal and tells you interesting facts about milk and agriculture at individual stations. The route has a total length of around 6 km, which families with children need around 3.5 hours for. There is a lot to discover on the hike. You walk past 8 interactive stations plus information boards, start at the Usseln tourist information center and end at the Upländer Bauernmolkerei, where there is a little surprise at the end when the children have solved the accompanying quiz. In the immediate vicinity of the Diemelquelle is the Graf-Stolberg-Hütte with the option of stopping for a break, as well as other shelters and rest areas along the way.

Our tip: The entertaining and varied theme trail is ideal for families with children; sturdy shoes and an all-terrain stroller are recommended.

THE RURAL HIKING TRAIL WITH HEART: Discover the Diemelsee, the natural jewel in the Sauerland, near Willingen. On the 63 km long certified quality hiking trail Diemelsteig, you can expect charming landscapes and the untouched nature of the eastern Sauerland on several daily stages. It offers hikers and families alike holiday fun and nature experiences.

The entire route of the Diemelsteig leads comfortably through the green valleys and over the striking mountain ranges of the Diemelsee Nature Park. With 1700 meters of ascent and descent, it is one of the medium-difficulty hiking trails in Germany. The trail opens up the entire region around the Diemelsee as well as the gentle low mountain landscape to the south with its constant change of forests, meadows and fields.

Our tip: The entire Diemelsteig is divided into 4 stages and is very well signposted.

The Göbel's Seehotel directly on the shore of the lake with its beautiful terrace is also ideal for a stopover, refreshment or stay.