Habichtswaldsteig Extra Tour H7 "In the Land of Giants"

This excellent tour leads along natural paths through deep beech forests and dark coniferous forests, along scenic forest edges, and past historical sites. It's perfect for leisurely hikers and for forest walkers seeking inspiration. Sometimes, feelings long thought lost are awakened – when wolves and lynx still stalked our forests, when forests were still the source of legends and fairy tales.

Streams gurgle through the forests, exuding a sense of freshness. Whether they originate at the Lazarusborn, flow through the Johannesgrund, or are dammed to form the Stöcketeich, all streams seem to have a story to tell. The paths that mediate between the worlds are enchanting, continually emerging from the forest and offering views of the historic cultural landscape.

These are views like the one of Wolfhagen, whose romantic half-timbered backdrop is dominated by the tower of St. Anne's Church. Fairytale forest scenes accompany the hiker. Rustic and mighty trees – oaks and beeches – seem to gather here. In the face of these ancient giants, the pondering observer becomes only too aware of his own importance. At the abandoned quarry, the memories even take on geological dimensions. Traces of dinosaurs that lived here millions of years ago have been found in the petrified sand.

The extra tour leads past the Huguenot village of Leckringhausen, through Ippinghausen, past Weidelsburg and Höhnscheid Castle.

Fairytale:
Sandstone quarry, old grazing trees, Weidelsburg, Höhnscheid Castle

Natural history:
Low mountain stream, orchard meadow, natural beech forest

Connection to Wolfhagen train station: Length 4 km.

Near Ippinghausen, spruce trees were removed and a new oak forest was planted. This area is newly marked.