Hiking tip: Ettelsberg-Mühlenkopfschanze circular trail

You begin your hike at the visitor center (tourist information). From here, walk 500 meters straight ahead above the Sauerland Stern Hotel (on the street "Vor den Weiden") to the valley station of the Ettelsberg cable car. You only need a ticket for the ascent. And off you go, comfortably uphill in the panoramic cabin (no problem with strollers, walkers, and dogs).

For those who prefer a more athletic approach or are afraid of heights, the mountain can of course be climbed on foot. To do so, follow the road uphill towards the "Zum Wilddieb" mountain inn right from the start. Once you reach the bend at the top, take the switchback path uphill. Allow approximately 45 minutes for this.

You have now arrived at the mountain station. From here, after enjoying the view from the Hochheide Tower, of course, walk to the right past the tower and the mountain lake. After about 400 meters, you will reach the Kyrill Trail. A little further on, you will come to the Große Grube, a rest area with benches and a shelter. From here, take the path to the left of the shelter towards the Mühlenkopf ski jump. After about 1,5 km, you will reach the inrun tower of the world's largest ski jump (admission: €2,00 per person, lift included). From the top, experience the same view as the best ski jumpers who demonstrate their skills there once a year during the Ski Jumping World Cup.

Afterwards, you can either take the funicular down 120 meters to the valley floor and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the park, or continue along the path gently downhill through the forest. After the sharp right-hand bend, turn left onto the forest nature trail (CAUTION: Not suitable for strollers), then follow the road "Am Tiasbusch" for a short distance. Now simply follow the W1 hiking trail: It will lead you past the Ettelsberger Hof and below the wildlife and leisure park back to the visitor center.

If you wish to skip the forest nature trail, simply continue along the path past the Romantikhotel Stryckhaus and down Mühlenkopfstraße until you reach the hiking trail opposite the "Forsthaus" restaurant on the left. Willingen To get there, if you take the funicular down, keep left and you will also reach Mühlenkopfstraße, at the lowest point of which the hiking trail begins. Willingen The path begins. It leads for 2 km idyllically parallel to the Itterbach stream, past the Strycksee lake, to the adventure golf course at the viaduct. Straight ahead, the path continues into the town center with its restaurants and shops; a short distance to the left and then uphill to the right brings you back to the lagoon pool/visitor center.

Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, backpack provisions and sufficient fluids (water, tea) are recommended.

www.willingen.de/wandern

Fantastic view from the Hochheideturm tower on the Ettelsberg! A lift takes you comfortably to the viewing platform; admission is free.

hiking map Willingen/Diemelsee & Trekkingpark Sauerland, scale 1:25.000, mr-kartographie, Gotha, ISBN 978-3-86636-923-8