The Willinger Loop

Popular circular hike in the Diemelsee Nature Park, Hesse. This circular hike of the German Young Wanderers starts at the train station in Willingen. From there you walk through the city with numerous cafes and shops to the Willingen tourist information center at the lagoon pool and the ice rink. From there you follow the hiking trail in the direction of Stryck and you will soon reach the world's largest ski jump "Mühlenkopfschanze" (www.weltcupschanze-willingen.de). The inrun tower can be reached by funicular or on foot. With the lift to the top of the tower you can experience the unique view of the valley and feel like a ski jumper. You now follow the marking W6 slowly rising through the idyllic Ittertal with two inviting rest areas. You change to the Uplandweg X15 and come to a path to the Uplandsteig. Now it goes straight up the hill to the dead man, a fork in the road. Shortly afterwards you reach the Hillekopfhütte with a rest area at an altitude of 788 m. This is a popular resting place for Uplandsteig, Rothaarsteig and Sauerland high-altitude hikers. At the top it goes through the forest to the next rest stop at the Streithütte. You now follow the marking W6 to the Hochheideturm. From here you have a wonderful view over the highlands and the adventure playground invites you to relax or you can try your skills on the two small climbing rocks. After you have rested, you slowly walk down the heather. In July you can eat the blueberries straight from the bush up here! You return to the starting point, the tourist information, along the cable car and across meadows. A detour to the Willingen Wildlife Park (www.wildpark-willingen.de) is definitely worth it. Tip: The day can end either sportily (summer toboggan run, climbing hall, adventure golf) or leisurely (lagoon) in Willingen (www.freizeitwelt-willingen.de). The Willingen Youth Hostel (www.willingen.jugendherberge.de) serves as a starting point for numerous hikes and excursions. Highlights of the hike: - Mühlenkopfschanze - Tower head - Hillekopfhütte - Hochheideturm - Detour to Willingen Wildlife Park (optional)