Brilon Ridge Trail: from peak to peak in the Sauerland mountain walking park

Summits and peaks and mountain ridge walks, spectacular views, carpets of orchids and a sheer haven of tranquillity make the Brilon Ridge Trail a treasure trove for nature lovers.

The Brilon Ridge Trail follows a circular route from the former Hanseatic town of Brilon to the popular winter sports resort of Willingen. It runs along a 700-800m mountain ridge between the rivers Hoppecke and Itter. Mile after mile of forest and the tranquillity of nature make hectic everyday life seem like a distant memory. The route from Willingen back to Brilon heads uphill to a former place of execution. Once secluded Lake Silbersee near Brilon-Wald has been crossed at a ford, the trail meets its Rothaarsteig counterpart. Past the Feuereiche (fire oak), the Brilon Ridge Trail then runs parallel to the climbing variant of the Rothaarsteig across the Ginsterkopf and Habberg peaks. Fantastic views extending far into the Sauerland are reward for the climb. The ruins of Borbergs Kirchhof, a church and burial site from the 8th century, seem to spring up out of nowhere in the heart of the beech forest. Across the Brilon limestone peaks, which are carpeted by pastel-coloured orchids in summer, the route continues to the Hiebammenhütte inn – a great place to stop for food, drink and a rest before the return to Brilon.

Tip

Worth a look Old Brilon with its historical market square
It's well worth taking a stroll around the former Hanseatic town of Brilon. Places of interest include the 13th- century town hall with its baroque facade and broad flight of stairs, the provost church (just as old as the town hall), and the many fountains both historical and modern.

At a glance

• Starts and ends: Brilon (market square)
• Length: 49km
• Number of stages: 2
• Altitude variation (approximate values): Ascent 2,800m, descent 2,800m
• Terrain: 39% unmade, 13% asphalt, 48% other, e.g. gravel