Uplandsteig Trail: stunning scenery around the ski resort and walkers' town of Willingen

The 'upland' in its name says it all – the Uplandsteig trail has more than its fair share of climbs and ascents as it loops its way around the ski resort and walkers' town of Willingen in the Hessian Sauerland region.

There are two sides to Willingen, which is best known as a popular winter sports resort and venue for the Ski Jumping World Cup. While the town itself attracts lots of visitors and has a real buzz, the surrounding landscape offers unspoilt nature and genuine tranquillity. This is walking country of exceptional beauty, with picturesque valleys, panoramic peaks, upland heaths, moorland and lush mixed forest. Gaze far into the distance on Mount Dommel, feel the wind on your face on the summit of Kahler Pön and drink fresh spring water from the source of the Diemel river – what better way to relax, unwind and escape your everyday cares and the bustle of the big city. The Uplandsteig is a challenging trail suitable for walkers with a good level of fitness. A glance at the topography of the Upland region around Willingen shows there are a number of steep climbs. It's impossible to describe the sensational views offered along the trail. You have to see for yourself! The Uplandsteig trail runs through the Sauerland mountain walking park.

Tip

Usseln Milk Moo-seum
The Upland Milk Moo-seum, housed in a building once used by the Usseln dairy, takes visitors right back to the beginnings of dairy farming. It is the only museum in Germany illustrating the history of milk production and processing. The Uplandsteig trail passes right by the museum.

At a glance

• Starts and ends: Willingen
• Length: 64km
• Number of stages: 5
• Altitude variation (approximate values): Ascent 2,900m, descent 2,900m
• Terrain: 43% unmade, 13% asphalt, 43% other, e.g. gravel