Willingen (W4)

This hiking trail initially leads towards the Ettelsberg cable car. At the first path (Weidenhof) turn left, together with W6 until the zigzag path (parking lot). Here turn right. Past the so-called Schafstall/Heuweg and through a wooded area. Attention: three mountain bike routes cross here!
In the Ruthenaartal, a steep path uphill to Große Grube (798 m). Shelter and seating groups invite you to linger. Along an almost flat path at about 800 m to Scheid, also with a shelter and seating group. Then immediately turn right to the Hoppecke spring. We are now in the NRW area.
Große Heide (a preferred cross-country ski area in winter) can be enjoyed on the W4 trail (same as Upland and Rothaar Steig) or side paths on foot. Clemensberg (838 m) offers beautiful views. Shortly after, the Hochheidehütte invites you to a cozy stop. Continue on award-winning hiking trails until W4 turns right and moderately descends into the Keller (698 m), back to Hesse. Further through the beautiful Hoppecke valley and past K1 chairlift in Köhlerhagen (for bikers and for skiers in winter), the path leads us back to the village and the starting point.

Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, packed food, and sufficient fluids (water, tea) are recommended.

Mountain bikers cross the hiking trails. Please be considerate of each other, especially in the Ettelsberg area. In the area of Große Heide/Clemensberg/Uplandsteig km 53.0: when hearing three signal tones, seek the "Iron Shelter" due to blasting in the neighboring quarry!

Bus/train to Willingen station, 10 minutes walk to the starting point at the visitor centre

Bus/train to Willingen station, then continue by bus or call-collect taxi (various stops in all districts)
www.willingen.de/anreise

Free parking at the visitor centre/Lagunenbad