Winterberger Hochtour

Westphalia's highest circular trail

The Winterberger Hochtour begins and ends at the foot of Mount Kahler Asten, passes through the districts of Winterberg, continues over the highest peaks in the Upper Sauerland region and crosses eight valleys. The natural beauty and cultural heritage along the way are truly memorable. Skirting around the town, the trail explores all aspects of the diverse surrounding countryside.

From the market square in Winterberg, the Hochtour and Rothaarsteig ascend Mount Kahler Asten together, passing beneath the St. Georg ski jump and the ice channels of the bobsleigh and toboggan run. They then wind their way up to what is without doubt the highest point in North Rhine-Westphalia, if you climb up to the platform on top of the observation tower. In fine weather, the panoramic views reach as far as Kassel, the Ruhr region and across the Rothaargebirge hills.

The Winterberger Hochtour then passes the source of the river Lenne, affording magnificent views across Hunau towards Altastenberg. Meadows give way to forest on the way to Sillbach, before the trail heads down the valley to Siedlinghausen. This is followed by the sweat-inducing climb up Hoher Hagen hill at Niedersfeld and a further climb up Clemensberg hill. The white cross on the summit marks where the route meets the Uplandsteig and Rothaarsteig. The three trails run together for a while, then the Hochtour then heads off to Züschen via Hildfeld, Grönenbach and Elkeringshausen. This is followed by a taxing ascent to the Mount Ziegenhelle observation tower at an altitude of 816 metres before you set off back to Winterberg.