Hochheide-Hike

From the Ruhr to the Orke

At the Clemensberg above Hildfeld one can see 1.000 mountains, so they say. Reason enough to count them on a sunny day. Hikers who have real stamina should start their hike in Siedlinghausen (1), follow the signs of the Winterberg Alpine Climb uphill to the Hoher Hagen (2) and then downhill to the valley of the Ruhr to Niedersfeld. This hike is a sufficient warm up for the climb onto the Clemensberg (838 m). Going past the Biggenstein and Rappelspring hikers reach the Hochheide. Those who would like to conquer as many mountains tops as possible have to take a detour to the Langenberg, the highest mountain in the state of Northrhine-Westphalia, before aiming at the white summet cross (3) and the legendary view associated with it. No less interesting is the surrounding heath called  „Neuer Hagen“, whose subalpine flora and high moors are spread from the mountain top to the Hoppeckequelle (4). Starting at Hildfeld (5) at the base of the Clemensbergs we will hike through the lovely valley madowlands of Hille and Gröne to Grönenbach (5). At the main ridge the Rothaarsteig hike is being crossed and then there’s one last downhill climbs to Elkeringhausen (6).

Information
Level of difficulty
HIKING ++

Starting point
Siedlinghausen (parking ground next to the church)
 Destination
Elkeringhausen (Haus des Gastes)

Requirement
ca. 750 altitude meters / 24,5 km

Beschilderung Markierung
Winterberg Alpine Climb markings at the crossing and local markings

Highlights
The view at th Clemensberg, nature reserve „Hochheide-Neuer Hagen“, Langenberg (highest mountain in the state of Northrhine-Westphalia) 

Stops offering snacks
Grimmeblick in Elkeringhausen, phone: +49 (0)2981 92660
Hotel Cramer, Niedersfeld, phone: +49 (0)2985 97922
Hochheidehütte, phone: +49 (0) 29 85 908989

Hiking season
March - November
Books
Hiking map "Ferienwelt Winterberg" 1:20.000 and booklet about Winterberg Alpine Climb  published throughTouristik-Information (office of tourism) Winterberg
Ziegenhelle
Mystical Sauerland
On the long hike from Elkeringhausen (1) via Züschen back to the main ridge of the Rothaargebirge at Hoheleye Winterberg Alpine Climb shows its mystical face. The ascend up to the Alte Grimme (2) on narrow paths, across rock cliffs and through shrubs already is a dream followed by the fascinating quietude in the lonely, traffic free Orketal (3). The great mountain forests above Züschen convey a different, more intact world than the usual one. Next there is the long uphill climb to the observation tower on the Ziegenhelle (5), where the Züschen path of legends and myths joins the Alpine Climb. Silent forests, far away from all streets and villages, serve as the backdrop for true and made up stories en route to Mollseifen (6). The hike goes downhill through the Odeborntal to the Zwistmühle and the Schmelzhütte (7), then the trail sweeps through the Hesselbachtal uphill to Hoheleye (8).

Information
Level of difficulty
HIKING ++
Starting point
Elkeringhausen (Haus des Gastes)
 Destination
Hoheleye

Requirements
1.100 altitute meters / 34,5 km

Signange
Winterberg Alpine Climb markings at the crossings and local markings

Highlights
Alte Grimme, Orketal, Borg’s barn in Züschen, observation tower Ziegenhelle

Stops offering snacks
Züschener Bauernstuben, phone: +49 (0)2981 7371
Hotel Mühlengrund, phone: +49 (0) 2981 - 584

Hiking season
March through November
 Books
Hiking map "Ferienwelt Winterberg" 1:20.000 and booklet about Winterberg Alpine Climb  published throughTouristik-Information (office of tourism) Winterberg