Ottlar combines easy circular hikes with church history dating back to the 16th century. There are also longer hiking trails through the countryside, quiet routes for cycling and striking viewpoints. When choosing a route, it helps to know the specific differences in length and starting point, as well as whether you would rather focus on nature or local history.
Easy circular trails with different starting points
The OT1 circular trail around Ottlar is 3.8 kilometres long, easy, and starts and ends at the hiking information board in the village centre. The OT2 circular trail is also easy; at 2.7 kilometres, it is shorter and starts and ends at the Dommel car park. OT2 is therefore the shorter of the two routes. OT1 is a good choice if you want to start right in the village centre; choose OT2 if you want to start at the car park. Both are circular trails, so the starting point is also the destination.
OT2 leads around the Dommel Tower. Dommel is about 738 metres high and is the highest mountain in the municipality of Diemelsee. The Dommel Tower offers sweeping views across Diemelsee Nature Park and the Sauerland mountains. This route therefore brings the distance, mountain and views together in a clear thematic connection, while OT1 starts at the hiking information board and begins in the village centre.
More trails and outdoor options
The Diemelsteig long-distance hiking trail passes through Ottlar and connects the village with the countryside around Lake Diemelsee. The OT4 circular trail starts in the village centre and follows the Uplandsteig for a stretch around Hohe Egge. The two trails offer different points of reference: the Diemelsteig connects the village with the countryside around the lake, while OT4 starts in the village and follows a section of the Uplandsteig. When planning, it helps to keep the trail names distinct: OT4 follows the Uplandsteig for only part of the way.
The quiet routes around Ottlar are well suited to cycling. They pass through the Upland countryside and head towards Lake Diemelsee. A shelter around Niegelscheid invites you to take a break and enjoy panoramic views. Ottlar also has a water-treading facility. The options described here therefore include both routes through the countryside and a named place to take a break, as well as a facility in the village.
St. Margaret’s Church and its history
St. Margaret’s Church stands in the village centre and is dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch. It is a hall church in the round-arch style. A chapel stood on this site as early as 1537; the present-day church was consecrated in 1874. The organ also has its own history: it was originally built for the Waldeck Castle chapel and has been in Ottlar since 1750. The historical traces mentioned here therefore range from the former chapel and the organ to the consecration of the present church building. The church complements the trails and countryside with a village centre whose history can be read through specific dates and architectural styles.
In the wider Diemelsee destination
In the wider Diemelsee destination, the Diemelsteig also passes directly through Heringhausen and around Lake Diemelsee. The beach and bathing area at Seebrücke/Hohes Rad is also located directly in Heringhausen. These details add further named destinations to the picture of the Diemelsee destination. If you are planning a hike on the Diemelsteig, check the trail conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Schweinsbühl, Heringhausen, Stormbruch, Adorf
Back to the main travel overview: Diemelsee.
