In Welleringhausen, an easy circular hiking trail at the foot of a long-extinct volcano meets traces of mining and local history. Two circular trails focus on different things: the Volcanic Trail passes typical plants and volcanic landscapes; the History Trail also explores the village’s past with information boards. There is also a protected area of nutrient-poor grassland on the Grotenberg and traces of former settlements and mining activity.
Volcanic Landscape and Nutrient-Poor Grassland
On the southern slope of the Grotenberg near Welleringhausen, ten hectares of acidic nutrient-poor grassland have been preserved. These grasslands are considered characteristic of nutrient-depleted diabase sites along the eastern edge of the Ostsauerland mountains. The volcanic rocks in the landscape around Welleringhausen are known as “Welleringhausen volcaniclastic rocks”; they are particularly well exposed on the Grotenberg and Kuthenberg.
The 6.76-kilometre Welleringhausen Volcanic Trail is an easy circular hiking route in Diemelsee Nature Park. It runs at the foot of the long-extinct Grotenberg volcano and features typical plants such as maiden pink, wild thyme and biting stonecrop. Those interested in the landscape and its plants will find a clearly defined circular route whose geological connection is evident from its name and course.
Two Circular Trails, Different Focuses
At 6.41 kilometres, the Welleringhausen History Trail is slightly shorter and is designated as a circular hiking route of moderate difficulty. Information boards along the route provide details about geological features and local history. These include a former Jewish settlement that has since become an abandoned village site. The two trails therefore differ not only in subject: the Volcanic Trail is rated easy, while the History Trail is rated moderate. Their lengths are similar; their stated difficulty levels and themes can help you choose.
The Uplandsteig also passes the Grotenberg. To find the south-western corner of the nature reserve: from Welleringhausen, travel 250 metres along the county road towards the B 251; then turn right to reach the south-western corner.
Mining Traces, Settlement History and Church
There is a large diabase quarry on the Kuthenberg. Collapsed mine entrances on the slopes and mining pits on the ridge are evidence of former gold and ore mining. Another part of the mining history is associated with the Ohl area on the northern slope of the HĂĽlsenberg: gold was mined there from the 13th to the 15th century. Today, numerous depressions in the terrain can be recognised as remnants of gold-mining pits; there were also horizontal tunnels driven into the mountain.
The abandoned settlement of Wieferinghausen can also be traced in the surrounding landscape: the contours of former roads and building sites are still visible there. Old apple and pear trees stand along Welleringhausen’s Apple Avenue, bearing rare fruit that can withstand the harsh climate of the Upland mountains. The Abraham Church in Welleringhausen is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may change.
The Wider Area: Willingen (Upland)
In the wider destination of Willingen (Upland), there is more to explore beyond the local circular trails. The Uplandsteig is a 66-kilometre certified quality hiking trail. It loops around the municipality of Willingen (Upland) and passes through all nine villages. Another viewpoint in this wider area is the Hochheideturm on the Ettelsberg: it is 62 metres high, its viewing platform is 875 metres above sea level, and it is described as the highest viewpoint in north-west Germany. A wheelchair-accessible lift with room for eight people takes visitors to the viewing platform.
Discover more destinations: Neerdar, Rattlar, Bömighausen, Usseln, Schwalefeld, Eimelrod.
Back to the main travel overview: Willingen.
