Since 1985, the Delliehausen mountain lake has been designated a natural monument. The Forest Trail passes above the lake along a narrow path; another circular trail explores its history as well as the animals and plants living there. Together with the local charcoal-making tradition, these offer different perspectives on hiking, landscape history and culture.
Hiking the Forest Trail
The Forest Trail is an easy, 8.6-kilometre circular route and quality trail around the charcoal-makers’ village of Delliehausen. The stated duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes; an ascent and descent of 229 metres are also listed. You can use the route length, time and difficulty to plan your walk. The trail leads to the charcoal-makers’ hut, crosses the Rehbach stream and continues to the sand pit. Above the mountain lake, it follows a narrow path. Along the way, you can also explore the charcoal-making tradition and the mystery of the charcoal kilns. This means the route can be understood not only in terms of its length, but also through its waypoints and cultural theme.
Mountain Lake: Natural Monument and Landscape History
The Delliehausen mountain lake formed in a former lignite mine. A circular trail by the lake passes several information points that trace the lake’s history and provide information about the animals and plants living there. Its origins and the trail’s nature-related themes offer two different ways to explore the mountain lake. Unlike the Forest Trail, this route focuses on the information points and information about the lake.
More Landscape Highlights
The WohlfĂĽhlpfad (Wellbeing Trail) in Delliehausen Adventure Landscape is a 60-metre-long barefoot trail with various surfaces. Compared with the 8.6-kilometre Forest Trail loop, it is a much shorter option. Here, the changing surfaces take centre stage, whereas the longer distance and route define the Forest Trail.
At the sand pit in Delliehausen, you can learn about modern sand extraction and a disused extraction area that has been reclaimed by nature. The contrast shows two different states of landscape use. This also offers a point of comparison with the mountain lake: there, a former lignite mine is part of the story of how the lake formed; at the sand pit, modern extraction and a disused site exist side by side.
Charcoal-Making Tradition and Local History
Delliehausen keeps its old charcoal-making tradition alive. Once a year, the charcoal kiln burns for two weeks; the exact dates may vary. If the kiln tradition is important to your travel plans, check the dates in advance.
The Delliehausen local heritage festival was first held at the mountain lake on 18 July 1954. This first date is a historical reference point; the kiln, by contrast, represents an annual tradition with dates that vary. The festival’s history and charcoal-making therefore each have their own connection to time.
Discover more destinations: Volpriehausen, Dinkelhausen, Schönhagen.
View the broader travel guide: Uslar.
