Elkeringhausen can be explored for a hiking trip through specific route profiles: the Markental Circular Trail is about five kilometres long and fairly flat, the Grimmerundweg (E4) is challenging and about seven kilometres long, and the “Historical Hiking Trail” is an approximately eight-kilometre circular route in Winterberg-Elkeringhausen. The Elkeringhausen Hiking Portal is a starting point for hiking in the “Wanderbares Deutschland” quality region. If you are planning a stay, route length, course and the stated level of difficulty in particular provide clear points of comparison.
Three hiking trails compared
The “Historical Hiking Trail” lives up to its name as a circular route; it is about eight kilometres long. The “Grimmerundweg (E4)” is about seven kilometres long, is considered challenging and starts at the signpost in the centre of Elkeringhausen. At about five kilometres, the Markental Circular Trail is shorter; it is fairly flat and is also laid out as a circular route. The trails therefore differ according to the specific features mentioned: the Historical Hiking Trail is defined by its length and circular route, the Grimmerundweg by its difficulty and starting point, and the Markental Circular Trail by its shorter distance and relatively flat course. The distances are approximate and can help you make an initial personal selection.
The Orke, the valley and the views
The Orke accompanies the entire Markental Circular Trail. The first section leads through the open, broad Orke Valley and past orchards, a Kneipp pool and a wetland plant area. This trail thus offers both a route that follows the river throughout and the varied features of its opening section. For a different perspective, take a detour to the summit cross (750 m above sea level) on “Alte Grimmen”: from there, the view stretches across Elkeringhausen to Winterberg and over the high moorland ridges. On the Markental Circular Trail, the Orke is the constant point of reference; from the summit cross, Elkeringhausen, Winterberg and the high moorland are the stated viewpoints.
Information boards and the Summer Festival
There are also specific reasons to plan a visit beyond the hiking trails. The Elend mine has information boards. The Summer Festival by the Lake takes place every year in the lakeside spa gardens in Elkeringhausen and features atmospheric live music. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the event dates in advance. This lets you schedule your trip not only around your preferred hiking routes, but also around a recurring event in the calendar.
In the wider Winterberg destination
The wider Winterberg destination offers additional, distinct options for excursions and activities. In the Winterberg Trail Park, the “Family First” loop is aimed at trail beginners and families looking to gain their first experience on trails. The St. George Ski Jump is considered a landmark of Winterberg. With its distinctive arch, it rises 80 metres above the Rothaar Mountains at Herrloh.
The Panorama Adventure Bridge in Winterberg is 435 metres long and 20 metres high. Five fun elements let you traverse the bridge by hanging on above, below or beside it. It is accessible to wheelchair users; dogs are welcome on a lead. As operating conditions may change, check the details before visiting. From the bridge, there are views of Winterberg, the town’s landmarks and attractions, and the Winterberg Bike Park. Another excursion destination in Winterberg is the historic Astenturm on Kahler Asten, at an altitude of 841 metres.
Discover more destinations: Neuastenberg, Niedersfeld, Langewiese, Mollseifen, Silbach, Altastenberg, Altenfeld, Hoheleye.
Back to the main travel overview: Winterberg.
