The Hochheide and Hillebachsee represent two different natural features of Niedersfeld: heathland and moorland habitats at elevations above 800 metres, and activities on the water. There are also circular hiking trails, cross-country ski trails and ski courses. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether your break should focus mainly on landscapes and trails, the lake or seasonal winter activities.
Hochheide, natural areas and hiking trails
The Hochheide near Niedersfeld stretches along the upper slope of the Langenberg massif on the border with Hesse. A flock of Heidschnucken sheep and goats roams the area each year. Another natural feature is the Neuer Hagen: its heathland and moorland habitats form a nationally important environment for numerous endangered animal and plant species.
The Goldener Pfad is a free circular hiking trail about five kilometres long that crosses the Niedersfeld Hochheide and has ten stations. The entrance is signposted in the centre of Niedersfeld on the B 480; there is a free car park there. The road up to the Hochheide also begins right in the centre of Niedersfeld on the B 480. Those interested in longer hiking trails can also find the Niedersfeld Hochheide on the Rothaarsteig, which runs from Brilon via Winterberg to Dillenburg.
For a winter outing, the Hochheide Winter Hiking Trail offers a separate option: it runs through the Neuer Hagen nature reserve and includes a scenic detour to the Clemensberg. This gives you different types of trails to choose from—from a circular route with ten stations to a winter hike with a detour. Keeping the routes separate rather than combining them into a fixed day itinerary leaves you free to choose the hiking focus of your trip.
Hillebachsee: circular trail and activities on the water
Hillebachsee near Niedersfeld is an 8.5-hectare reservoir in the Rothaargebirge. The lake has a bathing cove, a water-ski facility, a fitness trail, a playground, a beach volleyball court and a multi-purpose grass pitch. This brings a range of activities together at one named destination, from swimming and water skiing to exercising on the fitness trail or playing on the sports field.
The paved circular trail around the lake is 1.6 kilometres long and is suitable for cycling, inline skating and jogging, as well as family outings. Its length and firm surface make the circular trail a clearly defined option when you want to be active by the water. It offers a different way to experience Niedersfeld than the trails across the Hochheide: here, the lake itself is the focal point of the route.
Cross-country ski trails and ski courses in winter
The two cross-country ski trails described here differ in length and route. The Hochheide trail is a circular route about five kilometres long at an elevation of around 800 metres. The Hilletal trail is six kilometres long and follows a circular route around Hillebachsee and through the Hilletal valley. The section around the lake is lit, making it possible to cross-country ski after dark.
This gives you specific differences to consider: the approximate length and elevation of the Hochheide trail, and the route around the lake and through the Hilletal valley, as well as the lit section, on the Hilletal trail. Snow conditions depend on the season, and operations may also vary. If you plan to use a trail—especially for cross-country skiing after dark—check the current snow conditions and operating status beforehand.
The Niedersfeld Family Ski School offers alpine skiing courses for children and adults aged four and over. The courses complement the cross-country ski trails as another winter option. They are for children and adults, making them a separate reason to consider Niedersfeld during the ski season.
More destinations in the wider Winterberg destination
The wider Winterberg destination also has its own places to visit. With its distinctive arch, the St. George ski jump rises 80 metres above the Rothaargebirge at Herrloh and is considered a landmark of Winterberg. The historic Astenturm tower stands at an elevation of 841 metres on the Kahler Asten and is also a place to visit in Winterberg. These destinations belong to the Winterberg destination, not to the local offerings in Niedersfeld.
The Panorama Erlebnis BrĂĽcke in Winterberg features five fun elements that let visitors climb along, above, below or beside the bridge. The bridge is 435 metres long and 20 metres high. It is accessible to wheelchair users; dogs are allowed on a lead. As operating conditions may vary, it is advisable to check them before planning a visit. This makes it possible to include regional destinations in your travel plans separately from the trails, lake and winter activities in Niedersfeld.
Discover more destinations: Grönebach, Mollseifen, Siedlinghausen, Züschen, Hildfeld, Hoheleye, Altenfeld, Elkeringhausen
To the overview of the wider destination: Winterberg.
