Diemelsteig & Uplandsteig – Große Runde

The large loop brings the landscapes of the Diemelsteig and Uplandsteig together in a roughly 112 km walk. It starts and finishes at Heringhausen beside Lake Diemelsee, travelling clockwise through Diemelsee Nature Park and reaching Willingen. The result is a multi-day journey between lake country and wooded upland hills, with the quieter stretches around Diemelsee alternating with the more undulating ground of the Upland. The pleasure of the route lies in these transitions. Open meadows and views across wooded ridges follow longer forest stretches, while villages add variety to the days. Willingen provides a lively stop with shops, places to eat and a railway station. Between settlements, there is time for the quieter details of the Sauerland: an early start across the fields, a break at the edge of the woods and the gradual return towards the lake. This circuit combines selected parts of the two named trails. Shared connecting sections, out-and-back spurs and an additional small loop are omitted, so Niegelscheid is outside this route. Both complete individual trails remain separate library entries. The large loop is a custom combination rather than an official Trekkingpark circuit, and its distance describes the closed route shown here. There is no fixed stage itinerary for this combination. Divide the days around fitness, accommodation and the pace you want, allowing extra stamina when carrying overnight equipment. Heringhausen and Willingen are useful places for organising the journey, but accommodation elsewhere may require a detour or transfer. Bookable trekking pitches can form part of a tent-based trip; check their locations against the planned stages. Carry drinking water and food, and arrange overnight stops ahead. Spring and autumn give the changing woodland and upland scenery a particularly rewarding character.