Uplandsteig

The Uplandsteig makes a roughly 66 km circuit around Willingen in the Waldecker Upland, close to the border between Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia. Beyond the busy holiday town lies a landscape of wooded hills, open meadows and small villages. The early climbs quickly establish the energetic character of the walk, rewarded by viewpoints where one ridge of the Sauerland appears behind another. Beech and mixed woodland alternate with field paths, wet ground and open heath. The landscape changes particularly noticeably on Kahler Pön, where low vegetation and broad slopes create views across the upland country and neighbouring valleys. This route follows the hill variant and continues to the source of the Diemel. It excludes the additional valley option through Usseln. Old boundary stones and paths add traces of the territories that once divided this now continuous walking landscape. The official three-day itinerary runs from Willingen via Eimelrod and the Diemel source before returning to the start. These are substantial days, and extra overnight stops allow more time for viewpoints and unhurried breaks. The repeated rhythm of climbing, crossing a ridge and descending into another valley is central to the experience. After a quiet stretch beneath the trees, the next village often provides a welcome change of scene. Spring to autumn usually offers the most comfortable conditions, although exposed ground can feel windy and winter snow changes the route’s demands. Willingen has a railway station and a good choice of accommodation. Match food stops to the daily itinerary and carry drinking water. Bookable Trekkingpark Sauerland pitches offer a tent-based option, with supplies carried by the walker. The neighbouring Diemelsteig and the separate large loop provide further routes through the region.