Hoarfrost covers meadows and trees, there is a relaxing silence in the forest and the clear air really clears your head. With a bit of luck, you might even be surprised by the first delicate snowflakes or trudge through powdery deep snow on snowshoes. But whether with or without snow, in sub-zero temperatures or on mild winter days - hiking in winter is always possible. We show you the most beautiful places and trails for your hiking experience.
Winter paradiseSauerland
Of course, there is no guarantee of snow, but if the landscape is covered in white powder, it's time to put on your warm winter boots! The Sauerland offers hikers special winter hiking trails, sometimes even through deep snow. Other paths are cleared in good time so that they are pleasant to walk on again - and the white snow glistens to the right and left of the path. The premium winter hiking trails around Winterberg are categorised as "cleared", "rolled" and "natural".
On snowshoes, also known as bear paws, you can walk together through the snow-covered natural landscapes of Winterberg. The tours take place during the day or in the evening, after dark. And for those who prefer tobogganing, a very special experience awaits in the Sauerland: together with a guide, you can explore the natural landscape between Kahlen-Asten and Neuastenberg. The destination is the toboggan run in the Postwiese ski area. Here you can toboggan under floodlights.
Half-timbered houses & natural idyllSiegen-Wittgenstein
Cold air that tickles your nose, crunching frost or even snow under your hiking boots and a glistening winter wonderland: discover forests, breathtaking views and cosy huts that await you with warm drinks and regional delicacies. Whether on the Rothaarsteig trail or small, winding paths - in the Siegen-Wittgenstein region, winter is the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor adventure.
Freudenberg in Siegerland is particularly well suited to winter. The town is known for its picturesque old town centre. The "Alte Flecken", as the pretty town centre is known, is a magnet for lovers of half-timbered houses and romanticism. After a devastating town fire in the 17th century, the old town centre was completely rebuilt according to its 1540 model and has been preserved to this day. The "Freudenberger Fachwerkweg" (Freudenberg half-timbered trail) offers particularly beautiful views of the town centre, a twelve-kilometre circular tour that leads through forests and across meadows once around Freudenberg. And in the cold, clear winter air, hikers can see particularly far.
Star Park & StruffeltrouteEifel
It gets dark earlier in winter - but who says you can't make the most of it? In the Eifel National Park, hikers use the dark time of year for stargazing. Because in the wild nature of the huge park, the darkness is not broken by the bright lights of the cities and so visitors can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. On clear winter evenings, a trip to Germany's first star park is therefore well worthwhile.
Those who enjoy hiking tours all year round will also find what they are looking for in the Eifel in winter. Short tours for short days - through and around the unique nature of the Eifel National Park.
Luminous industrial cultureTorchlight hikes in the Ruhr region
After dark, the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park around the disused ironworks always shines in colourful light. During the winter torchlight tours, a few more lights are added: with torches in their hands, participants follow a former smelter who shows them his former workplace on the tour through the Landscape Park. At the end of the three-hour tour, there is a mulled wine in the main switch house to ward off the cold. There are also evening voyages of discovery in Witten. By torchlight, the tour takes you through the Muttental valley to learn about the region's mining history.
Around the castleNordkirchen hiking trails
On some winter days, it is simply too cold or too wet for long hikes. Short circular routes are then a great alternative. In Münsterland, various trails lead around Nordkirchen Castle, which is also known as the Versailles of Westphalia. The 3.5 kilometre bat trail, for example, leads directly past Nordkirchen Castle and winds its way through old avenues and past amphibian ponds. The oak leaf and imperial cloak circular trails offer further opportunities for short hikes. And if you feel like hiking in the clear air and bright sunshine, the 12-kilometre "From Castle to Castle" trail takes you from Nordkirchen Castle to Westerwinkel Castle.
I pack my bag ...
What should not be missing on a winter hike?
- Sandwiches & snacks
- Pocket warmer
- Thermos flask (preferably with delicious hot chocolate or warming mulled wine)
- Good friends and family to share special impressions
