Niedersfeld: Hochheide, Hillebachsee and winter trails

Hochheide, moorland habitats and Hillebachsee show how varied a stay in Niedersfeld can be. Niedersfeld Hochheide stretches along the upper slope of the Langenberg massif, on the border with Hesse, at an altitude of over 800 metres. The heathland and moorland habitats of Neuer Hagen are an important habitat across the state, home to numerous endangered animal and plant species. The animal inhabitants are also part of the landscape: every year, a flock of Heidschnucken sheep and goats roams the Niedersfeld Hochheide area.

Trails through Hochheide

The road up to Hochheide starts right in the centre of Niedersfeld, on the B 480. The entrance to the Golden Path is also signposted in the town centre, on the B 480; there is a free car park there. The Golden Path is a free circular hiking trail of around five kilometres that crosses Niedersfeld Hochheide and includes ten stations. This gives you several useful details for planning your trip: a circular route, its length, the stations and a signposted entrance in town.

The Rothaarsteig covers a different scale: its route from Brilon via Winterberg to Dillenburg also crosses Niedersfeld Hochheide. Those interested in Hochheide can choose between a local circular trail and a long-distance hiking trail connecting several towns. Both routes cross Hochheide, but differ considerably in their stated length and scope.

Hillebachsee: lakeside facilities and circular trail

Hillebachsee near Niedersfeld is an 8.5-hectare reservoir in the Rothaargebirge. It has a swimming cove, a water-skiing facility, a fitness trail, a playground, a beach volleyball court and a multi-purpose grass field. A 1.6-kilometre paved circular trail runs around the lake. It is suitable for cycling, inline skating and jogging, as well as family outings. The same lake offers a range of options: exercise on the circular trail, play and sports at the facilities mentioned, or time at the swimming cove.

Cross-country ski trails and winter hiking

The two cross-country ski trails described here offer different routes. Hochheide Trail is a circular route of around five kilometres at an altitude of about 800 metres. Hilletalloipe is six kilometres long and runs around Hillebachsee and through the Hilletal valley. The section of Hilletalloipe around the lake is lit, making it possible to ski after dark; seasonal operating hours may vary. As is usual with winter trails, snow conditions depend on the season.

On foot, the Hochheide winter hiking trail makes a circular route through the Neuer Hagen nature reserve, with a scenic detour to Clemensberg. This lets you choose between a cross-country ski loop and a winter hike to suit your preferred activity. Niedersfeld Family Ski School also offers alpine skiing courses for children and adults aged four and up.

More highlights in the wider Winterberg destination

Winterberg also offers other themes to help plan your trip. The Winterberg ski carousel offers 44 kilometres of descents on groomed slopes and features modern chairlifts. For first experiences on trails, the Winterberg Trail Park has the “Family First” loop, suitable for beginners and families. These attractions are in Winterberg and complement the nature and winter activities that define Niedersfeld itself.

Among Winterberg’s notable structures is the St. George ski jump: with its distinctive arch, it rises 80 metres above the Rothaargebirge on Herrloh and is considered a landmark of the town. The Panorama Erlebnis Bridge is 435 metres long and 20 metres high. Visitors can climb across, beneath or alongside the bridge using five fun elements.

Discover more destinations: Altenfeld, Elkeringhausen, Langewiese, Hildfeld, Mollseifen, Siedlinghausen, Neuastenberg, Hoheleye.

View the wider travel overview: Winterberg.