Wolf Trail stage 4

The fourth stage of the Wolf Trail starts in Marsberg and immediately leads into much more challenging terrain. In the Diemelsee Nature Park, wooded heights, narrow paths and constant ascents and descents characterize the start. Further west, the trail reaches Winterberg - a well-known tourist resort and starting point for many high-altitude routes in the region. The ascent to the Kahler Asten, one of the highest points in the Sauerland, marks one of the pertinent moments of this stage: open high altitudes, cool air and far-reaching views set clear accents here.

The route continues along the Rothaarsteig, one of Germany's best-known high-altitude trails. This section runs over long ridges, through peaceful forests and over ridges with great views. The walking is not technically difficult, but it is physically demanding - the many meters of elevation gain add up noticeably here. After the descent towards Dillenburg, the character changes again. The route continues into the Nassau Nature Park, where deep valleys, deciduous forests and short, steep climbs add variety to the profile. The route then heads south-west into the Soonwald/Nahe Nature Park, whose secluded wooded areas and long mountain ranges have a quiet, almost secluded low mountain range character.

The end point at Bad Dürkheim is already on the edge of the Palatinate Forest and thus offers a transition into another large forest landscape. Overall, this stage conveys a powerful, very active hiking experience: diverse low mountain ranges, steep sections and numerous scenic contrasts make it the most challenging section of the Wolf Trail to date.