Sauerland Extrem - Gorge and Bridge Path

At the entrance of the Kurpark Winterberg in the area of the hiking information portal, directly on the Rothaarsteig, hikers will find the overview map and the start of the Gorge and Bridge Path.

The themed trail signage guides you on the circular route (1 yellow dot indicates the way to Lake Constance). Close to town, below Bahnhofstraße, the path still begins far above the valley floor, and you can only guess what awaits you in this romantic valley under the dense canopies. After leaving the first steps behind you, you cross the first bridge. Small waterfalls and rushing water run along the Rothaarsteig, which then branches off to the left. You walk right into the valley. The path then splits to the right, and you go left over the bridge, hiking 122 meters downhill into the valley. Here deciduous trees grow, including maples, beeches, birches, alders, and many shrubs, and further down there is a coniferous forest with large spruces. You descend to Lake Constance, a natural and fishing lake, and circle it on the right side to the east shore. There you will find the second exit portal from the direction of Elkeringhausen with a rest area and parking lot. You continue around Lake Constance along the fishing spots and already make your way back on the circular route (2 yellow dots now indicate the return path to the town). Along the stream "Helle" you hike over bridges, 61 steps, and switchbacks up to the fork where you continue to the right. At the next bridge, you encounter numerous water channels deeply etched into the rock. Enjoy this breathtaking nature on the bench in the middle of the stream. Then you leave the valley to the right, crossing again the previously crossed bridge up to the sunny side of the valley. After the ascent, hike to the left along steep rock walls covered with dense moss and lush ferns, over the wide path with the last bridge back to Winterberg. There, after an impressive hike through the Helletal nature park, you deserve to stop by a local place. Or refresh your legs in the footbath facility in Kurpark Winterberg.

Trail scout/copyright: Verkehrsverein Winterberg, Peter Korn