Active & nature in Willingen
Cycling, hiking, winter sports
Willingen impresses all year round with its beautiful landscape and wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The mixture of dense forests, vast high heaths and picturesque valleys creates the perfect conditions for exciting and varied tours. Here you can take in nature with all your senses and discover wonderful places.
Mountain biking for beginners and experienced bikers
A vacation on two wheels in Willingen offers a variety of experiences: Challenging climbs, rapid descents, extensive tours and trails through the picturesque natural paradise make mountain bikers’ hearts beat faster.
One of the highlights is the Willingen bike park. There are downhill and freeride routes as well as special courses.
Racing cyclists and leisure cyclists will also find ideal conditions in Willingen. All in all, the combination of varied routes, excellent infrastructure, regular events and the beautiful natural surroundings make cycling in Willingen a special experience for all cycling enthusiasts.
Guests staying at the Schutzhütte will be able to hire bikes from the hotel and securely store their own bikes and skis.
BIKE Festival Willingen
21.05 to 23.05.2027 >
Varied hiking trails
The region around Willingen is a paradise for hikers. This is also due to the well-developed network of hiking trails, which cover different levels of difficulty and lengths. Some of the popular hiking trails are located right next to the Aktivhotel Schutzhütte:
Uplandsteig: A 66-kilometre circular hiking trail that leads through the picturesque landscape of Upland. It offers spectacular views and varied nature experiences.
Rothaarsteig: Also known as the “Path of the Senses”, this long-distance hiking trail is 154 kilometers long and crosses the Rothaargebirge mountains. Part of this trail leads through Willingen.
Hochheide: One of the largest high heaths in north-west Germany is located in Willingen and offers hikers unique flora and fauna as well as magnificent panoramic views.
Winter sports with great offers
With around 16 kilometers of slopes, the ski area offers runs for every level, from easy practice slopes to challenging routes. Fast and comfortable lift systems, including gondolas and chairlifts, ensure short waiting times and convenient access to the slopes. The Ettelsberg cable car, for example, is just a short distance from the Aktivhotel Schutzhütte. State-of-the-art snowmaking systems ensure snow reliability and the best conditions during the winter season.
Numerous groomed trails offer cross-country skiers different levels of difficulty and beautiful routes through the wintry landscape. Well-marked winter hiking trails invite you to take long walks and hikes through the snow-covered countryside.
The Mühlenkopfschanze is the largest large ski jump in the world and a magnet for ski jumping fans. The FIS Ski Jumping World Cup takes place here every year, attracting sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
FIS Ski Jumping World Cup
29.01 to 31.01.2027 at the Mühlenkopfschanze >
Excursion destinations around Willingen
The surroundings of the Aktivhotel Schutzhütte offer numerous excursion destinations as well as a wide variety of activities and sights that reflect the beauty and cultural richness of the region.
Diemelsee: A picturesque reservoir that is ideal for hiking, cycling, fishing and boating.
Kahler Asten: The second highest mountain in North Rhine-Westphalia has beautiful hiking trails and a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape.
Edersee: One of Germany’s largest reservoirs, ideal for water sports, fishing, boating and walks along the lakeside promenade.
Korbach: A historic town with well-preserved half-timbered houses, an interesting museum and the imposing Kilianskirche church.
News, promotions, competitions
To stay up to date and not miss any promotions and competitions, it’s best to sign up directly for the newsletter or follow our social media channels.
