Diemelsteig © Udu Bernhart

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Diemelsteig

The Diemelsteig is a scenic, circular, long-distance trail through the Sauerland hiking region.
Length
61 km
Ascent
1630 m
Descent
1533 m
Highest
646 m
Difficulty
3 - Strenuous
Difficulty
3 of 5
Duration
17 h

GPX

Map and Elevation

Load GPX map tiles from OpenStreetMap.org

I haven’t walked this trail yet, the map and GPX are a summary of my research so far. The Diemelsteig shares part of its route with the Uplandsteig and can be combined with that trail for a longer thru-hike around the Sauerland’s Diemelsee Nature Park.

A view of Heringhausen and the Diemel from the Sankt Muffert viewpoint
Heringhausen © Klaus-Peter Kappest

Heringhausen to Adorf

The stage begins in Heringhausen at the historic St. Barbara Church and quickly reaches the shores of the Diemelsee, following the lakeside path with open views across the water. A steady climb leads to the St. Muffert Klippe, a prominent viewpoint overlooking the lake, before the route continues through the forested Eisenberg with traces of historic boundaries.

Beyond the forest, the landscape opens with views towards Padberg and across fields to the Frauenrad viewpoint above Adorf. The trail then descends via the Rhene valley and passes mining heritage sites including the Grube Christiane, before reaching the geological formations of the Martenberg and descending into Adorf.

Blossoming trees in the grounds of the Flechtdorf Monastery
Kloster Flechtdorf © Klaus-Peter Kappest

Adorf to Schweinsbühl

From Adorf, the route climbs steadily across open meadows and fields towards the Lenkenberg before entering woodland along the Stunzenberg ridge. The trail continues through forested sections, passing Eichenlied, before opening up to views of Flechtdorf, where the distinctive twin-towered basilica marks a key landmark along the route.

Beyond Flechtdorf, the path follows a relatively level high route through extensive forest at around 600 metres elevation. Near Widdehagen, the landscape opens again at the Rhenequelle, where a rest area marks the transition out of the forest, before the final section leads towards Schweinsbühl.

An aerial view of the Diemel dam with the Diemelsee behind it
Diemeltalsperre © Sabrinity

Schweinsbühl to Heringhausen

From Schweinsbühl, the route follows a high path past Winterscheid before descending through forest to Deisfeld. A quieter section then follows along the Diemel to Hemmighausen, where the trail joins the Uplandsteig and begins a steady climb towards the Niegelscheid viewpoint, offering the first views over the Diemelsee.

The route continues across open and forested high ground, with an optional detour to the Dommelturm providing wide views across the region. From here, the trail returns towards the lake, passing viewpoints over the Itterarm and descending to the dam and power station. A final climb leads to the Eisenberg summit, where several viewpoints overlook the reservoir, before the trail returns to Heringhausen.

Trail Certification

Wanderbares Deutschland Quality Trail German Hiking Association logo

Quality Trail

A Long-Distance Quality Trail meets high national standards for attractive hiking routes. These trails are carefully maintained, clearly marked, and designed to protect nature while providing a high-quality hiking experience. Regional experts monitor the trails, and they are reassessed every three years by the German Hiking Association based on criteria such as trail structure, signage, landscape, culture, and infrastructure.

References

  1. diemelsee.de
  2. wikipedia.org
  3. wanderbares-deutschland.de
  4. sauerland.com
  5. trekkingpark.de