Gorge and Bridge Trail (T)

At the entrance to the Winterberg Spa Park, near the hiking information kiosk and right on the Rothaarsteig trail, hikers will find a map of the area and the starting point for the Gorge and Bridge Trail.The themed trail signage guides you along the loop trail. Close to town, below Bahnhofstraße, the trail begins well above the valley floor, and you can only imagine what awaits you in this romantic valley beneath the dense canopy of leaves. Once you’ve left the first set of steps behind you, you’ll cross the first bridge. Passing small waterfalls and the rushing water along the path, you’ll then turn right into the valley and left over the bridge. The trail then continues down into the valley, descending approximately 122 meters in elevation. Here, deciduous trees such as maples, beeches, birches, and alders grow alongside many shrubs, and further down lies a coniferous forest with large spruce trees. You’ll descend to Lake Bodensee, a natural lake popular for fishing, and walk around it on the right side toward the eastern shore. There you’ll find the second exit gate from the direction of Elkeringhausen, complete with a rest area and parking lot. You’ll continue walking around Lake Bodensee past the fishing spots and begin your return journey along the loop trail here. Following the course of the “Helle” stream, you’ll cross the next bridge, climb 61 steps and wind your way up the switchbacks to the trail fork, where the path continues to the left—you’re welcome to take a detour to the right down the dead-end path to the next bridge. Here you’ll see numerous water channels that have carved their way deep into the rock. Enjoy this breathtaking natural scenery from the bench right next to the stream—then wind your way down the valley and arrive at the spa park below the playground. From here, it’s just a few minutes’ walk back to the starting point.Trail Guide/Copyright: Winterberg Tourist Office, Peter Korn