Paradise and World Cup Ski Jump / Willingen (W1) (Quality Tour)

Start on the street "Am Hagen"; at the Lagunenbad, turn left across the parking lot. At the railroad cutting, turn right toward the viaduct; the path descends very steeply there (slip hazard when wet or snowy). Below the viaduct, pass the adventure golf course, cross a road, and continue straight ahead to the Stryck district. Pass the water treading pool and Stryck Pond, and enjoy the sound of the Itter River babbling. In Stryck, pass the “Gutshof Itterbach” and the “Stryckmühle” on your way to the world’s largest ski jump. The route continues through the romantic Stryck Valley (which means “long, narrow valley” in the Celtic language), past the “Grebensteine” nature reserve to the so-called Waschkump. From here, the trail leads uphill for about 1.5 km through the Hermecke Valley and thus through “Paradise.” Just before reaching the ridge at around 780 m, turn right to begin the return journey through spruce and mixed forests. After a good 3 km, you’ll reach the Mühlenkopfschanze again, but this time at the top by the inrun tower. The trail continues downhill; after a sharp right turn, it then veers left onto the narrow forest nature trail. You’ll pass the charcoal kiln and interesting illustrated displays about the local natural environment. Below the wildlife park, you can see Willingen lying in the valley, surrounded by the beautiful mountain panorama.