Welleringhausen Volcano Path
Welleringhausen Volcano Path
4.7
(32)
109
hikers
Welleringhausen Volcano Path
01:53
6.88km
110m
Hiking
Hike the moderate 4.3-mile Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen loop in Diemelsee Nature Park, exploring volcanic history and enjoying Sauerland views
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
585 m
Welleringhausen Apple Alley
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.67 km
View of the Sauerland from Grotenberg
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
2.66 km
View of Ettelsberg and Hochheideturm
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.88 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.89 km
1.24 km
565 m
182 m
Surfaces
2.94 km
1.87 km
1.03 km
965 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Sunday 24 May
26°C
8°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park to access the Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen?
The Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen is a circular trail that starts in the small village of Welleringhausen, part of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. You can typically find parking available within the village itself, near the trailhead.
Is the Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as it's located within the Diemelsee Nature Park, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash to protect local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers.
What is the best time of year to hike the Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen?
The trail can be enjoyed throughout the year, but spring and summer are particularly beautiful when various plant species like heath carnation, field thyme, and hot stonecrop are in bloom. Autumn offers vibrant foliage, and a winter hike can be picturesque, though conditions may require extra caution.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for hiking in Diemelsee Nature Park?
No, there are typically no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen or other trails within the Diemelsee Nature Park. However, please respect local regulations and leave no trace.
What notable features or viewpoints will I encounter on the trail?
The trail offers a rich blend of geological and historical insights. You'll find six information stations detailing the area's volcanic origins, botanical characteristics, and the history of Welleringhausen, including its Romanesque Abraham's Church. Key viewpoints include a stunning View of the Sauerland from Grotenberg and another offering a View of Ettelsberg and Hochheideturm. You'll also pass through the Welleringhausen Apple Alley.
What is the terrain like on this hike?
The trail winds through a beautiful mountainous landscape at the foot of the long-extinct Grotenberg volcano. The terrain is varied, with sections that are generally considered easy to moderate. It's advisable to wear sturdy shoes due to some uneven paths.
Is the Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen a loop trail?
Yes, the Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen is a circular hiking trail, meaning it starts and ends in the same location, allowing for a convenient round trip without needing to arrange transport back to your starting point.
What should I bring for a hike on this trail?
For a comfortable hike, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. It's also wise to bring a backpack with provisions, such as snacks, and sufficient liquids, especially on warmer days.
Does the Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen connect with other hiking trails?
Yes, the route intersects with several other trails. Notably, it shares sections with the Hessenweg 6, Abschnitt Willingen - Welleringhausen, the Upland-Weserbergland-Weg, and the Uplandsteig. It also partly runs along the Welleringhausen History Trail (Geschichtspfad), offering opportunities to combine themes.
Is the Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen suitable for families?
Given its moderate difficulty and length of approximately 6.8 kilometers, the trail is generally suitable for families with children who are accustomed to hiking. The informative stations and varied scenery can make it an engaging experience for younger hikers.
Are there any facilities like cafes or accommodation near the trail?
Welleringhausen is a small village, but you may find local guesthouses or holiday rentals. For more extensive options regarding cafes, restaurants, or accommodation, you might look to larger nearby towns in the Sauerland region.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Quiet tour with a panoramic view. Parking at the hiking car park near the fire brigade.
Today we followed a tip from the book "Come, let's hike" by Dina Knorr, who runs the Borderherz outdoor blog. We hiked the Welleringhausen volcano trail. There are actually volcanoes in the Sauerland, albeit extinct ones, whose history is explained to us using signs along the way. The Grotenberg volcano climbs a few meters in altitude and is rewarded with a fantastic view at the top. On the way we pass meadows and fields to Haus Sonnenberg, which now houses a holiday home. Apart from the black and yellow rhinoceros (I would prefer blue and white 🤣), we discover a biotope with very interesting vegetation that was previously used to wash sheep. It is worthwhile taking a detour to Haus Ohl, where a small museum explains the geological peculiarities of the region. And we are lucky, two red kites are looking for food for their young, which can be clearly heard, above us. Things get really exciting towards the end of the hike, when a stream takes over the hiking path and we wade through the water to descend into the village. The purple and white flowering larkspurs on the left and right of the path are also impressive. At the end we visit the historically interesting small Protestant Abraham Church from the 12th century before returning to the starting point.
Today we went to fulfill a wish of the big daughter in the most beautiful sunshine. She wanted to walk the Vulkanpfad Welleringhausen. Said and done. It was a very nice, varied hike, with great explanatory boards. Unfortunately, the last part of the path was no longer accessible after the storms and the heavy rain, it was now a creek bed. So we had to walk a piece of the road.
The Welleringhauser Vulkanpfad is an almost seven kilometer long loop through the wonderful landscape of the uplands. Welleringhausen is the smallest town in the Upland and is picturesquely embedded in the mountainous area. The Volcano Trail takes us through open fields, past an old volcano and through beautiful forests. The play of colors of the flowers is quite magical today: bright red poppies, blue cornflowers and white elder. In between there are always large areas of blooming lupins. We find the information boards that the town has set up along the way very informative. We learn new things about the history of the apple tree avenue, the former volcano on the Grotenberg or about a hidden spring. Sometimes it goes over cow meadows or through forests with hidden paths and sometimes on wide paths with magnificent views. Very nice. I recommend the path unreservedly.
I still have to deliver the following hike: The Welleringhausen volcano trail is always a nice hike, which we did again on June 12th, 2023 together with @Anette.
Beautiful hiking trails with beautiful views. Unfortunately, it ends at a locked gate. Across country you then come back to the path via a cow meadow.
