Sauerland-Höhenflug: From Eisenberg to Graf Stolberg Hütte

After a 30-minute drive from Usseln, you will reach Goldhausen. From the bus stop Goldhausen, Mitte, walk uphill keeping half right and after just a few meters you will come to the Sauerland-Höhenflug at the next crossroads. If you like, you can take a detour via the Sauerland-Höhenflug to the Eisenberg. At the top of the Eisenberg is the Georg Viktor observation tower, built in memory of the Prince of Waldeck in 1905, from which you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view as far as Hercules near Kassel and the observation tower on the Dommel near Willingen. Here, panorama boards explain the points in the landscape. In addition to the visitor mine and the observation tower, you can also visit the remains of a castle on the Eisenberg. The former count's castle was abandoned by the count's family in 1649 after plundering and fire and has been used as a quarry since the 18th century. Goldhausen and the Eisenberg became famous for its gold deposits. At the eastern foot of the Eisenberg are large panning heaps where gold was washed out of the rock. Almost 1.5 tons of gold were extracted here in 500 years. Today, however, the deposit is exhausted and a visitor mine.However, if you would like to hike directly towards Usseln without making a detour to the Eisenberg, turn right and follow theSauerland-Höhenflugmarkings towards Nieder-Schleidern and Düdinghausen.The Sauerland-Höhenflug takes you through meadows and forests with beautiful natural sections and only a few ascents to Nieder-Schleidern. On the way, it leads through the romantic Aar valley and crosses the small body of water over a wooden bridge. Very close to the footbridge are the remains of a pothouse. This is where the ore extracted from the Eisenberg was smashed and the valuable gold washed out.The small village of Nieder-Schleidern has only around 170 inhabitants. In the past, it suffered greatly due to its location in the disputed border area between the Catholic Electorate of Cologne and the Protestant Waldeck. The existence of two churches in Nieder-Schleidern is evidence of the extent of the dispute between the two denominations.After Nieder-Schleidern, the elevated route follows the River Katmecke and then slowly climbs towards Düdinghausen. Through meadows and fields and with beautiful views, the trail reaches the Kreuzberg. At over 530 m above sea level, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over Düdinghausen from the Chapel of the Resurrection. A panorama board explains the landmarks to be seen. The trail now descends steeply through a beautiful deciduous forest and along the Way of the Cross to Düdinghausen, where it crosses the village at the church. Directly opposite the church is the "Pastoren Scheune" Heimathaus, a small village museum with a "Dreggestobe" (historical woodturning room), which was set up with immense effort by the village population. Woodturning demonstrations take place here regularly. Other special features in Düdinghausen are the historical village tour and the interesting quarries on the Geological Circular Trail.After the Sauerland-Höhenflug has crossed the incised Riepenbach gorge, the most strenuous climb of the stage comes shortly afterwards: the ascent to Kalied. This leads through an old, quaint and beautiful old ravine. And when you emerge from the forest at the top, a breathtaking panorama spreads out before you and the effort is quickly forgotten. The view extends across the Medebach Bay with the European bird sanctuary to the Kahler Asten and the Eisenberg. Two panorama boards explain the most important landmarks and in a refuge you can find out about the history and flora and fauna of the mountain meadows and Heid with the help of information boards.the highest point of the stage has been reached and without any further effort you hike from Kalied to the refuge in the Usseln Heath. From here you have a fantastic view over the Hessian highlands to the Habichtswald and the Warburg Börde. Especially in late summer, you can expect a sea of color from the blooming heather. Hochheide has become rare today, which is why the Usseln Heath is a nature reserve.A beautiful path takes you to the summit cross in the Usseln Heath, where you can enjoy a sweeping view over Usseln, your destination. The high-altitude trail leads through meadows and Heid along the ski lift up to the summit of Kahle-Pön. Here, too, beautiful mountain meadows, heathland and sparse Buchenwald forests alternate. Kahle Pön is also home to the Graf Stolberg Hütte, which invites you to take a well-earned rest with its rustic atmosphere and fantastic views.Now follow the high route to the source of the Diemel. Here you leave the Sauerland-Höhenflug and follow the valley variant of the Uplandsteig down to Usseln.