Known as the Tuscany of the Sauerland, the Medebacher Bucht is a sun-kissed region in the heart of Germany. You can explore its beauty first hand on the Medebacher Bergweg (Medebach Mountain Trail. As the area is difficult to farm, it avoided land consolidation. This means you can enjoy pristine nature as you hike through pastures and mountain heath, lined with gorse bushes and hedgerows. Today, the region is a European bird sanctuary that is home to rare animal and plant species.

Further to the north-east lie the foothills of the Rothaar Mountains and the Waldecker Upland with their impressive forest and heathland landscapes. Here, you leave the wide valley basin of the Medebach Bay and climb up into the magnificent low mountains, enjoying wonderful views. Time and time again, you walk through small, lovingly restored villages with half-timbered houses and gardens that overflow with blossom.

The certified quality hiking trail leads you from the town of Medebach in a wide arc around Medebach Bay to the foothills of the Rothaar Mountains and the ‘kahlen Pön’ peak (776 m/2,545 ft) in the north and back to Medebach. Across the four stages of this 68-kilometre (42 mile) circular you climb almost 1,500 metres (4,925 feet). The stages are divided so that you can find a selection of cosy overnight accommodation at the respective destination (information in German: medebach-touristik.de/de/).

You also find restaurants in all the towns en route. However, it is advisable to take water and a picnic with you, as the inn could be closed when you pass by.

The starting point, Medebach doesn’t have a train station, but it is easy to reach by bus. You can also reach other points en route by bus if you want to plan day hikes or only walk individual stages. Bus timetables in North Rhine-Westphalia can be found at rlg-online.de, and connections from Hesse can be found at nvv.de.

The Medebach Mountain Trail is surprising and beautiful – perfect for a relaxed, long weekend hiking.