Following the Diemelsteig in North Hesse is the perfect opportunity to kick off the hiking season and breath in the countryside air for a few days. The 63-kilometre (39 mile) long Quality Hiking Trail leads you through green valleys, striking mountain ranges, and gentle hilly landscapes with fields, meadows and forests. It covers the whole region around the Diemelsee reservoir, the Adorfer Bucht bay and the Vorupländer hill country. With around 1,600 metres (5,250 feet) to climb, the Diemelsteig is one a medium-difficult rated hiking trail and is therefore also suitable for inexperienced hikers.

I’ve divided the multi-day Tour into four stages ranging in length from 15 to just under 18 kilometres (9.3 to 11.1 miles). You hike along the Diemelsee, passing its dam, visit an old mine, discover an almost forgotten monastery, walk along silent paths and enjoy wonderful views over the Sauerland time and time again.

As the paths are narrow and rocky at times, you should wear sturdy walking shoes. I also recommend packing plenty to drink and a picnic, as you won’t find restaurants or shops in every village along the way.

In all the planned stage destinations, you can find accommodation. To be on the safe side, you should enquire and book in advance as some have very limited capacity and might be fully booked already if you spontaneously drop by. You can also hike just one day and adjust the routes to your needs. The villages along the Diemelsteig can be reached by bus or you can book (in advance) a shared taxi (AST) from the bigger train stations in Korbach, Willingen or Bad Arolsen. Detailed information in German is available from the North Hesse Transport Association (nvv.de/fahrplanauskunft). Some accommodation also offers a pick-up and drop-off service on request.