If you love nature, you've come to the right place in wooded northern Hesse. Julia Friedrich is not only a city and park guide, but has also trained as a hiking guide. We accompanied Julia for a while and learned the best hiking tips from her.
Julia, what does hiking mean to you?
I love being outdoors, because hiking is a great way to leave everyday life behind me. Hiking is like a micro vacation where I gather new energy and creative ideas. And there's always something to discover: herbs and berries to eat, a little wonder in nature, a wall or a field name that hides exciting local history. What's more, we can enjoy fantastic views here in the low mountain range of northern Hesse!
Northern Hesse is known as a hiking region. How would you describe its special features?
Our region is incredibly diverse thanks to its low mountain range location: we have wide river valleys, steep slopes and mountains with magnificent views, open spaces with rough grassland where rare orchids and gentians grow, as well as fairytale forests - for example the UNESCO World Heritage beech forests at Lake Edersee.
You will also come across geological history in many places. You can marvel at former volcanic cones, basalt rocks or the picturesque Diemel river valley. Incidentally, there is something for every type of hiker: the spectrum ranges from easy routes with a few meters of elevation gain to long-distance hiking trails for sports hikers.
The trend is towards sustainable travel: More and more guests want to explore the region on a hike. Do you know a particularly beautiful route that is also suitable for beginners?
Of course! It is particularly important for first-time hikers that the trails are well and reliably signposted. In addition, the route should not be too long or have too many inclines. Accessibility by public transport is also an advantage.
The following route combines all these requirements and is therefore perfect for all guests:
Take bus no. 22 to the "Am Ziegenkopf" stop, where there is a parking lot for hikers. From there, follow trail marker no. 13 around to the right until you reach the Herbsthäuschen. Here you will find a hiking sign directing you to trail no. 55. This circular trail offers you unforgettable views: you pass through a small gorge in the Firnsbach valley to a rock face that is part of a former quarry. The trail continues to the Devil's Wall and the viewpoint on the Hirzstein. Finally, you reach the Herbsthäuschen again, where you can end the hike with a wonderful view. From here, it is not far to the bus stop to return to the city center.
If you don't want to set off on your own, you can also book a guided hike. What is the added value?
On my hikes, guests learn lots of interesting facts about the cultural history of our region. I also talk about the plants along the way. I also offer a picnic with regional delicacies on my pleasure hikes.
It's all in the mix! Kassel and the region not only have wonderful nature to offer, but also art, culture and culinary delights. Can you give us an insider tip along the way?
With pleasure! If you want to experience art, this circular trail in the Habichtswald is the right place for you: you start from the "Nekropole" hiking parking lot on Ahnatalstraße and simply follow the nature park circular trail. It takes you past various fascinating works of art over a distance of 1.6 kilometers. There is also an audio walk that can be accessed via a QR code at the parking lot.
A sleepy gem that you should not miss is the landscape park around the Windhausen estate: it is located in the Frau-Holle-Land GeoNature Park. The best place to start is at the Mühlenberg hiking parking lot, which is located between Heiligenrode and Niestetal. From here, a 5-kilometre circular trail leads through the Germanic landscape garden. You can find out about the special places you pass on the information boards.
And because hiking makes you hungry: You can enjoy fine regional cuisine at the Waldhotel Elfbuchen in the Habichtswald!
You have whetted our appetite for nature - thank you for the interview, Julia!