Briloner Kammweg - Stage 1: From Brilon via the Ginsterkopf to Willingen
Brilon Marktplatz → Willingen Bahnhof
Stage 1
Like the Rothaarsteig, the Briloner Kammweg begins at the historic market square in Brilon. The historic backdrop is dominated by Westphalian half-timbered houses, the Baroque town hall, and the Gothic tower of the Provost Church of St. Peter and Andrew, before the trail leaves the city limits behind. Along the way, the trail passes the source of the Möhne River, coinciding with the “Path of the Senses,” followed by an ascent through the rolling hills of the Sauerland and a descent to the Hiebammenhütte, which offers a place to stop for refreshments. The trail then reaches Borberg’s churchyard. This wide clearing, nestled amid tall beech forests, features a remarkable ensemble consisting of an early medieval ring fort, the ruins of a former church, and a chapel on the edge of the rocky plateau. From the forecourt of the Borberg Chapel, built in 1925, a sweeping view opens up across the Ruhr Valley all the way to Olsberg. Easily navigable forest trails lead on to the wayside shrine of St. Anthony and to the Schusterknapp. This is followed by an ascent over the Habberg up to the Ginsterkopf, which offers sweeping panoramic views. For hikers who prefer less strenuous terrain, there is the option to follow the trail at the foot of the hills. Both routes converge not far from the “Feuereiche” (Fire Oak). This oak serves as a tangible testament to humanity’s historical relationship with wood as a raw material. As a landmark on the watershed between the Rhine and the Weser, it stands as a symbol of mindful stewardship of nature. An optional detour allows visitors to explore the Bruchhauser Steine, four imposing porphyry cliffs reaching heights of up to 90 meters. The Kammweg then passes by Bruchhausen—named the “Federal Gold Village”—climbs up to the historic execution site, and ends at the train station in Willingen.
- Ascent
- 641 m
- Descent
- 503 m
- Highest point
- 761 m
- Lowest point
- 427 m
