With the opening of the new Green Trails, the mountain bike region of Willingen is setting new standards in the area of natural mountain biking. The now extended network of trails offers riding fun and flow experiences for mountain bikers who want to ride in a relaxed manner and perhaps also improve their riding technique.
The Green Trails currently comprise two laps with lengths of 7 and 14 kilometres and a total elevation gain of 643 metres. There is also an uphill trail among the eight sections. For support, bikers can use the K1 chairlift to save a few metres in altitude.
Extensive trail network in planning
Once complete, the Green Trails will form the largest trail park project in Europe. A total of 200 kilometres of trails and 200 kilometres of connecting paths are planned. A special Green Trails app has been developed to make it easier for bikers to find their way around.
The app provides detailed information and images of all completed trail areas. Entry points and directions make it easier to find your way around and help you plan your tour. You also get a preview of the planning status of all future trail areas.
Offer for young MTB talents expanded
The Willingen region has also expanded its programme for young mountain bikers. The Kids Trails have been revamped, with the black squirrel tour via the bike park getting a slightly easier version.
The integration into the Green Trail has created a less challenging alternative for children and young people. Those who are more confident can still choose one of the bike park trails, from the Flow Trail to the Enduro trail.
Optimisations in the MTB Zone Bikepark
The MTB Zone Bikepark Willingen has also undergone some improvements for the new season. The trail builders have equalised an area where several trails meet. In the lower Köhlerhagen area, at the end of the Freeride, Flow Country, Flow Trail and Enduro Trail, the bends have been moved further into the forest.
This created longer straights with tables and doubles, meaning more riding fun. The K1 chairlift and the Ettelsberg gondola lift opened for mountain bikers during the Hessian Easter holidays. So it's time to get going in Upland.
Extended offer in Upland
Bikewelt Willingen has another new feature: the Hochheide Tour (No. 28) has been combined with a short section of the Green Trails. This allows riders to familiarise themselves with the new trails right at the start and warm up before deciding on one of the bike park routes or the rest of the Green Trail.
BIKE Festival Willingen with innovations
The Shimano BIKE Festival Willingenwhich was developed by 23 to 25 May 2024 will also feature some new additions to the programme. In addition to tried and tested events such as the Scott Enduro race, the iXS Downhill Cup and the Bosch eMTB Challenge, there are changes to the programme.
The BIKE Marathon gets a new routewhile the Shimano Gravel Ride now includes two timed sections. As part of the Orbea Wild Rides organises the second German E-Enduro Championship will be held. Another new feature is the opportunity to complete the Bike Marathon on an e-bike for the first time.
Diverse programme & 1000 test bikes
The BIKE Festival offers events for different age groups and interests. Young riders can gain their first competitive experience at the Kids Cup and the Lazer Junior Trophy.
The centrepiece of the event is Germany's largest MTB and e-MTB outdoor trade fair, where exhibitors present new products and offer trade fair discounts. Visitors can test more than 1000 bikes free of charge.
The MTB Zone Bikepark will remain open during the festival, although the downhill and enduro trails will be temporarily closed for the races.
New ticket options for visitors
For the first time, the festival is offering multi-day tickets. Adults pay 66 euros for two days or 77 euros for three days, which represents a saving compared to single tickets. There are also discounted multi-day tickets for children at 41 euros for two days and 51 euros for three days.
Marc Strucken
Editor
