Bike parks in the Sauerland
The people of Sauerland want to play - preferably downhill. That's why, in addition to the Bike Arena, the wonderland for touring mountain bikers, there are three bike parks for downhill fans. And a trail centre right next to the town.
Bikepark Willingen
The MTB ZONE Bikepark Willingen boasts eight trails and twelve kilometres of downhill fun for everyone. The Ettelsberg cable car and the K1 8-seater chairlift provide the uphill shuttle. Newbies practise their skills on the practice course, while advanced riders try to perfect their bodywave on the pump track. But then it's finally time to hit the slopes, which start right at the top of the Hochheideturm: there are two flow trails to choose from, one of the two 2900 metre-long rolling tracks was developed by Hans "No way" Rey himself. If the flow circus is too easy for you, try the enduro trail. The 1500 metre-long natural trail, which is peppered with roots and hairpin bends, rounds off the downhill experience with a few wall rides in the lower section. The final stop is right at the K1 valley station. Fancy berms, tables and Northshore elements? Then the freeride is just right for you! Fancy some deep black? Then head for the downhill, the mother of all German Word Cup routes! It takes balls to jump the road gap and the drop in the centre section...
SEASON: Beginning of April to end of November, daily from 9 am to 5 pm
ROUTES: 8 routes with a total length of 12 kilometres
LIFT / TAGESTICKET: One cable car and one chairlift
PRICES: The day ticket costs 37 euros, the weekend ticket (2.5 days) 77 euros.
Trailground Brilon - nature bike park on the Sauerland trails
There are no lifts in Brilon, so you have to work your way uphill on the trail bends. The concept is simple (and) ingenious: three singletrail circuits start just beyond the gates of Brilon with lengths of between seven and 17 kilometres. The Bilstein loop covers 175 metres in altitude over seven kilometres. The summit trail is 10.8 kilometres long and covers 315 vertical metres. And after the three-mountain tour, you have 17.3 kilometres and 505 vertical metres on the clock. What all the loops have in common: riding fun for everyone plus a scenic experience plus a free workout. Riding the single trails is free of charge, but only permitted at certain times of the year and day.
SEASON: 15 March to mid-November, daytime only
ROUTES: Three singletrail laps between 7 and 17 kilometres in length
LIFT / TAGESTICKET: None
Bikepark Winterberg
Less than half an hour's drive south-west of Willingen is the nearest playground for children of all ages: the Bikepark Winterberg. Two chairlifts whisk mountain bikers up to the local mountain called "Kappe". Once at the top, you can choose from eleven routes: four blue ones for beginners and intermediates, five red ones and two black ones for pros. There is also a jumpline and a beginner & kids course. In a nutshell: everyone from complete beginners to World Cup pros will be happy at Bikepark Winterberg!
SEASON: Daily 9.30 am to 5.25 pm.
ROUTES: 11 routes with a total length of 15 kilometres
LIFT / TAGESTICKET: 2 chairlifts
PRICES: Day ticket: 39 euros
Sauerland Bikepark Warstein
Whether single trail, slopestyle, northshore, fun ride, freeride, Flying Murphy or downhill - every mountain biker is guaranteed to find their favourite descent on the seven trails of the Warsteiner Bikepark. The bike park at Rabennest in Kallenhardt is small, unagitated, family-run by the Kaisers - and has a loyal fan base. The drag lift takes you up to the trails. Afterwards, cool your courage and throat in the cosy hut at Rabennest.
SEASON: From March, Fridays 12-18:30, weekends 10-18.30
STRETCHES: 7 routes
LIFT / TAGESTICKET: 1 T-bar lift
PRICES: Day ticket: 18 euros, family ticket: 26 euros
Bike tours around Willingen in Hochsauerland
You can download the entire Sauerland area guide from EMTB 2/2022 including the GPS data for the following three tours at the end of the article:
- Mountain tour west (DISTANCE 47.6 km; UPHILL 1440 metres; DOWNHILL 1440 tm; TIME 4 h; BATTERY 1 x 630 Wh. RIDING TECHNIQUE: 70 % easy, 20 % medium, 10 % difficult)
- Upland trails (DISTANCE 64.6 km; ascent 1707 metres; descent 1707 tm; RIDING TIME 5 h; BATTERY 1-2 x 630 Wh. RIDING TECHNIQUE:: 90 % easy, 10 % medium, 0 % difficult)
- Electro-Flow (DISTANCE 31.5 km; ascent 1072 m; descent 1072 tm; riding time 2.5 h; battery 1 x 630 Wh. RIDING TECHNIQUE: 50 % easy, 30 % medium, 20 % difficult)
Travelling to Willingen by public transport
Although Willingen lies behind the seven mountains, it can be reached quickly by train without the hassle of changing trains. From Cologne it takes approx. 2 h 40 min (change in Hagen and Brilon), from Hamburg approx. 4 h 31 min (change in Kassel and Korbach) and from Munich approx. 6 h 12 min (change in Kassel and Korbach). Info German railway and Trainline.
Accommodation
Not only during the BIKE Festival in May, but (almost) all year round, the Naturhotel Hochheide is the centre of the Sauerland bike world. Hotel manager Michael Behle is himself an enthusiastic organic and electric biker. Naturhotel Hochheide in Willingen, tel. 05632/6060, more info->
Volker Schröder is the caretaker between Willingen, Winterberg and Brilon. Nobody knows Upland and the Rothaargebirge mountains better than the hotelier and private guide to his guests. He also reveals his secret trails to them. Schröder's Hotelpension, in Willingen, tel. 05632/6444, more info->
Strategically located, right at the end of the flow trail routes: the Wald Hotel Willingen, tel. 05632/9820, more info->
Gastronomy and nightlife
What could be better than e-biking? Après-e-biking! Preferably with like-minded people. So off to the Rope bar directly at the valley station of the Ettelsberg cable car! Or in the K1 hut at the valley station of the eight-seater chairlift.
And where do you spend your Sauerland Nights?
Willingen, New York and Las Vegas form a triangle, but are otherwise rather difficult to compare. Except at weekends, when it feels like the whole town is partying - if the current coronavirus situation allows it. For example, in the Brauhaus, Sir Henry or the iconic "Star Club" in the basement of the Sauerland Stern Hotel. More info->
Biking in the region
The Upland region between Willingen and Brilon is part of the Bike Arena Sauerland. Around Willingen there are a dozen well-signposted mountain bike tours between 16 and 62 kilometres in length - perfect for e-mountain bikers too. Marc Brodesser is a riding technique trainer, trainer instructor and, with the YouTube channels "Biken TV" and "Velototal TV", one of the best-known mountain bike influencers in the country.
Event tip: Mostly in May 2022, the BIKE Festival in Willingen takes place. At Germany's largest mountain bike expo, well over 100 exhibitors will be presenting their new products for the season - the perfect start to the season for e-MTBers too!
General information
Tourist Information Willingen, Am Hagen 10, 34508 Willingen, Tel. 05632/9694353, more info->
