Ettelsberg

The Ettelsberg rises 837.7 m above sea level in the Rothaargebirge, part of the Upland region in northern Hesse. It sits about two kilometres south-south-west of Willingen village, with the valleys of the Hoppecke and Itter rivers cutting into its slopes. Neighbouring peaks include the Mühlenkopf, Hegekopf and Mittelsberg, while the Hoppernkopf lies just beyond the Hoppecke valley. The mountain is best known for its wide stretches of highland heather, the Willingen ski area on its northern flank, and the 59 m Hochheideturm observation tower. The tower, opened in 2002, carries visitors to a glass viewing deck at 875 m by lift or 241 steps, and also features an indoor climbing wall. A second attraction is the Kyrill Path, created after the 2007 storm Kyrill stripped part of the forest; this 260 m trail winds over fallen trunks and through secured clearings south of the summit. Visitors find open heathland at the top, dense woodland on the lower slopes, and sweeping views across the Rothaargebirge, Hochsauerland and Upland. The Ettelsberg cable car links Willingen village to the ski area and trailheads, while numerous walking routes cross the mountain. The Hochheideturm and Kyrill Path sit close to the summit, offering both panoramas and a chance to explore the storm’s aftermath at ground level.