- 5:40 h
- 20.64 km
- 392 m
- 608 m
- 96 m
- 327 m
- 231 m
- Start: Sababurg
- Destination: Bad Karlshafen
On the third stage, there is again the opportunity to visit Sleeping Beauty’s castle Sababurg with its animal park and the 92-hectare primeval forest before continuing the 20 km hiking route to the baroque city of Bad Karlshafen. Once again, the Weserbergland Way XW leads through the large Reinhardswald via Gottsbüren and further north towards Gieselwerder. On this section, the path goes through the St. Georgengrund, which can be difficult to walk depending on the weather conditions.
An alternative that can be walked in any weather is signposted. In Gieselwerder, where the Brothers Grimm once vacationed, the next fairy tale characters live accordingly: Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Furthermore, the region’s annual highlight event, the "Weser Beleuchtung," where 1,000 lights float on the Weser, takes place here.
The destination of the third hiking day is the baroque city of Bad Karlshafen, the city with hot springs and the wellness oasis "Weser Thermal Baths." Ideal for relaxing after a strenuous hiking day. Also well known are the historic town hall and the German Huguenot Museum.
Current notice: Due to the wind power construction site, a detour is signposted above Gieselwerder. The Trumbachtal is temporarily not passable via the XW. Access via Gieselwerder (Mühlenplatz parking lot) is not possible.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
The start of this stage is the small village of Sababurg, romantic and enchanted, located in the heart of the mighty Reinhardswald. The main attraction of this small village is the eponymous Sababurg, which is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The Reinhardswald Nature Park Tourist Information informs you about possible visits during the construction phase. Besides the castle, you should also make a short detour to the 92-hectare Sababurg primeval forest, located not far from the Sababurg. Ancient mighty tree giants and bizarre formations of trees, roots, and branches make the primeval forest appear alive here. A visit to the nearby animal park is worthwhile for both adults and children. In total, you can see over 700 animals living here in the primeval park, the children's zoo, the bird of prey station, and the Arche Park with its associated farm.
Further north over Gottsbüren, the route goes through the wild romantic St. Georgengrund. On this section, the ground is partly uneven and slippery. A stream is crossed several times here. In wet weather and at dusk, it is recommended to use the forest path beside the gorge (see Alternative Route). After this somewhat more demanding hiking section, you will reach Gieselwerder. An annual highlight here is the event "Weser Beleuchtung," where 1,000 lights are set on the Weser. The Gieselwerder Open-Air Museum is also worth a visit. The spacious, lovingly designed facility features faithfully recreated watermills, castles, churches, and town halls from old times in scales of 1:25 and 1:40.
The stage destination is Bad Karlshafen, the "City of Hot Springs." The baroque planned city scores with its historic harbor and town hall, the German Huguenot Museum, and the Weser Thermal Baths.
Equipment
We assume sturdy footwear. In summer, you should carry enough water.
Directions & Parking facilities
Information about different travel options can be found here.
Further information is available from the local tourist information offices and on our interactive map.
Information about public transport on the Weserbergland Way can be found here.
Additional information
Literature
Service booklet: The Weserbergland Way, with map sections, route description, as well as hotel and restaurant tips. Available free of charge at http://www.weserberglandweg.de
License (master data)
Weserbergland Tourismus e.V.
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Explore ancient tree giants in the Sababurg primeval forest or visit the Gieselwerder Open-Air Museum.
Safety guidelines
At some points, good sure-footedness is required. Divide the route into stages according to your strength. It can be slippery at some points when wet.
Map
Map "Weserbergland Way", current route guidance, access paths, and other forest and hiking trails, size: 11 x 18.5 cm, paperback (TB), German, scale: 1:50000 Publisher: Kompass ISBN 978-3-85026-861-5
Interactive map "The Weserbergland Navigator," digital route guidance, elevation profiles, and GPS tracks. Click here to access the Weserbergland Navigator.
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