Around Willingen: Attractions & Excursion Destinations for Families
The Sauerland – a paradise for hiking and skiing
The suitcases are packed, the navigation system is set – your family adventure in Willingen begins. Around every bend in the Sauerland, a new discovery awaits: children press their noses curiously against the window as lush green hills and dense forests glide by. Once you arrive, a landscape unfolds that invites exploration – full of extraordinary places, surprising attractions, and beautiful views. Thrills on Germany’s longest suspension bridge, climbing fun for young and old, or museums of a different kind: boredom has no place in Willingen. And in winter? The mountains around Willingen transform into a paradise for skiing, sledding, and more.
The community
As the largest part of the village and the eponym for the municipality, Willingen offers everything that goes with a successful holiday: well-kept hotels, guesthouses and holiday apartments as well as a high-performance gastronomy that conjure up international culinary delights.
Our tips: Excursion destinations & attractions around Willingen
The forest-rich low mountain range of the Hochsauerland is a true paradise for hikers, skiers, and biking enthusiasts. All year round, Willingen offers a varied program – with extraordinary events and a wide range of sporting activities.
Hiking & enjoying the views: Outdoor activities in nature around Willingen
Skywalk
Germany’s longest suspension bridge is a popular attraction in Willingen – especially in summer. It delivers thrills right down to your fingertips. This new highlight of our region has been causing a stir with its 665 m length and 1.30 m width, and is quickly becoming a meeting point for the brave. Children aged 6 and up may cross the bridge on their own; children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.
At a height of 100 m, you’ll experience Willingen from a completely new perspective and admire the beauty of our region. Just 3 km from the Sonnenpark, the Skywalk can easily be reached as the destination of a short hike or conveniently by car.
Ringwall Trail Schwalenburg
This historic circular hike leads to one of the largest castle complexes of the early Middle Ages. The three impressive rampart rings tell stories of power and retreat, set within beautiful natural surroundings. Eight information panels along the trail provide fascinating insights into the construction methods and significance of the Schwalenburg.
The 1.4 km circular route starts above Schwalefeld, about five kilometers north of Willingen, and is well signposted. A short ascent, a lookout tower with sweeping views, and a touch of adventure make this trail a rewarding excursion – especially for nature lovers with an interest in history.
Adventure Trails on the Ettelsberg
Three family-friendly adventure trails await you on the Ettelsberg – featuring lovingly designed stories and plenty of outdoor activity. Joining the fun are Linne, a little adventurer on a treasure hunt, and Rike, a curious caterpillar with a passion for hiking.
The trails lead through nature, are easy to walk, and are varied in design. “Linne’s Treasure” works interactively via an app, while “Rike’s Caterpillar Trail” tells an imaginative story around the mountain lake. If you simply want to enjoy the views, try “s’Ründchen” – with a nature cinema, an XXL chair, and relaxing rest areas.
The start is at the valley station of the Ettelsberg cable car, just a few minutes’ drive from the attractions in Willingen’s town center. Strollers are no problem. The tours take between one and three hours.
Uplandsteig – Circling Willingen Once Around
67 kilometers, over 1,500 meters of elevation gain, and countless moments in nature: the Uplandsteig starts in Willingen and forms a circular route through forests, high heaths, moorlands, and wide meadows—sometimes challenging, but always captivating.
More than 40 viewpoints, rare plant species, and impressive nature reserves turn the trail into a truly memorable experience. Clearly marked with a white “U” on a black background, it’s ideal for hikers who want more than just distance from their walks.
DIEMELSEE
Lake Diemelsee, nestled among green meadows and forests, is a true paradise for water sports, hiking, and leisure activities. You can go sailing, swimming, surfing, or simply cast a fishing line in peace and quiet. Divers will find exciting spots and a mysterious underwater world to explore.
In addition to its rich fish population—including pike, zander, perch, carp, and whitefish—there is plenty more to discover at Lake Diemel. A canoe tour on the lake promises a small adventure. More experienced canoeists looking for a faster pace can head to the winding natural whitewater course, which offers a good amount of current.
Adventure in the open air: Action & attractions in Willingen
Summer Toboggan Run
The 700 m long summer toboggan run, with its 11 fast-paced curves, 3 jumps, and long straight sections, offers great fun—for kids, teens, and of course parents too.
The summer toboggan run can be reached on foot from the Sonnenpark in just 15 minutes. Children aged ten and up are allowed to ride on their own.
High Ropes Course
Adults and children aged 6 and up can test and build their strength in the high ropes course.
Set among 10 large trees, there are two different routes at heights of 6 and 18 meters. Along the way, you’ll cross a variety of bridges made of loops, beams, and steps.
The course can be reached by car in just ten minutes. Right next door: the Mühlenkopfschanze ski jump.
Paragliding
Let yourself be carried through the air and experience Willingen from above while paragliding. The area offers ideal conditions for this unforgettable adventure.
Feel free to ask us about the paragliding flight school located directly in town.
Mountain biking
A great pleasure for all mountain bike fans. Here there is the right route for everyone.
On the one hand, there are relaxed family tours with a manageable length, and on the other hand, there are tours that require a certain amount of fitness.
On the other hand you will also find the challenge of technical trails.
Adventure Golf
Similar to mini golf, adventure golf features 18 natural courses set within a beautiful landscape.
Players take on a variety of difficulty levels, making it fun for all ages.
Children under five are welcome to try it out free of charge. The course is impressively located about two kilometers from our hotel.
Adventure Mountain Kappe
Just half an hour away from Sonnenpark, Adventure Mountain Kappe in Winterberg offers an ideal excursion destination. With highlights such as the Panorama Experience Bridge, a summer toboggan run, and a climbing forest, it provides exciting adventures for both children and adults.
The nature discovery trail and interactive play stations offer a fun way to learn in nature. Additionally, attractions like adventure mini-golf, trampoline facilities, and the Kappe Express ensure a diverse and entertaining leisure experience.
FORT FUN
The large FORT FUN adventure park is located about 40 minutes from Sonnenpark. In the heart of the Sauerland countryside, you can enjoy action-packed rides, splashing water rides and lovingly designed themed worlds.
The brave can experience thrills on fast-paced attractions, while younger children can play and explore safely in their own areas. Small shows, events and hands-on activities provide entertainment in between.
Thanks to the compact size of the park, all attractions are easily accessible – ideal for a relaxing day out with the whole family.
Golfclub Brilon
Whether adult or child, the 9-hole tournament course or the 6-hole practice course is suitable for everyone.
Sonnenpark guests receive up to 15% off green fees.
After your round of golf, the clubhouse with its sun terrace warmly welcomes you. From there, you can watch players tee off, practice chipping or putting, and enjoy the true “golfer atmosphere” with food and drinks.
The club is located about 12 kilometers from Willingen. Appointments for an introduction lesson: please arrange through the secretariat one day in advance – phone: +49 2961 53550
Bad weather? Indoor highlights instead of classic attractions in Willingen
Fantastic Rooms
In the 3D Golf World you will dive into a world of colour and wonder. Experience mini-golf of a very special kind. With 3D black light mini-golf, you will experience the themed worlds of the universe, fantasy world or the sunken Mayan city on a fantastic journey. Equipped with 3D glasses, you are right in the middle of it.
The Game World in the new hall area offers social gaming in a fantastic ambience. Everyone will find their fun here, whether in the pool ball arena, the interactive Laser Maze, at football darts or one of the many other attractions.
With 45 m², the Laser Maze facility is one of the largest in Germany and offers 3 degrees of difficulty and three levels. At the football dart, kids from 5 years of age can throw or shoot softballs at a dartboard with a diameter of 2.5 m. At the pool ball, the black eight is played for with the foot and not with the cue. Fun and games for old and young.
Climbing Hall Willingen
Climbing Hall Willingen is the ultimate destination for climbing, bouldering, archery, and more, where sport and fun can be uniquely experienced.
The versatile facility offers everything from beginner courses to extreme sports challenges all under one roof. Including a 750 m² climbing wall, a bouldering hall with an 85° overhang, and archery halls.
"Here, no wishes go unfulfilled.
A top-class family hotel where the needs of adults, teenagers, and children are fully met. This applies to the wide variety of appealing leisure activities both in the hotel and in the town of Willingen and its surroundings. Here, you can leave everyday life behind..."
Wolfgang (61-65) in July 2024 on HolidayCheck
Sandbox VR
Just a few hundred metres from our family hotel, you can experience virtual worlds together that put you right in the heart of the action.
Equipped with VR headsets, motion sensors, and special vests, you and your team dive into thrilling adventures—from kid-friendly pirate treasure hunts to exciting sci-fi missions like “Amber Sky 2088” or “Squid Game Virtuals.” Each session lasts about 40 minutes and is easy to play—no prior experience required.
The experience is recommended for ages 12 and up. As a special highlight, you’ll even receive a video keepsake of your adventure to take home.
Culture & history: Attractions in and around Willingen to touch and marvel at
Curioseum – the craziest museum in Willingen
Spanning 2,500 m² across two floors, the Curioseum showcases everything Hans Schlömer collected, built, or discovered over the course of his life—and that is quite a lot. Old tractors, motorcycles, unusual cars, curious everyday objects, and quirky finds from around the world guarantee plenty of surprises.
The barrier-free circular route is about 650 m long and is suitable for families with children of all ages as well as groups. If you like, you can join a guided tour to learn more about the stories behind the exhibits. By car, the museum can be reached in just ten minutes.
Upländer Milchmuhseum
Housed in the former dairy building in Usseln, the museum shows how a small cooperative grew into a modern organic dairy. The exhibition illustrates—hands-on and easy to understand—how milk processing, animal husbandry, and agriculture have changed over time.
Visitors can borrow an audio guide and explore the exhibition at their own pace. Afterwards, the café invites you to enjoy organic milk drinks, cake, and hearty snacks.
Especially popular is the milking attempt on the museum cow—a fun experience for visitors of all ages. Arriving by car? The museum is located about six kilometers from the Familotel Sonnenpark.
“Christine” Slate Mine
Discover the many traces of slate mining from 1859 to 1971 in the “Christine” slate mine on a guided tour led by expert guides.
The Willingen Christmas Stollen is also stored inside the mine. The distance of about one and a half kilometers from the Sonnenpark to the mine can be covered either on foot or by car.
Children under six years of age may enter the mine free of charge.
Gold Mining
Become a gold prospector and follow the trail of gold in the Waldecker Land region. Near Korbach lies the Eisenberg, home to historic mining tunnels and considered the richest gold deposit in Germany. An estimated 35 to 60 tons of gold are believed to lie in the region.
Since the Middle Ages, prospectors have tried to extract the precious metal from the Eisenberg, digging around 20 kilometers of shafts and tunnels by hand. Large-scale mining is no longer worthwhile due to the low gold content in the rock—but the gold rush spirit can still be felt everywhere.
Follow in the footsteps of the gold seekers or try your luck at gold panning yourself.
Excursions and leisure activities in Willingen at a glance:
Skywalk
Summer Toboggan Run
Fantastic Rooms
Willingen Climbing Hall
Sandbox VR
Adventure Golf
Kappe Adventure Mountain
Adventure Trails on the Ettelsberg
Curioseum – the craziest museum in Willingen
Upländer Milchmuhseum
Ringwall Trail Schwalenburg
Uplandsteig – circling Willingen once around
Mühlenkopfschanze Ski Jump
High Ropes Course
“Christine” Slate Mine
Diemelsee
Golf-Club
Gold Mining
- Bowling center with large go-kart track
- Playgrounds, adventure mini golf
- Hang-gliding and paragliding flight school
- Route for inline skaters and roller skiers
- Climbing wall at the Hochheideturm tower
- 8-seater gondola lift to the Hochheideturm
- Ice rink with ice disco and curling
- Glassblowing workshop
- Tennis
| 30.01. - 01.02.26 | FIS Ski Jumping World Cup Willingen >> | |||
| 09.05.26 | Upland Trail Hiking Marathon >> | |||
| 29.05. - 31.05.26 | Bike-Festival Willingen >> | |||
| 18.06. - 20.06.26 | Extrem-extrem Hiking event >> |
| 20.06.26 | Die 90's Willingen Open Air >> | |||
| 09.07. - 12.07.26 | Bike Days Willingen >> | |||
| 15.08.26 | 9. Schlagerstern Open-Air >> | |||
| 10.10.26 | Cabaret Markus Krebs >> |
Snow paradise Willingen
In winter, Willingen transforms itself into an international winter sports resort and offers big and small ski bunnies everything you can imagine in terms of snow fun: 12 ski lifts and 4 children areas on five snow-covered slopes, almost 100 km of groomed cross-country ski runs, toboggan runs, ski schools and ski children areas with a magic carpet, snowboarding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, après-ski, FIS World Cup ski jumping featuring top athletes and much more.
Ski Resort Willingen
Willingen is located in an extensive winter sports area with a total of 6000 metres of slopes. No matter whether you prefer skis or snowboards: you will definitely get your money's worth on downhill runs of up to two kilometres in length.
A cable car and 11 lifts will take you comfortably back to the top, and several snow-making facilities guarantee snow.
The right winter offer
For the passionate cross-country skiers among you, a well-maintained, free cross-country ski trail network of almost 100 km is at your disposal. Of course, your little ones are also catered for here: in the children's ski-land your kids can take their first attempts at skiing. Several toboggan slopes with conveyor systems invite you to enjoy carefree snow fun.
And there's also something to visit: Willingen is home to the largest ski jump in the world, where a World Cup ski jumping event is held every year.
Floodlight skiing
Night skiing in Willingen is also a real pleasure. Several days a week, you can ski on four slopes in Willingen until the evening hours. We wish you safe skiing!
Insider tip: During night skiing you can enjoy a fantastic view of the illuminated mountains from the 90°C panorama sauna.
Ski school WIWA
The DSV ski and snowboard school with ski and snowboard rental, as well as a top service for all Sonnenpark guests - a team for safety, successful learning and of course fun in the snow is looking forward to you.
What the Sonnenpark partner ski school offers you:
- Ski courses and private lessons
- Ski guiding - the popular ski area tours
- Snowboard courses
- Children's land for little skiers
- Carving - the boundless driving pleasure
- Short turn - safety in steep terrain
Here you get directly to the homepage of the
Mühlenkopfschanze
Stand where only ski jumpers usually take off: at the Mühlenkopfschanze, visitors can enjoy an impressive view from the jump tower and fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into World Cup ski jumping all year round.
Guided tours are especially popular, offering real insider tips from the jump team. The facility is barrier-free and easy to navigate with a stroller. By car, you can reach the ski jump in just under ten minutes. There is ample parking, a modern café with views, and plenty of space to explore.
MÜHLENKOPFSCHANZE
Your family hotel for relaxed vacation days
An adventure-filled family holiday needs a place to arrive, unwind, and feel at home. As one of Germany’s award-winning family hotels, the Sonnenpark impresses with all-inclusive comfort. At one of the best hotels with childcare in Germany, we welcome you with thoughtfully designed offers for every age group. If you’re looking for a place where relaxation and adventure go hand in hand, you’ve come to the right place.
Enquire about your stay at the Sonnenpark now or book a last-minute family holiday.
Frequently asked questions about excursion destinations and attractions in Willingen
What must you do in Willingen?
You should definitely walk across the Skywalk, try out the summer toboggan run, and enjoy the fantastic views from the Hochheideturm!
Families also love the adventure trails on the Ettelsberg, the Curioseum, the 3D mini golf world, and the high ropes course. The Uplandsteig and the “Christine” slate mine also create unforgettable holiday moments.
What can you do in Willingen when the weather is bad?
The Curioseum is perfect for rainy days and the colder season—full of surprises, vintage vehicles, and quirky finds. The Fantastic Rooms, with blacklight mini golf and indoor games, are also great fun for the whole family.
If you’re interested in regional culture, visit the Upländer Milk Cow Museum or the climbing hall with bouldering walls and archery. All weather-independent and varied.
Are there family-friendly hiking trails in Willingen (Upland)?
Yes, for example the adventure trails on the Ettelsberg: “Linne’s Treasure” and “Rike’s Caterpillar Trail” are ideal for families with children, easy to walk, and lovingly designed.
The circular trail at the Schwalenburg and selected sections of the Uplandsteig also offer family-friendly hiking experiences.
What sporting activities are possible on vacation in Willingen?
Willingen offers a wide range of sports activities: mountain biking, climbing, paragliding, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, archery, and inline skating.
In summer, the summer toboggan run, the high ropes course, and the bike park are especially popular.
In winter, Willingen turns into a winter sports center with ski lifts, cross-country trails, and floodlit slopes—ideal for active holidaymakers.
What can you do in Willingen in summer?
Anyone looking for summer activities in Willingen will find plenty to enjoy:
race down into the valley on the summer toboggan run, discover nature playfully on the adventure trails at the Ettelsberg, or crown the family champion at adventure golf.
The many attractions in Willingen during summer offer a wide variety of experiences!
Which attractions in Willingen can be reached on foot?
Many attractions in Willingen’s town center can be easily explored on foot.
The summer toboggan run, the Willingen climbing hall, the Fantastic Rooms, and access to the Diemelsee Nature Park are all located nearby.
Perfect for a relaxed walk with the family or spontaneous activities right in town.
