Erlesene Natur: Auf Tauchgang im Muschelkalkmeer

The trail initially descends quite steeply on a forest path before reaching the first beautiful viewpoint, the so-called "nose of the Schwiemelkopf". From here, the view extends far into the Diemel valley and an information board tells you all kinds of interesting facts about the vegetation in the transition area between open land and forest. The path now descends in a few hairpin bends to the foot of the cliffs. The south-facing cliffs warm up much more than the surrounding area and are therefore a habitat for numerous insects and reptiles. Birds also like to use the updrafts created by the warming of the rocks for their flying skills.

The trail leads over the Diemel past the Stenderberg to the village of Ostheim. From here, the trail leads up to the Ostheimer Hute nature reserve. The juniper heaths are a real treasure trove full of life: While many orchids such as orchids bloom in the spring, numerous butterflies cavort here in the summer and in the fall you can marvel at the blue-violet fringed gentian. You can let your gaze wander and enjoy the view once again on a landscape lounger at the end of the Ostheimer Hute.

From here, the route leads back into the beech forest and finally through a field and meadow landscape down to Lamerden. The Diemel is crossed again, and a butterfly mosaic in the village indicates that the Diemel Valley is known as the "Valley of Butterflies". After all, around 100 species of the mostly colorful butterflies have already been recorded here. Once again, the trail climbs slightly uphill to the remains of a redoubt from the Seven Years' War, which is also a nice place to take a break with a view of the Diemel Valley. A narrow little path now leads along the edge of the forest and offers beautiful views of the wide landscape on the other side, before the path leads deeper into the beech forest again to the junction back to the parking lot. Now it's time to take a deep breath and tackle the last steep climb back to the starting point.

Sturdy hiking boots, fitness due to some ascents and, especially in spring and summer, sufficient sun protection for the passages through the open landscape.

At the end of Körbecke, turn right and then immediately left again. At the end of the road (approx. 2km) there is a parking lot for hikers at the edge of the forest. This is where the feeder path with the trail markings begins.

At the hiking parking lot at the Körbecke entrance (51.51748°N 9.29540°E).

Stop: Körbecke (Kr HX), Mitte + approx. 4 km to the starting point

To the timetable information

The circular trail "Diving in the shell limestone sea" is part of the "Exquisite Nature". There are a total of 18 such adventure areas in the Kulturland district of Höxter, all of which are located in and around FFH areas. They are all components of the "Natura 2000" protected area system and are therefore part of our European natural heritage!

www.erlesene-natur.de

The juniper heaths on the Ostheimer Hute are a treasure chest full of life: orchids bloom in spring, the blue-violet gentian in fall and numerous butterflies cavort here in summer.