Traces of Mining in Giershagen

The 18-kilometer trail can be walked in two sections and passes several mining fields and Geologische Aufschlüsse. Cultural and historical points of interest visible along the trail are also incorporated thematically. It is recommended to walk the trail in the order of stations 1–36, as the information on the signs builds upon each other.The southern route (stations 1–18) leads along the Adorf Weg to the largest and most significant medieval mining district in Giershagen—the Eckefeld—and from there to the Wartersberg and into the Arnsgrund to two impressive outcrops (limestone and diabase). Passing the oldest mining district at Arnstein, the route follows an old mine car track to a Bremsberg and from there to the medieval ore train in the Schmalental valley. Through the Hüttenberg, the path leads via the Judenpfad to the Rennebusch and back to the village. The North Route (Stations 18–36) leads from the village center, past the school and kindergarten, across the Rennefeld to the Lülingshohl Mine in Eselstall. Passing the diabase quarry and the Klingelschacht, the route continues through the Eschenseite to the Diemel ford. Following the Diemel River, you’ll reach the recreational area at the Reinhard Mine. Here, the trail crosses the river and follows the route of the old mine railway along the opposite bank of the Diemel to the Diemel Bridge. From there, the trail passes Klusknapp on the way to Kluskirche and continues to a former slate quarry on Rotenberg. Passing the horse cemetery, the trail leads through Gedenrath to the copper mining area in Buchholz and back to the church square.MarkingThe circular hiking trail is marked with the mining symbol “hammer and pick” in white on a reddish-brown background (the color of iron ore) with a white “G” for “Giershagen.” At trail junctions or branching paths, special signs with directional arrows are posted. Special information signs point out points of interest that you can discover for yourself.Route Information The trail leads along field and forest paths. Narrow nature trails have been created in some places. The trail is not suitable for wheelchair users. Cycling is not possible on large sections of the trail. Mountain biking is not permitted, as the route crosses private property where access is prohibited.