L4 meets Myths and Legends path

The start through Bad Laasphe's old town already brings the past to life. The old half-timbered houses tell stories from the past. Their timber frames contain carvings and paintings revealing their former purpose. Additionally, 27 bronze plaques provide a brief overview of the historical development of the individual buildings and places. Walk through the town with open eyes and let the houses tell you their stories. By the way, look down sometimes, because you are walking in the Laasphe brook here - without getting your feet wet. Thanks to the Salmon Path, which has meandered for over 300 m along Königstraße since 2011. Its course is not random but follows the natural path of the Laasphe brook. Historically, the carved salmon fish refer to the city’s name origin. The city name derives from "Lassaffa," meaning salmon water or salmon stream, likely from Celtic origins.

Via a side street (Bergstraße), you reach a forest path running along a large pasture on the right and after a short time turns left downhill into a small path. Continuing along a pasture parallel to the settlement "Laasphetal," you are accompanied by the burbling "Laasphe" brook, which you follow for a while and which is always close enough for cooling. The dense leaf canopy of the beautiful deciduous forest provides pleasant shade, and you are always accompanied by a refreshing breeze thanks to the brook's coolness. After about 2.2 km, the path bends sharply slightly uphill. Here a detour to the left into the meadow is highly recommended. Crossing it, you reach a ford and the so-called Ringelpool. A little idyll, enchanted water sounds, and if you climb down the stones on the left, you actually find a dammed natural pool.

Next, back to the main path, which soon offers sunnier sections, as bark beetles have unfortunately damaged large forest areas here. However, nature has reclaimed these areas, and foxgloves and broom bloom especially in May/June, decorating the cleared slopes.

Upon reaching the "Bracht," the forest opens up, revealing views over vast meadow areas. On the left, the path continues along a trail that ends again with the "Laasphe" brook offering the last refreshment.

Then the path turns right, leading uphill around Obernberg to Neuntel. Some elevation is gained here. At the top, go a bit left before turning right again a few meters later (signposted Myths and Legends path). Passing a small seating area inviting you to rest, the path continues around Hainrot. Feels like going through a tunnel, flanked by stacks of wood that once stood here before the bark beetles struck. This little detour is worth it; it’s a typical example of stepping off the path to discover something special! Keep your eyes open; a harvester trail goes slightly uphill on the left, leading to a wonderful spot with a 360-degree view. A simple wooden bench lets you enjoy the view here. Don’t forget to continue: return on the harvester trail to the main path and walk on until you meet W/x15 again. Turn left here and follow the path. Before it descends after a while, there is a bench to the left on a meadow path. Not only can you enjoy a beautiful view here, but it’s also worth following the meadow path (dead end), which ends on a meadow offering a two-castle view: to the right, Bad Laasphe’s Wittgenstein Castle, and to the left, Biedenkopf Castle.

After enjoying the view and resting tired legs, the final stretch begins, initially downhill for recovery. The L path partially shares the route with the Myths and Legends path, with display boards telling various Wittgenstein tales, true or invented - in any case interesting! Naturally, the legendary rock formation Teufelskanzel is also featured. From there, the path leads steadily downhill back to the starting point.

If lucky, you can end the hike with a visit to the Berghütte Teufelskanzel and spoil yourself deservedly in rustic hut atmosphere with a wide view (open Thu-Sun only).

Return via the Sebastian Kneipp Path and Feldstraße, and soon you are back in the city center – where there are, of course, many ways to refill energy supplies with calories!

Sturdy footwear and sun protection recommended. At the beginning and end of the hike there are numerous opportunities for refreshments. No catering options on the way. You should bring a snack and especially water!

To Bad Laasphe town center (parking options public car park Lahnstraße or Gartenstraße)

Free parking is available at public car parks Lahnstraße (weekdays with parking disc 3 hrs) or Gartenstraße

Bad Laasphe is easily accessible by public transport. Further information can be found here

www.kurhessenbahn.de

www.vws-siegen.de

• Old Town Bad Laasphe (half-timbered stories)
• Ringelpool (idyllic power spot) 
• 360 ° view Hainrot - panoramic view of Hessen/Sauerland/Siegerland
• Three Countries Bench Neuntel (scenic)
• Natural monument Teufelskanzel (mystical and legendary)
• Refreshment "Berghütte Teufelskanzel" (Thu 4 pm - 10 pm Fri + Sat 2 pm - midnight Sun 11 am - 8 pm) 

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