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Erlesene Natur: Der Schmetterlingspfad mit Hitgenheierweg bei Willebadessen

Easy

12,4 km

4:30 h

194 m

310 m

214 m

Round Tour

Themed trail

Best Season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Startpoint

Parking lot at the Schleusenberg

Destinationpoint

Parking lot at the Schleusenberg

The Kalktriften invite you to immerse yourself in the realm of butterflies and gentians on the "Butterfly Trail". Follow the fluttering flight of the butterflies and learn new & interesting facts about the life of these fascinating animals!

The butterfly trail is an approx. 3.7 km long section of the Hitgenheierweg trail, which leads through the important nature reserve on the outskirts of Willebadessen.

In the realm of butterflies
Extensive sheep pastures cover the shell limestone slopes north of Willebadessen. The sun-drenched areas exert a peculiar attraction. A closer look reveals a diversity of species that is second to none. Thousands of colorful flowers stretch out towards the sun and the scent of aromatic herbs gives the limestone drifts a Mediterranean flair - a paradise for sun worshippers like our native butterflies!
Over 50 butterfly species have been recorded here so far. There is hardly a more suitable area in the Höxter district to get to know the colorful world of butterflies.

The largest native gentian, the cross gentian, can also be found on the Kalktriften. The gentian, which is rare in Central Europe, serves as a food plant for the caterpillars of an even rarer blue butterfly, the cross gentian ant blue. Nowhere else in Central Europe are both species, plant and butterfly, as common as in the Höxter district!
Follow the whirring flight of the butterflies and learn new and interesting facts about the life of these fascinating animals on your hike!

The Kalktriften near Willebadessen are part of the "Exquisite Nature". There are a total of 18 such adventure areas in the Kulturland district of Höxter. They are all components of the "Natura 2000" protected area system and are therefore part of our European natural heritage!

Map

Erlesene Natur: Der Schmetterlingspfad mit Hitgenheierweg bei Willebadessen

Fölsener Str. 1, 34439 Willebadessen

Route

Ansprechpartner:

Kulturland Kreis Höxter
Corveyer Allee 7,

info@kulturland.org

+49 5271 974323

Call

Details

Directions

From the Schleusenberg parking lot, the trail climbs in short serpentines to the ridge of the Schleusenberg and follows it into the wide, hilly open land of the Kalktriften. The descent to the L 828 takes you past the meadow of the Kreuzenzian. If you complete the entire 12.5 kilometers of the circular trail, you will get a fantastic overview of the various aspects of the landscape in the cultivated area of the Höxter district, in this case on the edge of the Eggegebirge: First the Mediterranean-style ridge path, then the wide open spaces of the limestone foothills, floodplains and fields on the banks of the River Nethe, the Egge spring and game reserve near Willebadessen, shady indoor beech forest on the Eggenhang, the foothills of the Willebadessen spa park and finally a mosaic of field, forest and water.

Safety Guidelines

During the summer, the sun's rays on the Kalktriften should not be underestimated. Protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat and take enough to drink with you! There is a refreshment stop at Willebadessen station. The healing spring water of the Egge is of course also drinkable.

Equipent

Camera, binoculars

Tip

Visit the Kalktriften between May and August - over 50 butterfly species can be observed along the butterfly trail during this time. This not only offers you fantastic views but also invites you to relax on the landscape loungers.

Getting There

A44, exit Diemelstadt onto B252 towards Scherfede. At Scherfede take the L828 towards Willebadessen. After approx. 1.5 km, follow the L828 to the left towards Willebadessen. Exit Willebadessen, at the traffic circle take the exit towards Stadtmitte/Zentrum. Follow the road until you leave the town, the parking lot is located immediately at the crossroads on the left and again on the right, at the foot of the Schleusenberg. An eye-catching sign with a butterfly indicates the path.