On January 18, 2007, Hurricane Kyrill swept through Südwestfalen with full force, leaving wide swaths of devastation in the forests. In Schanze, on a state-owned plot of land, officials deliberately chose not to remove the traces of the storm. Instead, a unique trail was created that shows how nature reacts to such an extreme event.
Along the approximately 1,000-meter-long Kyrill-Pfad, visitors can experience firsthand just how powerful the storm was—toppled trees, uprooted soil, and the slow but steady process of natural reforestation make you see the forest in a whole new light.
A 250-meter section of the trail has been designed to be accessible, making it easy for families with strollers or people in wheelchairs to enjoy.
The entrance to the Kyrill-Pfad is located directly next to the ranger station and the crozier at the edge of Schanze. Parking is available at the hiking parking lot at the town entrance. The Kyrill-Pfad is also easily accessible from the Bad Berleburg-Kühude hiking parking lot—in about an hour via the WaldSkulpturenWeg.
For those who’d like to delve even deeper into the subject, the Rothaarsteig rangers offer exciting guided hikes along the Kyrill-Pfad upon request.
You can find more information about your hike along the Kyrill-Pfad here.