Cultural landscape trail

The hiker can expect a challenging route through the cultural landscape around Hartegasse - characterized by meadows, forests, and water. The area around Hartegasse is also characterized by so-called dolines (particular terrain formations created by geological processes). There are indications of this in Kapellensüng, where the Süngerbach stream is "swallowed" in a swallow hole.

The cultural landscape trail begins at the parish church of St. Agatha, which was built in 1913/14 on the site of a private chapel from 1662. Leaving the settlement, one reaches the small hamlet of Löhsüng. Along forests and meadows, the trail meets the L-trail and follows it eastwards to Kohlersberg (306 m). This section is part of the so-called Elector's Trail, a connection between the towns of Bensberg - Attendorn, which belonged to the Archdiocese and Electorate of Cologne (Kurköln). At the wayside cross "Am Petrus," the trail leads past the Oberbüschem campsite with the Büschem's Besenstübchen restaurant. The trail continues over the meadows "Am Heiligen Stück" to the so-called Holy Tree, an ancient lime tree that invites you to linger with seating and a wayside shrine. Continuing through a forest to the hamlet of Stelberg and on to Oberfeld. Crossing the country road and the Breun, a tributary of the Sülz, one reaches the opposite slope to Steinenbrache. Heading south downhill towards the Lindlarer Sülz and the village of Brochhagen, first mentioned in 1318. Here, near the hiking route, is the country inn "Im Wiesengrund" as well as additional campsites. South of the Lindlarer Sülz, the trail leads to Kerberg near the hamlet of Hönighausen, before reaching the village of Hartegasse after another crossing of the Lindlarer Sülz. In 1413, this place was mentioned as "hadergassen." The name consists of the words "hoar" (mud) and "gasse" (path), indicating a deeply rutted, wet, and therefore difficult to pass path. This fact is due to the presence of dolines, as during heavy rainfall, the underground waterways were too narrow and the excess water found its way through the village streets. A place to stop for refreshments can be found at the "Musikalischer Wirt," before reaching the starting point passing by the Töltmyllan Icelandic horse farm.

Start: Hiking parking lot, Kirchstraße, Kapellensüng
Difficulty: medium
Length: 12 km
Ascent: max. 20%, avg. 6%
Elevation difference: 380m