Hermannshöhen - Etappe 13 von Blankenrode bis Obermarsberg

1. Short stage route
   Starting point of stage 13 is Blankenrode. The stage begins through the Blankenroder Bleikuhlen. Shortly before Oesdorf, there are two ways to reach the village: Either follow the Eggeweg or, after around 4.5 km of the stage, take the meadow path at a viewing bench, which leads downhill to Oesdorf church. Welcome to the Sauerland! Leaving the village, you will come to a waterworks after a major ascent. After about 3.5 km you arrive in Essentho. From Essentho onwards, the Eggeweg runs along the old "Via Regia" - a former people's road that was an important connection from Worms via Mainz to Bremen in the Middle Ages. In Marsberg, the route leads along the banks of the Diemel for a while until you reach the center of the town and your destination.

1. Length of the stage in kilometers / altitude difference / route character
   The stage is 14 km long, leads over paved paths and has a moderate difference in altitude. The only major climb is out of Oesdorf.
2. Scenic/historical features
   There are several scenic features to discover along the route, including the geological fault lines of the Blankenroder Bleikuhlen, where lead, zinc and sulphur iron ore were once mined. You will also find protected flora here, including the only Westphalian galmei violet to be found here. In addition to the scenic features, you will also pass several historical sites on this stage that will take you far back into the past.

• In the course of geological history, deposits of lead, zinc and sulphur iron ore were formed on the Blankenroder Bleikuhlen geological fault line. These were mined above and below ground for centuries. The resulting soil conditions made it possible for the very rare blue-purple-colored galmei violet to become native here.

• The Oesdorf Church from the Middle Ages with impressive murals.

• Essentho: A settlement with a long history dating back to the 9th century. People settled here very early on. This is not least due to the high water supply. Incidentally, there is a privately run care and release station for birds of prey and owls at Essenthoer Mühle, which is very interesting for animal lovers.

• Obermarsberg is the oldest populated point in the Hochsauerland district and is located on a mountain plateau that slopes steeply down on three sides. Short history excursion:  The place was called "Eresburg" in the 5th/4th century BC. The castle belonged to the Saxons.

 
 
Did you know that?
According to legend, Charlemagne conquered it during his Saxon campaign and destroyed the sanctuary of the Saxons, the Irminsul.  As the battle here lasted so long, he is said to have said "This is truly my sour land", which is said to have given rise to the name Sauerland.
 
 

A good alternative interactive tour map of stage 13 can be found here