Experience the magic of nature on the hiking trail from Hanstedt to Wesel. An idyllic path through a refreshing forest and the enchanting Weseler Heide
Hiking between Hanstedt and Wesel
Experience on the hike
The Kerkstieg promises above all a lot of nature. Enjoy the peace and freshness of the forest and the beautiful Weseler Heide with its expansive views. In Hanstedt, you can store in the cozy village and enjoy restaurants and cafés, while in Wesel a short detour to the Hexenhaus is worthwhile.
Way description
The approximately 6.5 km long tour leads over hilly Hanstedt forests and through parts of the Weseler Heide. There are around 80 meters of elevation gain over the entire distance. The route is well signposted with boulders along the way marked with the words "Kerkstieg" and small directional arrows. There are also wooden signposts in some places. There is a covered hiker's hut halfway along the route. If you want, you can sign the hut book on display.
Tip from the heath expert
We recommend sturdy, closed footwear for the Kerkstieg. The tour is particularly suitable in warm summer weather, as the trail mainly leads through the Hanstedt forests and woodlands. A hat and drinks are very good companions for the section in the Weseler Heide in hot temperatures.
The Kerkstieg (Kerk=church / Stieg=path over hills) was forgotten for a long time. Chronicles record that the parishes of Undeloh and Hanstedt were once merged. For the people of Weseloh, this meant that they had to walk to the St. Jakobi church in Hanstedt for church services. The small Kerkstieg fell into oblivion after the advent of bicycles, as it was not suitable for two-wheelers. However, after the Kerkstieg then appeared in a local history book, the path made a comeback.
Condition of the hiking trail
The route consists partly of narrow paths that meander between pine and beech trees, sometimes on wider paved paths. Watch out for roots. In the Weseler Heide, these are mainly found on the sandy paths.
Start and finish
Your starting point is An der Rodelbahn / corner of Lindenallee in 21271 Hanstedt (53°15'08.6 "N 10°00'05.8 "N)
Your finish point is Am Höllenhoff / corner of Fünf Buchen in 21274 Undeloh-Wesel (53°13'44.5 "N 9°55'30.2 "E)
Parking
There is no parking lot for hikers here. You can park on the roadside at the start and finish points above.
During the week, you can take the bus back to Hanstedt: From bus stop Wesel, Am Höllenhoff to Hanstedt, Kirche. A cab company is particularly useful at weekends.
Gastronomy
You can round off your hike with a culinary stop at one of the numerous restaurants in both Hanstedt and Wesel.