Willingen

Willingen is a town in the state of Hesse, Germany. It is part of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district and lies in the Sauerland region on the southern edge of the Upland, near the Diemelsee. The surrounding landscape features forests, hills and upland meadows, making it a popular base for outdoor activities.

Willingen has medieval roots and developed as a market town. In the modern era it grew into a well-known tourist destination, especially for winter sports and mountain recreation. The town hosts international sport events and is closely associated with the local ski infrastructure.

A prominent landmark is the Mühlenkopfschanze, a large ski jumping hill that serves as a venue for international competitions such as FIS World Cup events. The hill and related facilities attract visitors year round and are central to Willingen’s reputation as a winter resort.

In winter, visitors come for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, while summer activities include hiking, cycling and mountain biking. The economy of Willingen revolves largely around tourism, with hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities supporting seasonal crowds.

The town is accessed by road and rail, with regional rail and bus connections linking Willingen to nearby towns. Major transfer points are in Korbach and Brilon, while broader connections are available in Kassel. Willingen has a small resident population of several thousand, with numbers swelling during peak tourist periods.