2023-06-30 21:42:00
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Visitors look a hundred meters down on the Skywalk Willingen: Germany’s longest suspension bridge has been opened.
Willingen/Usseln – Germany’s longest suspension bridge will be attracting tourists to Willingen from Saturday: After years of planning, the “Skywalk Willingen” has been opened. On Friday, shareholders, journalists and some tourists marveled at the 665 meter long bridge, which connects the Willinger Mühlenkopf – site of the World Cup ski jump – and the Usseln Musenberg at a height of up to 100 meters.
Arndt Brüne, one of the five managing directors, explained that it was not only the longest suspension bridge in Germany in the Tibetan style. The Skywalk is also the world’s longest suspension bridge that does not require additional guy ropes.
The operators are assuming 100,000 visitors. Willingen tourism director Norbert Lopatta even considers this a conservative estimate given the 1.1 million overnight guests and 4 to 4.5 million day visitors. The bridge is a milestone in the region, which is closely linked to tourism: “It’s a blessing for the whole Sauerland, the whole Waldecker Land,” he explained – the bridge was originally planned at Diemelsee. The Skywalk is aimed at many welcome target groups such as families, hikers and all active people who move outdoors.
The Skywalk Willingen stretches high in the air next to the Mühlenkopfschanze. The first tickets were sold on Friday, and operations will start completely on Saturday. © Wilhelm Figge
In the competition between tourism destinations, he is grateful for the innovation from business, explained Mayor Thomas Trachte. The shareholders had raised more than 4.5 million euros for the bridge, static and geological studies, approval and environmental work.
Right next to the well developed Mühlenkopfschanze there would have been happy conditions. “Here, the intervention in nature that would have had to take place elsewhere is minimized.” The operators state that only 100 square meters of forest area had to give way to the supports.
Thanks to the funicular, guided tours and access to the cross-country ski runs, the ski jump is a destination all year round anyway, explained Markus Hensel from the Willingen Ski Club. The Skywalk will be closed during the World Cup, but there will be room for TV cameras on the bridge and it can also be used for .
The Skywalk currently opens from 9 a.m. to around 9 p.m. This is adjusted depending on the season and the weather, the suspension bridge only opens when it is bright. Admission costs eleven euros, for children from 6 to 15 years 8.50 euros.
Arrival and ticket sales for the Skywalk Willingen suspension bridge
The Skywalk Willingen suspension bridge can be accessed from both the Mühlenkopf and the Musenberg – there are ticket machines for cashless payment there. From the Stryck car park between Usseln and Willingen it is a 1.2 kilometer walk to the Musenberg entrance. The Abzweig Stryck bus stop is also located at the car park.
At the exit of the Mühlenkopfschanze, it is also possible to buy tickets at the cash desk during the opening hours of the funicular, i.e. Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4.45 p.m. There are parking spaces at the Schanze and in Stryck. There are also combined tickets for going up with the funicular, alternatively a 1.8-kilometer hiking trail and a narrow, steep staircase lead to the Mühlenkopf entrance.
Tickets are also available at the Ettelsberg cable car and the K1 chairlift. Paths lead from the mountain stations to the suspension bridge. The Willinger hiking trail W1 leads to the foot and to the start of the ski jump, the W6 passes the outlet. Hikers can also get there on the Usselner Weg U1. The U3 and the milk trail run nearby, the way to the Skywalk is already signposted.
Rules for access to the Skywalk Willingen suspension bridge
Bicycles are not allowed on the Skywalk, and pets are not allowed. With a width of 1.30 meters, the sidewalk is also too narrow for prams and wheelchairs. In the future there will be special opening days when the Skywalk will be opened as a one-way street for wheelchair users.
Persons under the influence of alcohol are not allowed access. Indecent clothing, music systems and sales items for bachelor parties must also be avoided – otherwise, as in the cable cars, no access is permitted. At least on the weekends, this is checked by staff who also have a breathalyser, explains Arndt Brüne. First of all, empirical values would be collected. wf/red
Photos from the Skywalk Willingen suspension bridge
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