- Refreshment stop
- Multi-day tour
- Suitable for winter
- Accommodation option
- Signage
- Tour with dog
- Quality Trail Wanderbares Deutschland
- Good public transport connections
Rothaarsteig
Rushing treetops above your head, green meadows as far as the eye can see and soft, springy moss under your hiking boots - sensory impressions that await you on the 154 kilometers of the Rothaarsteig. But a hike along the so-called "Path of the Senses" offers much more. 14 reasons for a hike:
- Thanks to the good signposting - trail signs every 250 meters -
you can clear your head and concentrate on nature.
Map or app stay in your rucksack. - One week's vacation is enough to hike the entire Rothaarsteig in eight stages.
- You can still experience real silence, on some stages it's just you and nature.
- The magnificent views over the mountainous landscape are a real reward.
- To enjoy nature and silence, you will find forest sofas and hammocks along the way.
- Refresh yourself at the 11 springs along the way.
- The purple colors of the blooming Heid and foxglove fields in summer.
- The suspension bridge on stage 4, which is also a special photo spot.
- The option of experiencing the trail in winter when there is snow.
- The trail is easily accessible from all directions as it is located in the middle of Germany.
- The journey to/from Brilon or Dillenburg is completely sustainable by train.
- The certified Rothaarsteig quality businesses know exactly what you need after a strenuous hike.
- Hike the route together with your dog. There is dog-friendly accommodation at all stage destinations.
- The Rothaarsteig team will be happy to help you personally and free of charge with your tour planning.
We look forward to seeing you
Your Rothaarsteig team
By the way, the Rothaarsteig is one of the Top Trails of Germany. The 14 best long-distance hiking trails in Germany.
Tour starting point:
Brilon - Marketplace
Tour destination point:
Dillenburg - Hofgarten
Properties:
Additional Information
Further information about the Rothaarsteig can be found at www.rothaarsteig.de or by calling the free service hotline on +49 2974 / 499 4163, where we will be happy to advise you personally on your tour planning.Category
FernwanderwegLength
157.7 kmDuration
97:00 hElevation ascent
2894 mElevation descent
3123 mLowest point
224 mHighest point
838 mCondition
Difficulty
Recommended seasons
The Rothaarsteig leads in a north-south direction over the ridge of the Rothaargebirge mountains. The starting point is Brilon on the north-eastern edge of the Sauerland. Over the highest mountain in North Rhine-Westphalia - the Langenberg (843m) - the Rothaarsteig leads past the source of the Ruhr to Winterberg to the Kahler Asten (842m). Here in the headwaters of the Lenne, the second major river in the Sauerland, the Rothaarsteig bends to the west and runs south of Schmallenberg to the Rhein-Weser-Turm. From the Rhein-Weser-Turm, the route now heads south again through the Rothaarvorhöhen into the Hilchenbacher Winkeln and on to the headwaters of the Lahn, Sieg and Eder above Netphen. Via the Haincher Höhe, the Rothaarsteig finally heads for its destination, the Oranienstadt Dillenburg with its imposing Wilhelmsturm tower.
You can find stage descriptions and further information on planning your tour at www.rothaarsteig.de.
Information
Directions
Brilon-Bruchhausen-Küstelberg-Winterberg- Langewiese-Hoheleye-Kühhude-Schanze-Jagdhaus-Lützel-Großenbach-Rodenbach-Manderbach-Dillenburg
Equipment
The Rothaarsteig leads along numerous natural paths away from agricultural and forestry roads. Weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes are therefore a must for every hike. We want you to experience the "Path of the Senses" not only "dry" but also with "good" feet.
In our small hiking store at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig articles to prepare for your tour or as a souvenir. We are also happy to recommend the durable and high-quality outdoor equipment from our long-standing partner, the outdoor outfitter Tatonka.
In our small hiking store at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig articles to prepare for your tour or as a souvenir. We are also happy to recommend the durable and high-quality outdoor equipment from our long-standing partner, the outdoor outfitter Tatonka.
- Hiking rucksack
A suitable hiking rucksack will make your tour on the Rothaarsteig twice as much fun! Hiking rucksacks have a ventilated carrying system that makes them very comfortable to wear, as this ensures that sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be fastened with a waist or hip belt and thus sit firmly on your back with every movement. They are also equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often have a compartment with a tube outlet for a hydration bladder, so that hydration is ensured at all times.
- First aid kit
To make sure you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig to the full, a first aid kit should be in your rucksack. After all, nothing is more annoying than not being able to immediately treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries properly. Tatonka's first aid kits are filled with all the important materials for the initial treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guideline for the correct behaviour in the event of emergencies in the great outdoors. You can find Tatonka's first aid kits here!
- Food and drinks
On some stages, especially between the Lahnquelle and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no refreshment stops along the way. Remember to pack food and drink, especially here. Especially in summer, it is important to drink plenty of fluids.
Safty guidelines
Information about the rescue signs on the Rothaarsteig
Most hiking trails run away from towns and settlements and all hikers have certainly thought about what would happen if an emergency were to occur. How can I be found here? Where am I anyway? Can the emergency services reach me?
But in an emergency, things have to happen quickly! That's why the Rothaarsteig is equipped with so-called rescue signs throughout. The green and white plaques attached to the posts of the signposts have a number that you must give when making an emergency call. This way, the emergency services know exactly where you are and valuable time can be saved.
Note on the increased risk of forest fires
Please bear in mind that there is currently an increased risk of forest fires due to the drought! Therefore, please observe the following instructions:
- Observe the legal ban on smoking in the forest - it applies in spring, summer and fall, more precisely: from March 1 to October 31.
- Observe the ban on open fires in the forest and within 100 meters of the forest.
- Take glass out of the forest - the burning glass effect can cause forest fires.
When it is (too) late:
- Extinguish small incipient fires if you can do so safely. Check the area carefully if necessary.
- Report fires via "112".
- Leave the danger zone by the shortest route.
The forest will thank you!
Author Tip
During a hike on the Rothaarsteig, there are always special features along the way that invite you to linger and marvel. Special highlights are
- a total of 11 springs, including the Ruhr, Siegen, Dill and Lahn springs
- the numerous viewpoints and adventure points
- the Bruchhauser Steine
- the suspension bridge near Kühhude
- the forest sculpture trail
- the Kyrill trail in Schanze
- the "Lukaseiche" natural monument
- the towns of Brilon, Winterberg and Dillenburg
- and much more
Literture
To help you prepare for your hike, we will be happy to send you our free information pack. At www.rothaarst eig.de/prospekte you can easily select the information you need. A good companion for every tour is our brochure "Rothaarsteig Wegweiser" with the hosts along the trail and other useful information.
Maps
You can order the original Rothaarsteig hiking map on a scale of 1:50000 on waterproof paper, with up-to-date route guidance and useful markings, such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops and much more at www.rothaarsteig.de/wanderkarte for 11.00 euros free shipping to your home.
Public transiot
Whether you start your hike on the Rothaarsteig in the north or the south, both Brilon (Brilon Stadt station) and Dillenburg (Dillenburg main station) are easily accessible by train. If you want to hike the Rothaarsteig in its entirety, we even recommend traveling there and back by train. Also because the journey time between Brilon and Dillenburg by train is quite time-consuming and takes about four hours.
In addition, some other places on the Rothaarsteig are well connected to the bus and train network.
If you are coming by car, we recommend that you use public transport at the start of your tour and position your car at the end point. This way you don't have to follow the bus/train timetable on the hike.
Getting there
Brilon
Brilon bereik je vanuit het noorden en oosten via de A44 en vanuit het zuiden en westen via de A445/A46.
Dillenburg
Dillenburg can be reached via the A45, exit 25, Dillenburg.
Parking
Brilon:
You can park your car free of charge in Brilon in the parking lot on "Krummestraße" or at the Kreishaus (Am Rothaarsteig 1). Enter in your navigation system: "Marktplatz".
Dillenburg
You can park your car free of charge in Brilon in the parking lot on "Krummestraße" or at the Kreishaus (Am Rothaarsteig 1). Enter in your navigation system: "Marktplatz".
Dillenburg
:
You will find free parking at the stadium in Dillenburg. Enter in your navigation system: "Am Sportzentrum".
In addition, there are usually free parking spaces for hikers in numerous villages along the Rothaarsteig where you can park your car.