recommended route
Multi-stage route
Rothaarsteig
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Landschaftsrahmen auf dem Kornberg am RothaarsteigPhoto: Rothaarsteigverein e.V. / Klaus-Peter Kappest
What do you love most about hiking?
The closeness and idyll of nature, the active relaxation, the unmistakable silence, the scent of the seasons, the little wonders along the way, the taste of fresh spring water, the good conversations? Or simply the feeling of well-being that comes from all of this?
Then welcome to the Rothaarsteig, the "path of the senses". In the middle of Germany, it grounds the senses, mind and soul over 154 panoramic kilometers and satisfies your longing for security.
Get to know the Rothaarsteig and its hosts. You will find a second home. That's a promise!
By the way, the Rothaarsteig is one of the Top Trails of Germany. In this cooperation, 14 long-distance hiking trails in Germany have come together to offer maximum hiking enjoyment!
The Rothaarsteig leads in a north-south direction over the ridge of the Rothaargebirge. The starting point is Brilon on the north-eastern edge of the Sauerland. Via 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 Rhine-Weser Tower. From the Rhine-Weser Tower, the route now heads south again through the Rothaar foothills to Hilchenbacher Winkel 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 Orange town of Dillenburg with its imposing Wilhelmsturm tower.
Stage descriptions and lots more information can be found at: www.rothaarsteig.de
Author’s recommendation
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, Sieg, Dill and Lahn springs
- the numerous viewpoints and adventure points
- the Bruchhauser Stones
- the suspension bridge at Kühude
- the forest sculpture trail
- the Kyrill trail in Schanze
- the "Lukaseiche" natural monument
- the towns of Brilon, Winterberg and Dillenburg
- and much more
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Hotel BuiterlingHotel Rech
Café am Rothaarsteig
Hiebammen Hütte
Waldhotel Schinkenwirt
Waldbahnhof Brilon-Wald
Schlosshotel Brilon-Wald
Gutscafé Rosenbogen Heidrich
GastHof Lichte
Restaurant Oversum Winterberg (RHS)
Hotel Forsthaus (RHS)
Hotel Sauerländer Hof (RHS)
Romantik Berghotel Astenkrone ****S
Berghotel Hoher Knochen
Landhotel Gasthof zur Post (RHS)
Landgasthof Gilsbach
Landhotel Gasthof Schütte
Almhütte Schanze
Waldkiosk "Schanze 1"
Landschaftsgasthaus Schanze 1
Landhotel Gasthof Hubertus
Hotel Jagdhaus Wiese
Hotel Jagdhaus Wiese
Zur Hahnenquelle
Hotel-Restaurant Ginsberger Heide
Forsthaus Hohenroth forest information center
Getränkekühlschrank am Waldheim
Landgasthof "Zur Siegquelle"
Safety information
Information about the rescue signs on the Rothaarsteig
Most hiking trails run away from towns and settlements and every hiker has 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?
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 means that 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!
Bison and wild animals on the Rothaarsteig - tips on how to behave
Many species of game live in the forests along the Rothaarsteig. Encounters with red deer, wild boar (wild sows), mouflon and, more recently, bison are possible. You may encounter the latter on the Rothaarsteig between Albrechtsplatz and Dreiherrenstein.
The risks posed to normal hikers by bison are low and can be reduced to an absolute minimum by appropriate and respectful behavior.
- Walk calmly and inconspicuously past the animals at a distance, do not frighten them and do not look them directly in the eye.
- If the animals approach you, remain calm, do not turn your back on them and leave the area without rushing, but always with a view of the animal.
- If the animals fall below a distance that makes you uncomfortable, call loudly, whistle or make yourself heard in another way. Watch out for threatening gestures!
- If sows "chatter their teeth" or bison lower their heads, they expect you to retreat. Move back!
- If you have a dog with you, keep it under control on a lead. If an animal attacks your dog, take it off the lead! The dog is faster and more agile than you and will definitely find you again!
Tips and suggestions
Further information about the route is available at www.rothaarsteig.de and by calling the free service hotline on 02974 / 499 4163, where we will be happy to advise you on your personal tour planning.Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
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 would like to hike the entire Rothaarsteig, we even recommend traveling to and from the trail by train. This is also because the journey time between Brilon and Dillenburg by public transport is relatively time-consuming and takes around four hours.
In addition, numerous other places along the Rothaarsteig are well connected to the bus and train network.
We recommend that you use public transport at the start of your tour and leave your car at the end point. This way you don't have to follow the bus/train timetable on your hike.
Directions
Brilon
You can reach Brilon from the north and east via the A 44 and from the south and west via the A 445/A 46.
Dillenburg
You can reach Dillenburg via the A 45, exit 25 Dillenburg.
Parking
Brilon
You can park your car in Brilon free of charge in the parking lot in "Krummestraße" or at the district hall (Am Rothaarsteig 1). Enter "Marktplatz" in your navigation system.
Dillenburg
Free parking is available at the stadium in Dillenburg. Enter in your navigation system: "Am Sportzentrum".
In addition, there are usually free parking lots for hikers in numerous towns along the Rothaarsteig where you can leave your car.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
You can order the original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50000 on waterproof paper, with up-to-date route guidance and useful markings, such as shelters, parking spaces, bus stops and much more, free of charge to your home by clicking on this link.
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
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 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 German 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 therefore sit firmly on the 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.
Rainwear
If changeable weather is forecast for your tour on the Rothaarsteig, remember to pack a light rain jacket or rain poncho. They take up virtually no space in your rucksack and also keep out the unpleasant wind. Gaiters that protect your trouser legs from dirt and moisture are also practical.
At our partner, the German outdoor outfitter Tatonka, you will find high-quality, breathable rain jackets with minimal pack size, lightweight rain capes and gaiters for trouser legs to protect them from dirt and moisture.
Here you can find Tatonka rain jackets for women
You can find Tatonka rain jackets for men here
First aid kit
To ensure that you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig without restrictions, a first aid kit should be in your rucksack for safety's sake. After all, nothing is more annoying than not being able to treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries immediately.
The first aid kits from the German outdoor equipment manufacturer Tatonka are filled with all the important materials for first aid treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guideline for the correct behavior in emergencies in the great outdoors. You can find Tatonka's first aid kits here!
Food and drink
On some stages, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no refreshment stops along the way. Remember to pack food and drink, especially here. Sufficient drinks are especially important in summer.
Localization
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
- 8 Stages
Die Etappe des Rothaarsteig verläuft auf 23,4 km von Brilon nach Willingen: Start ist der historische Mittelpunkt der Hansestadt Brilon.
Diese Etappe des Rothaarsteigs führt auf 22 km von Willingen nach Winterberg – über den höchsten Punkt Nordrhein-Westfalens (Langenberg 843 m), ...
Diese Etappe des Rothaarsteig führt auf 18 km von Winterberg, vorbei an der St. Georg Schanze, der Bobbahn Winterberg, über den Kahlen Asten zur ...
Auf der vierten Etappe des Rothaarsteig vereinen sich malerische Orte und Natur pur. Dabei können Sie zwischen Kamm- und Talvariante wählen.
Die Rothaarsteig-Etappe führt auf 19 km vom Rhein-Weser-Turm nach Lützel - vorbei am Panoramapark, Heinsberger Hochheide, dem Heinsberger Aquädukt ...
Die Rothaarsteig-Etappe führt auf 15 km von Lützel zum Lahnhof - vorbei an den Quellen von Lahn, Sieg und Eder, der Erlebnisstation "Wald und ...
Die Rothaarsteig-Etappe von der Lahnquelle bis nach Wilgersdorf führt - vorbei an der Ilsequelle im Wittgensteiner Bergland, über den Jagdberg auf ...
Die Etappe des Rothaarsteigs führt auf 20 km von Wilgersdorf bis nach Dillenburg - vom Rothaarkamm ins Dilltal - vorbei am Aussichtspunkt ...
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