Rothaarsteig trail - Grönebach village path
Grönebach /
The Grönebach village path largely circles the picturesque village on paths and offers many views. It is recognized as a quality trail by the hiking association.
The Grönebach village path largely circles the picturesque village on paths and offers many views. It is recognized as a quality trail by the hiking association.
Author’s recommendation
The Egge cross is worth a short detour.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Information on the rescue boards at the Rothaarsteig
Most hiking trails run away from towns and settlements, and every hiker has wondered what would happen in an emergency. How can I be found here? Where am I anyway? Can the rescue service reach me?
In emergencies, speed is essential! Therefore, the Rothaarsteig is continuously equipped with so-called rescue signs. On the green and white plates attached to the posts of the signposts is a number you must provide when making your emergency call. This way, the rescue forces know exactly where you are, and valuable time can be saved.
Note on increased risk of forest fires
Please note that due to the dryness, there is currently an increased risk of forest fires! Please observe the following:
- Observe the legal smoking ban in the forest - it applies in spring, summer, and autumn, specifically 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.
If it is (too) late:
- Extinguish small fires if it is safely possible for you. Check the spot carefully if necessary.
- Report fires via "112".
- Leave the danger area by the shortest way.
The forest thanks you!
Wisent and wild animals at the Rothaarsteig - tips on behavior
Many wild species live in the forests of the Rothaarsteig. Encounters with red deer, wild boar, mouflon, and recently also European bison (wisent) are possible. The latter can be encountered between Albrechtsplatz and Dreiherrenstein.
The risks for the average hiker from the wisents are low and can be minimized to an absolute minimum by appropriately adapted and respectful behavior.
- Walk calmly and inconspicuously at a distance past the animals, do not frighten them, and do not look them directly in the eyes.
- If the animals approach you, stay calm, do not turn your back on them, and leave the area without haste but always keeping them in sight.
- If the animals come closer than you are comfortable with, shout loudly, whistle, or make yourself noticeable acoustically in some other way. Watch for threatening gestures!
- If boars "click their teeth" or wisents lower their heads, they expect you to retreat. Step back!
- If you have a dog with you, keep it under control on a leash. If an animal attacks your dog, leash it off! The dog is faster and more agile than you and will definitely find you again!
Tips and suggestions
More information on the Rothaarsteig is available at www.rothaarsteig.de as well as by phone on the free service hotline at +49 2974 / 499 4163. We are happy to advise you on your personal tour planning.
The right orientation for your next tour is offered by the Winterberg hiking map. You can find many more tips and information about hiking in Winterberg here, as well as an overview of particularly hiker-friendly businesses in Winterberg where you will be well cared for.
Roadbook
Starting from the hiking information board at the Küstelberger Straße parking lot, we walk to the right and ascend on a grassy path up to the main road. For about 100 m, we walk to the left alongside the road and then uphill to the recreational facility "Schlade". An old royal road used to run here.
Old Royal Road
The Old Royal Road, which runs from Frankfurt to Soest, crossed the Heidenstraße in Winterberg. Its oldest route led over Grönebach up to Neuen Hagen and further north. Later, it was diverted as the so-called Old Country Road or Sauerländer Weg into the Ruhr valley. Two hollow road-like driving terraces are preserved here over a length of about 200 m.
We follow the old royal road uphill to a bench with a beautiful view into the valley of the Westernau. Along the edge of the forest, we continue to the right and then straight ahead with a great view of the "valley landscape" Hildfeld-Grönebach-Küstelberg. Through the picturesque Hachmecke Valley, we walk always along the brook down into the Hille Valley to the former knitting mill. Passing a tree nursery, we reach the main road Grönebach-Niedersfeld. We keep about 50 m to the left and meet at Haus Sander the old railway embankment of the former Steinhelle-Medebach light railway.
Steinhelle-Medebach Light Railway
From 1902 to 1953, a narrow-gauge railway ran from Steinhelle to Medebach. Increasing road traffic and decreasing freight volume led to its end after more than 50 years of operation. The railway embankment is well preserved in the Hille Valley.
Now we follow the old railway embankment along the light railway tracks to the right—passing the sports field—up to the Hille bridge with its staggered rounded arches. First to the right, then steeply uphill to the left, we reach the traces of the old "Iäselpoad".
Iäselpoad
This old path led from Küstelberg to the then knitting mill. On donkey backs, grain was transported from Küstelberg to the mill and ground. About 150 m have been cleared and made passable by local friends of the homeland.
We walk to the right along the Iäselpoad, cross an asphalted field path, and reach the Grönebacher Steinacker on a beautiful grassy path. Always in sight of the village with its church tower, we climb through an old hollow path and continue along the slope of the Mosenberg to the Antonius Stone.
Antonius Stone from 1731
The Grönebach Antonius Stone dates from 1731, the Hildfeld stone from 1704. Saint Anthony of Padua is especially venerated in the Sauerland. Candles burn day and night in front of the wayside shrine, which has been protected since 1958 by a small masonry stone chapel.
We follow the signposts to the right downhill into the Springetal to the main road and then uphill to the viewpoint on the Egge (680 m). This is the highest point of the Grönebach village path. On the other side of the mountain, it then goes downhill into the valley of the Westernau and left onward to the „Ruipes-Ropes- hut” with a large rest area at the duck meadow. A beautiful path brings us—past the soccer field and village well—back to Grönebach.
Parkplatz Lambertusplatz
Kirche St. Lambertus Grönebach
Freistuhl Grönebach
Ortszentrum Grönebach
Spielplatz Grönebach, Freizeithaus, Neuer Weg
Wanderhütte Ruipes-Ropes-Hütte
Rastplatz Antoniusstein
Public transport
The starting point of the hike is accessible by public transport (Lambertusplatz bus stop).
From Winterberg by bus lines S40 and S30.
More information about the bus lines and schedules can be found at:
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
The district of Grönebach lies on L 872 between Niedersfeld and Küstelberg.
Detailed information on getting to Winterberg—whether by car, train, or bus—can be found here.
Parking
Parking options are available in the village:
Parking lot Küstelberger Straße directly at the hiking portal as well as at Niedersfelder Straße below the church.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
To prepare for your hike, we will gladly send you our free information package. At rothaarsteig.de/prospekte, you can easily choose which information you need. A good companion for every tour is our Rothaarsteig guidebook with hosts along the trail and other useful info.
Author’s map recommendations
In our brochure „Rothaarsteig-Traces - All circular hiking routes at a glance“ you will find map sections for all 13 circular hiking routes, short explanations, and also a map for the Breitscheid cave tour. Furthermore, the other 12 Rothaarsteig traces are depicted here with maps, brief explanations, and the most beautiful rest areas along the route. You can conveniently order the booklet free of charge at home or already view it online as a PDF or flip catalog under rothaarsteig.de/prospekte.
We also recommend our Rothaarsteig traces hiking pass. Those who have hiked 8 of the total 13 traces receive a hiking certificate as well as a Rothaarsteig pin and participate in our annual draw. You can order the hiking pass conveniently and free of charge to your home or download it directly online under rothaarsteig.de/prospekte.
The original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000 on waterproof paper, with current route guidance and useful markings such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops, and much more, can be ordered free of shipping costs for 11.00 euros, conveniently for home at rothaarsteig.de/shop.
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
The Rothaarsteig runs over numerous natural paths away from agricultural and forestry roads. Therefore, weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear are a must for every hike. We want you not only to be "dry" but also to experience the "path of the senses" with comfortable feet.
In our small hiking shop at rothaarsteig.de/shop, you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig items to prepare for your route or as souvenirs. We are also happy to recommend the durable and quality outdoor equipment of our long-standing partner, the German outdoor outfitter Tatonka.
Hiking backpack
A suitable hiking backpack doubles the fun of your tour on the Rothaarsteig! Hiking backpacks offer very comfortable carrying properties due to a ventilated carrying system, which ensures that sweat evaporates immediately. They can be fixed with a belly or hip belt and thus stay firmly on your back during every movement. In addition, they are equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often offer a compartment with a hose outlet for a drinking bladder, ensuring hydration at all times.
Rainwear
If variable weather is forecast for your Rothaarsteig tour, remember to pack a light rain jacket or a rain poncho. They take up almost no space in your backpack and also shield against unpleasant wind. Also practical are gaiters, which protect trouser legs from dirt and moisture.
Our partner, the German outdoor outfitter Tatonka, offers high-quality, breathable rain jackets with minimal packing size, light rain capes, and gaiters for trouser legs to protect them from dirt and moisture.
Here you will find Tatonka rain jackets for women.
Here you will find Tatonka rain jackets for men.
First aid kit
To fully enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig, a first aid kit should be in your backpack for safety. After all, nothing is more annoying than not being able to promptly and properly treat a blister on your foot or small injuries.
The first aid kits from the German outdoor outfitter Tatonka are filled with all important materials for initial treatment of injuries and additionally contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guide for correct behavior in emergencies in the wild. Here you will find the first aid kits from Tatonka!
Food and beverages
On some stages, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, unfortunately, there are no places to eat along the way. Therefore, especially here, remember to pack food and drinks. Sufficient drinks are particularly important in summer.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions