Highlights of the Rothaarsteig between Brilon and Willingen

From the train station, we simply follow Bahnhofstraße to the historic market square of Brilon, the last part also serving as a shopping street. Here stands the northern end stone of the Rothaarsteig, whose red marker we will follow for a long time. Leaving the town, we go through some residential streets, over the wooded hill Drübel, past the city hospital. Along the Kurpark, it goes briefly on an asphalt road, then back on a well-developed hiking trail, which also passes the Möhne spring. Now we may walk for a bit on the green strip along a scarcely traveled road before the Rothaarsteig leads on a narrow path over the Gudenhagener Poppenberg to the Kyrilltor. From here along a wide natural path down into the valley to the Hiebammen hut. Although it is early on today's stage, it is still a good place for a snack or drink.

From here to Borbergs Kirchhof, with the Rothaarsteig running on a path parallel to a forest road. In late summer, thousands of blackberries can be picked along the way. At Borbergs Kirchhof, there is an early medieval fortification, the ruins of a monastery, and a chapel with a great view towards Olsberg. The next section follows only forest roads but with constant views. This is due to bark beetles and centuries of monoculture, which caused a large part of the surrounding forest to be cut down here. Shortly behind the Schusterknapp rest stop with a shelter begins one of the most beautiful sections, on a narrow path ascending and descending several peaks that offer views and resting places. Then down to the Feuereiche, where a country road is crossed. Here a first detour from the Rothaarsteig is worthwhile, following the signs "Silbersee" on forest roads. The idyllic Schmalah reservoir is completely embedded in the forest. After a break, back to the country road.

From the country road, we briefly follow the Rothaarsteig again on a forest road, but then turn sharply left onto a forest path to approach the Bruchhauser Steine from behind. At the next intersection turn right, at the third intersection go straight ahead and continue slightly uphill in the direction of the Goldstein. Below the Goldstein, the forest road ends at a turning point, and we continue on a path toward Feldstein. Along the way, there are repeated information boards about the natural and cultural historical significance of the protected area. You can climb the Feldstein; you need your hands, but there are railings and steel chains. At the summit, there is a large cross and a wide view. To the right of the Feldstein, the normal path goes down over a path and asphalt to the information center. From the parking lot, a rather hidden path leads to the nearby Rothaarsteig. Via a narrow, avenue-like path, we descend to Bruchhausen and pass the small water castle just after the town entrance. On the main road, we turn right and pass a small village shop next to the church. At a bend in the main road, we go straight ahead until a campsite lies on the right side. Here turn left to the Dortmunder Sauerland hut, today's destination.

The next day we go up the asphalt road and reach the Rothaarsteig again, which we follow again for a long time today. First over a path, then a forest road and again a path up to the Richtplatz. Along the way, we pass many areas of natural rejuvenation. From the Richtplatz to the Langenberg, the highest mountain in Europe at 843 meters, which is rather unspectacular and surrounded by forest. Shortly before, we can turn right and get a better view. At the Langenberg, we cross into Hesse and follow the Rothaarsteig to the Hochheidehütte, only the last part over a rooty path next to a forest road. The hut, good for a stop, leads through the picturesque Hochheide to the Clemensberg, which offers a view of the destructive power of a quarry. Further through the Hochheide and past the Hoppecke spring until a large network of trails with a hut called "Am Streit" is reached.

Now we leave the Rothaarsteig definitively and follow forest road X16, which leads left and slowly down the mountain. Leisurely, it goes through the damp Hoppecke valley, mostly on unexciting but quiet paths. Upon reaching a pasture, the hiking trail leads straight out onto it, along a beautiful path at the meadow edge. Then over a forest road, but then right and crossing the Hoppecke again and further on a quiet, soft forest path. This only ends at the Köhlerhut on a large parking lot. Through a tunnel, we pass under the ski slope, a cable car, and a bike park. Following the asphalt road, we reach the marked Brilon ridge trail, which previously often ran parallel to the Rothaarsteig, and turn right. From here you can reach the Willingen thermal baths straight ahead, which offer good relaxation after the hike (renovated in 2021). Otherwise, turn left and cross a railway track via asphalt and a wide bridge. Now we reach the Willingen main road, shortly thereafter turn right to the main station and the tour's destination.