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Scenic viewpoint on the Kornberg along the RothaarsteigPhoto: CC BY-SA, Rothaarsteigverein e.V. / Klaus-Peter Kappest
- Thanks to the clear signage—trail markers every 250 meters—
, you can clear your head and focus on nature.
Leave your map or app in your backpack. - A week’s vacation is enough to hike the entire Rothaarsteig in eight stages.
- You can still experience true silence; on some stages, it’s just you and nature.
- The magnificent views of the mountainous landscape are a true reward.
- To enjoy nature and silence, you’ll find forest benches and hammocks along the way.
- Refresh yourself at the 11 springs along the trail.
- The vibrant purple hues of the blooming heather and foxglove fields in summer.
- The suspension bridge on Stage 4, which is also a great spot for photos.
- The option to experience the trail in winter, even when it’s snowing.
- The trail is easily accessible from all directions, as it is located in the center of Germany.
- Travel to and from Brilon or Dillenburg can be done entirely sustainably by train.
- The certified Rothaarsteig quality establishments know exactly what you need after a strenuous hike.
- Hike the trail with your dog. There are dog-friendly accommodations at all stage destinations.
- The Rothaarsteig team is happy to help you plan your trip personally and free of charge.
We look forward to seeing you at
Your Rothaarsteig Team
By the way, the Rothaarsteig is one of the “Top Trails of Germany”—among the 14 best long-distance hiking trails in Germany.
The Rothaarsteig runs north-south along the ridge of the Rothaar Mountains. The trail begins in Brilon on the northeastern edge of the Sauerland. Passing over North Rhine-Westphalia’s highest mountain—the Langenberg (843 m)—the Rothaarsteig leads past the source of the Ruhr to Winterberg and on to the Kahler Asten (842 m). Here, in the headwaters of the Lenne—the second-largest river in the Sauerland—the Rothaarsteig turns west and runs south of Schmallenberg to the Rhine-Weser Tower. From the Rhine-Weser Tower, the trail heads south again through the Rothaar Vorhöhen into the Hilchenbacher Winkel and on to the headwaters of the Lahn, Sieg, and Eder above Netphen. Passing through the Haincher Höhe, the Rothaarsteig finally heads toward its destination: the “Oranienstadt” (City of the Orange) Dillenburg, with its imposing Wilhelmsturm.
You can find stage descriptions and additional information for planning your trip at www.rothaarsteig.de.
Author’s recommendation
- a total of 11 springs, including the sources of the Ruhr, Sieg, Dill, and Lahn rivers
- the numerous scenic overlooks and interactive spots
- 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
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Information About the Emergency Signs on the RothaarsteigHiking trails usually run away from towns and settlements, and anyone who hikes has surely wondered at least once what would happen if an emergency were to occur. How can I be found here? Where am I, anyway? Can emergency services reach me?
But in an emergency, every second counts! That’s why the Rothaarsteig is equipped with so-called rescue signs along its entire length. The green-and-white plaques attached to the signposts feature a number that you must provide when making an emergency call. This allows emergency responders to know exactly where you are, saving valuable time.
Notice Regarding the Increased Risk of Wildfires
Please be aware that due to dry conditions, there is currently an increased risk of wildfires! Therefore, please observe the following guidelines:
- Comply with the legal ban on smoking in the forest—it applies in spring, summer, and fall, specifically from March 1 through October 31.
- Observe the ban on open fires in the forest and within 100 meters of the forest.
- Take any glass with you when you leave the forest—the magnifying effect of glass can trigger forest fires.
If it’s (too) late:
- Extinguish small fires as they start if you can do so safely. If necessary, inspect the area carefully.
- Report fires by calling “112.”
- Leave the danger zone by the shortest route.
The forest will thank you!
Tips and suggestions
For more information about the Rothaarsteig, visit www.rothaarsteig.de or call the toll-free service hotline at +49 2974 / 499 4163. We’ll be happy to provide you with personalized advice on planning your trip.Roadbook
Langenberg
Clemensberg
Ruhrquelle
Herrloh
Kahler Asten
Kahler Asten
Hochheide, Kahler Asten
Großer Kopf
Bilderrahmen bei Jagdhaus
Hängematte am Rothaarsteig
Sonnenaufgang: Heidkopf bei Jagdhaus
Gillerturm
Tiefenrother Höhe
Westerwaldblick Rodenbach
Presbers-Lust Dillenburg
Bismarck Temple Dillenburg
Dillenburg
Bahnhof Dillenburg
Bus stop ZOB 4 Dillenburg
Public transport
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 entire Rothaarsteig, we actually recommend traveling to and from the trail by train. This is also because the train ride between Brilon and Dillenburg takes quite a long time—about four hours.
In addition, several other towns along the Rothaarsteig are well connected to the bus and train networks.
If you’re coming by car, we recommend using public transportation at the start of your hike and parking your car at the trail’s endpoint. That way, you won’t have to worry about bus or train schedules while you’re hiking.
Get Timetable to destination
Parking
Brilon:You can park your car for free in Brilon at the parking lot on “Krummestraße” or at the Kreishaus (Am Rothaarsteig 1). Enter “Marktplatz” into your GPS.
Dillenburg:
You’ll find free parking at the stadium in Dillenburg. Enter “Am Sportzentrum” into your GPS.
In addition, many towns along the Rothaarsteig have hiking parking lots—most of which are free—where you can park your car.
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
The Rothaarsteig follows numerous nature trails away from farm and forest roads. Therefore, weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes are a must for every hike. After all, we want you to experience the “Path of the Senses” not only with “dry” feet but also with “steady” ones.In our small hiking shop at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop, you’ll also find a selection of Rothaarsteig merchandise to help you prepare for your hike or to take home as a souvenir. We’re also happy to recommend the durable, high-quality outdoor gear from our long-standing partner, the outdoor equipment supplier Tatonka.
- Hiking Backpack
- First-Aid Kit
To ensure you can fully enjoy your hike on the Rothaarsteig, you should pack a first-aid kit in your backpack as a safety precaution. After all, nothing is more frustrating than not being able to immediately and properly treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries. Tatonka’s first-aid kits are stocked with all the essential supplies for treating injuries and also include an “outdoor cheat sheet” with concise and clear guidelines on how to respond to emergencies in the great outdoors. Find Tatonka’s first-aid kits here!
- Food and Beverages
On some sections of the trail, especially between the source of the Lahn and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no places to stop for refreshments along the way. Be sure to pack food and drinks, especially here. Staying properly hydrated is especially important in the summer.
Human-created — AI-modified
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions