Rothaarsteig

Brilon-Bruchhausen-Küstelberg-Winterberg-Langewiese-Hoheleye-Kühhude-JagdhausRhein-Weser-Turm-Lützel-Großenbach-Rodenbach-Manderbach-Dillenburg

The Rothaarsteig leads 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 just to experience the “Path of the Senses” "dry" but also to have “good” footing.

In our small hiking shop at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop, you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig items for preparing your tour or as souvenirs. We also gladly recommend the durable and quality outdoor equipment from our longtime partner, the outdoor outfitter Tatonka.

Hiking BackpackA suitable hiking backpack makes your tour on the Rothaarsteig twice as much fun! Hiking backpacks offer very comfortable carrying properties through a ventilated carrying system, which ensures that sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be secured with a belly or hip belt and thus sit firmly on your back with every movement. Additionally, they come with a practical holder for hiking poles and often also have a compartment with a hose outlet for a hydration bladder, ensuring hydration at all times.

Here you can find hiking backpacks from the outdoor outfitter Tatonka in various sizes for day hikes and multi-day tours with different ventilated back systems.

First Aid Kit

To enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig without restrictions, a first aid kit should definitely be in your backpack. After all, nothing is more annoying than having a blister on your foot or small injuries that cannot be treated properly right away. The first aid kits from Tatonka are equipped with all important materials for initial treatment of injuries and also contain an “outdoor cheat sheet” with a brief and clear guide for the correct behavior in emergencies in the outdoors.  Here you can find the first aid kits from Tatonka!

Food and Drinks

On some stages, especially between the Lahn source and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no places to eat along the way. Be sure to pack food and drinks here, especially in summer adequate hydration is important.

The stainless steel bottles, stainless steel insulated jugs, and stainless steel lunch boxes from the German outdoor outfitter Tatonka are not only practical but also unbreakable and durable.

Information about the emergency location signs on the Rothaarsteig

Hiking trails mostly run away from towns and settlements, and everyone who hikes has surely wondered what would happen if there was an emergency now. How can I be found here? Where exactly am I? Can emergency services reach me?

In an emergency, things need to move quickly! Therefore, the Rothaarsteig is continuously equipped with so-called rescue signs. On the green and white plates attached to the posts of the signposts there is a number that you must provide when making an emergency call. This way, rescue workers know exactly where you are, and valuable time can be saved.

Note on increased forest fire risk

Please note that due to dryness there is currently a heightened forest fire risk! Please observe the following rules:

Observe the legal smoking ban in the forest – it applies in spring, summer, and autumn, specifically from March 1st to October 31st.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 you can do so safely. Check the spot carefully if needed.Report fires via "112".Leave the danger zone by the shortest route.

The forest thanks you!

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.

Whether you start your hike on the Rothaarsteig in the north or 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 even recommend arriving and departing by train. Also because the travel time between Brilon and Dillenburg by train is quite time-consuming and takes about four hours.  

In addition, several other places on the Rothaarsteig are well connected to bus and train networks.

If you come by car, we recommend using public transport at the start of your tour and positioning your car at the endpoint. That way, you do not have to conform to the bus/train timetable during the hike.

Brilon:
You can park your car free of charge in Brilon at the parking lot on "Krummestraße" or at the district office (Am Rothaarsteig 1). Enter "Marktplatz" in your navigation system.

Dillenburg:
Free parking spaces can be found at the stadium in Dillenburg. Enter "Am Sportzentrum" on your GPS.

Also, in many towns along the Rothaarsteig, there are usually free hiking parking lots where you can park your car.

Further information about the Rothaarsteig can be found at www.rothaarsteig.de or by phone at the free service hotline at +49 2974 / 499 4163. We are happy to advise you personally on your route planning. 

During a hike on the Rothaarsteig, you will repeatedly discover special features along the way that invite you to linger and marvel. Special highlights are:
a total of 11 springs, including the sources of the Ruhr, Sieg, Dill, and Lahn riversthe numerous viewpoints and experience pointsthe Bruchhauser Steinethe suspension bridge at Kühhudethe forest sculpture trailthe Kyrill Path in Schanzethe natural monument "Lukaseiche"the towns of Brilon, Winterberg, and Dillenburgand much more