Der Rothaarsteig

Exploring the land of a thousand hills

The Rothaarsteig trail begins in Brilon and continues for 154 kilometres across the Rothaargebirge hills to the Upper Westerwald region and to the town of Dillenburg. A gently rolling landscape is characteristic of the "land of a thousand peaks and valleys" between North Rhine-Westphalia and Hessen. The trail follows the watershed between the Rhine and Weser rivers, passing the sources of several major rivers along the way: the Ruhr, Lenne, Sieg, Dill and Lahn all originate here and are headed towards the Rhine, while the Eder is on its way to join the Weser.

Rich in forests and traditions
Although the forests that gave their names to these hills were cleared over time, they have long since regrown. Coniferous woods and upland heaths in the north contrast with the lush beech forests that define the southern section of the route. The first stages of the trail lead through the rugged scenery of the Sauerland region, past no fewer than 15 peaks of 800 metres of more, just waiting to be climbed for panoramic views across to Westphalia and northern Hessen.

Thrills and relaxation
The Rothaarsteig trail offers both. Mount Ginsterkopf offers an especially adventurous ascent, while a good sense of balance is required on the rope bridge near Kühhude and a head for heights will be useful on the observation tower on Mount Kahler Asten, the Rhein-Weser tower and the circular tower that once belonged to the Ginsburg border fortress. However, there are also plenty of opportunities to relax for a bit and just enjoy the sunshine. If you want to get really comfortable, there is sure to be a lounger or a wooden bench at hand on which you can while away a few hours. None of the Rothaarsteig stages are particularly long and each one has plenty of places where you can adjourn your hike for the day. Public transport is excellent and many accommodation providers will pick you up and drop you back off again.