Rothaarsteig. Perceive nature in all its facets, enjoy the unmistakable silence and experience active relaxation: Hiking on the Rothaarsteig means a real sense of well-being and moments of happiness. A diverse range of hiking trails is waiting to be discovered. This also includes the Rothaarsteig trails. There are now officially 13 of them, as the two new trails "Romantischer Hickengrund" near Burbach and "Gernsdorfer Höhentour" near Wilnsdorf were certified for the first time as quality trails in the "Traumtour" category by the German Hiking Association at a ceremony at the "Tour Natur" outdoor trade fair in Düsseldorf on Friday. The Rothaarsteig trails "Kahle Pön", "Breitscheid Cave Tour" and "Grönebacher Dorfpfad" received the award once again. Certification is a prerequisite for a circular hiking trail to become a Rothaarsteig trail.
The Rothaarsteig Trails are therefore particularly beautiful, scenic circular hiking trails that can be found along the entire Rothaarsteig. Many natural, narrow paths as well as cultural highlights make the Rothaarsteig Trails an extraordinary hiking experience. They run along part of the Rothaarsteig or along a Rothaarsteig access path and are between 7 and 23 kilometers long. The uniform, eye-catching trail markings - the white, horizontal Rothaarsteig-R on a black background - make the circular hiking trails almost "untrackable". The tours are therefore interesting for beginners as well as experienced hikers. If you feel a little peckish along the way, no problem: there are also refreshment stops on every trail.
Popular hiking pass now also available for the Rothaarsteig trails
For many years, enthusiastic Rothaarsteig hikers have proudly displayed their personal hiking pass, which is now also available for the Rothaarsteig trails. Anyone who has hiked a trail receives the corresponding stamp at a refreshment stop or tourist information office. If you collect 8 of the 13 trails, you will receive a certificate and a Rothaarsteig pin as a reward. The hiker also takes part in a prize draw and, with a bit of luck, new hiking accessories for their next Rothaarsteig vacation await them.
Katharina Schwake-Drucks, responsible for marketing and public relations at the Rothaarsteig Association, has a tip for all hikers: "There are several trails quite close together on the southern Rothaarsteig. Hiking enthusiasts can reach a new trail every day from a fixed accommodation, for example".
A brief portrait of the certified Rothaarsteig trails:
Gernsdorfer Höhentour: a varied landscape and great views with forests and idyllic meadow landscapes await hikers on the 13.4-kilometre Gernsdorfer Höhentouraround the Wilnsdorf district of the same name. The "Gernsdorfer Weidekämpe" nature reserveis a special feature due to the diversity of the cultivated landscape with its different types of grassland. Hedges, individual trees, swamp areas and springs provide a habitat for many rare animal and plant species and an attractive landscape for visitors.
Romantic Hickengrund: nature and literature! These two experiences come together on the 23.5-kilometre "Romatischer Hickengrund" trail near Burbach, the longest of the Rothaarsteig trails.At seven listening stations, all you have to do is press a small button and great German poets and writers such as Goethe and Schiller have their say. They drew inspiration for their works from nature. In addition to literature in nature, the trailinvites you to take a journey on foot through impressive forest landscapes, green meadows and pastsmall streams. An interesting relic from the time of volcanism is "The Great Stone". A volcano whose lava solidified into angular basalt columns.
Kahle Pön: The 6.9-kilometre Rothaarsteig trail "Blick ins Land Kahle Pön"near Willingen-Usselndelights with fantastic panoramic views around the Kahle Pön. Through heathland, sparse forest and along narrow paths, the trail heads for the "Kalied" mountain. From here, hikers can enjoy a wonderful view. Accompanied by the Hessian and North Rhine-Westphalian state border, you return to the Graf Stolberg Hütte, which is also the starting point of the hike. A refreshment stop here at the end makes the day's hiking perfect.
Breitscheid cave tour: coral reefs, caves, gorges and burial chambers - on the 14.4-kilometre Breitscheid cave tourand in Hessen's oldest nature reserve, these treasures can be found in a very small space. Descend into the "Herbstlabyrinth" stalactite cave, which was only discovered a few years ago (tickets at www.schauhöhle-breitscheid.de). When you emerge from the underworld, the picturesque valley of the Aubach awaits you.
Grönebacher Dorfpfad: The 10.9-kilometre Grönebacher Dorfpfad trailis an ideal beginner's trail, not too steep, not too flat, but very varied. Exciting scenery changes through open meadow landscapes and deep forests as well as picturesque viewpoints of Grönebach and Hildfeld after short climbs make the Dorfpfad a tip for families, history buffs and nature lovers. The variety of wild flowers, herbs and plants is particularly beautiful.
Info box for the Rothaarsteig: