- Culturally interesting
- Refreshment stop
This 14.4 km Rothaarsteig stage leads from the Rhein-Weser-Turm to the Ginsberger Heid - through the Schwarzbachtal nature reserve, the Heinsberg Hochheide, past the Dreiherrnstein and the Ferndorfquelle.
Rhein-Weser-Turm
Ginsberger Heide (near Hilchenbach-Lützel)
The 24-metre-high Rhein-Weser-Turm is the starting point for the Rothaarsteig stage. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the Sauerland and Siegerland regions. Passing the Sauerland Panorama Park wildlife park, you descend into the Schwarzbachtal nature reserve. A nature trail in the Schwarzbachtal gives you an insight into life in and around the stream. Through the Haberg nature reserve, the trail now climbs up to the Hochheide with its rich juniper population. In summer, there are blueberries along the way and you can marvel at the pink and white blooming Heid.
The borders of Nassau, Westfalen and Kurköln used to meet at the Dreiherrnstein. Over the Oberndorfer Höhe, it's not far to the source of the Ferndorf, a 24-kilometre tributary of the Siegen. A few kilometers further and the destination of the stage, the Ginsberger Heid, is reached.
Rhein-Weser-Turm - Schwarzbachtal - Dreiherrnstein - Ferndorfquelle - Ginsberger Heide
The Rothaarsteig leads along numerous natural paths away from agricultural and forestry roads. Weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes are therefore a must for every hike. We want you to experience the "Path of the Senses" not only "dry" but also "well".
In our small hiking store at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig items to prepare for your tour or as a souvenir. We are also happy to recommend the durable and high-quality outdoor equipment from our long-standing partner, the outdoor outfitter Tatonka.
Hiking rucksack
A suitable hiking rucksack will make your tour on the Rothaarsteig twice as much fun! Hiking rucksacks have a ventilated carrying system that makes them very comfortable to wear, as this ensures that sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be fastened with a waist or hip belt and thus sit firmly on your back with every movement. They are also equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often have a compartment with a tube outlet for a hydration bladder, so that hydration is ensured at all times.
First aid kit
To make sure you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig to the full, a first aid kit should be in your rucksack. After all, nothing is more annoying than not being able to treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries immediately. The first aid kits from Tatonka are filled with all the important materials for the initial treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guide to the correct behavior in the event of an emergency in the great outdoors. You can find Tatonka first aid kits here!
Food and drinks
On some stages, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no refreshment stops along the way. Remember to pack food and drink, especially here. Especially in summer, it is important to stay hydrated.
Information about the rescue signs on the Rothaarsteig
Most hiking trails run away from towns and settlements and all hikers have certainly thought about what would happen if an emergency were to occur. How can I be found here? Where am I anyway? Can the emergency services reach me?
In an emergency, things have to happen quickly! That's why the Rothaarsteig is equipped with so-called rescue signs throughout. The green and white plaques attached to the posts of the signposts have a number that you must give when making an emergency call. This way, the emergency services know exactly where you are and valuable time can be saved.
Note on the increased risk of forest fires
Please bear in mind that there is currently an increased risk of forest fires due to the drought! Therefore, please observe the following instructions:
When it is (too) late:
The forest will thank you!
Refreshments
Host
If the Hotel Ginsberger Heid is fully booked, you can hike approx. 5 km further along the Rothaarsteig to Hilchenbach-Lützel train station. From there you can reach the Hotel - Gastehof Siebel in Hilchenbach-Allenbach (stop: Stift Keppel-Allenbach) or the Landhotel Edermühle in Erndtebrück (stop: Bahnhof Erndtebrück) in 15 - 30 minutes by train.
To help you prepare for your hike, we will be happy to send you our free information pack. At www.rothaarst eig.de/prospekte you can easily select the information you need. A good companion for every tour is our brochure "Rothaarsteig Wegweiser" with the hosts along the trail and other useful information.
The Rothaarsteig recommends:
Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000
You can reach Hilchenbach-Lützel on the RB93 train line. Unfortunately, the Rhein-Weser-Turm only has limited public transport connections. There are cab bus connections from Altenhundem and Kirchhundem train stations via Oberhundem to the Rhein-Weser-Turm (TaxiBus; Tel. 0800-3504045*Registration up to 45 minutes before departure between 8 am and 8 pm). There are regular bus connections from both stations to Oberhundem. You will then need to take a cab to get to the Rhein-Weser-Turm.
You can find more information at www.bahn.de.
If you are coming by car, we recommend that you use public transport at the start of your tour and leave your car at the end point. This way you don't have to follow the bus/train timetable on the hike.
Free parking spaces are available for hikers both at the Rhein-Weser-Turm and in Hilchenbach-Lützel at the Gillerbergturm.