Rothaarsteig in 8 stages: Stage 6 from the Ginsberger Heid to the Lahnquelle spring

Rothaarsteig / Open Data Hub Touren / Rothaarsteig in 8 stages: Stage 6 from the Ginsberger Heid to the Lahnquelle spring

The Rothaarsteig stage runs for around 19 km from the Ginsberger Heid to the source of the Lahn - past the Ginsburg castle and the Gillerberg tower, through the Eder moorland and past the sources of the Eder and Siegen rivers to the source of the Lahn.





Aussicht von der Ginsburg über die herbstliche Landschaft am Rothaarsteig




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Kühe im grünen Edertal am Rothaarsteig




Holzbrücke in das mit Birken bewachsene Edermoor




Bunte Herbstbäume im Edertal am Rothaarsteig

Tour starting point:

Ginsberger Heide (near Hilchenbach-Lützel)

Tour destination point:

Lahn spring near Netphen

Properties:

  • Refreshment stop

Category

regionaler Wanderweg

Length

19.2 km

Duration

5:05 h

Elevation ascent

342 m

Elevation descent

330 m

Lowest point

523 m

Highest point

651 m

Condition

Difficulty

Recommended seasons

J F M A M J J A S O N D

On this stage, the Rothaarsteig leads from the roof of the Siegerland region to the headwaters of three major rivers: Lahn, Siegen and Eder. On this tour, the Rothaarsteig roughly follows the course of the historic Iron Road over the Rothaar ridge. The Iron Road was part of the medieval road from Cologne to Leipzig and owes its name to the fact that trade in iron goods was conducted here until the High Middle Ages.

From the Ginsberg Heid, the route heads towards Ginsburg Castle, which is now accessible as a viewing tower. Shortly afterwards, the Rothaarsteig leads over the Giller (653 m) and on into the headwaters of three large rivers: Eder, Siegen, Lahn. The first thing you see is the distinctive moorland along the Eder. From there, the Rothaarsteig leads in an easterly direction via the Kohlenstraße to Benfe and on to the source of the Sieg. After being redesigned in 2014, the source has once again become a natural spring area. The river that gives its name to the Siegerland region flows into the Rhine after 155 kilometers. Another three kilometers on the Rothaarsteig and the destination of the sixth stage is reached: the source of the Lahn. Like the Sieg, the Lahn also flows into the Rhine, but only after 246 kilometers of river course.

0 km 5 km 10 km 15 km 475 m 500 m 525 m 550 m 575 m 600 m 625 m 650 m 675 m 700 m 523 656

Information

Directions

Ginsberger Heid - Ginsburg - Gillerbergturm - Lützel - Ederquelle - Benfe - Großenbach - Siegquelle - Lahnquelle

Equipment

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.


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


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 drink plenty of fluids.


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

Safty guidelines

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:



  • Observe the legal ban on smoking in the forest - it applies in spring, summer and fall, more precisely: from March 1 to October 31.

  • 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.


When it is (too) late:



  • Extinguish small incipient fires if you can do so safely. Check the area carefully if necessary.

  • Report fires via "112".

  • Leave the danger zone by the shortest route.


The forest will thank you!

Author Tip

Literture

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:


Maps

Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000



  • Divided into two sheets (sheet north / sheet south)

  • 10th edition - up-to-date route guidance

  • With marked mountain huts, viewpoints, bus stops, parking spaces and much more.

  • free shipping in the Rothaarsteig hiking store

Public transiot

You can reach Hilchenbach-Lützel by train. Unfortunately, the Lahnquelle is not served by public transport. You will have to take a cab to the nearest train station in Rudersdorf. There you can catch the train in the direction of Gießen or Siegen. You can order a cab by calling the chargeable hotline 22456 (mobile number for cab orders throughout Germany). The Rothaarsteig quality companies also often offer a shuttle service for you and your luggage. It is best to enquire about options and costs directly when booking.


You can find more information at www.bahn.de.

Parking

There are free parking spaces for hikers in Lützel near the Gillerberg tower and at the source of the Lahn.