Rothaarsteig trail Breitscheid cave tour

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.

Rainwear

If changeable weather is forecast for your tour on the Rothaarsteig, remember to pack a light rain jacket or rain poncho. They take up virtually no space in your rucksack and also keep out unpleasant wind. Gaiters that protect your trouser legs from dirt and moisture are also practical. At our partner outdoor outfitter Tatonka, you will find high-quality, breathable rain jackets with a minimal pack size, lightweight rain capes and gaiters for your trouser legs to protect them from dirt and moisture.

Here you can find Tatonka rain jackets for women

You can find Tatonka rain jackets for men here

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 immediately treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries. 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. Sufficient drinks are especially important in summer.

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

Information about the rescue signs on the Rothaarsteig

Most hiking trails run away from towns and settlements and every hiker has 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!

Bison and wild animals on the Rothaarsteig - tips on how to behave

Many species of wildlife live in the forests along the Rothaarsteig. Encounters with red deer, wild boar (wild sows), mouflon and, more recently, bison are possible. You may encounter the latter on the Rothaarsteig between Albrechtsplatz and Dreiherrenstein.

The risks posed to hikers by bison are low and can be reduced to an absolute minimum by appropriate and respectful behavior.

• Walk past the animals calmly and unobtrusively at a distance, do not startle the animals and do not look them directly in the eye.


• If the animals approach, remain calm, do not turn your back on them and leave the area without rushing, but always with a view of the animal.


• If the animals fall below a distance that makes you uncomfortable, call out loudly, whistle or make yourself heard in another way. Watch out for threatening gestures!


• If sows "chatter their teeth" or bison lower their heads, they expect you to retreat. Move back!


• If you have a dog with you, keep it under control on the lead. If an animal attacks your dog, unleash it! The dog is faster and more agile than you and will definitely find you again!

Crown your hike with a walk into the underworld and descend into the Herbstlabyrinth stalactite cave, which was only discovered a few years ago. Tickets and further information can be found at www.schauhoehle-breitscheid.de. The cave is open at weekends from April to November. In addition to guided tours on certain dates, events ranging from concerts to photo workshops are also offered in the special atmosphere of the cave. www. schauhoehle-breitscheid.de/veranstaltungen

Another insider tip is the interactive pottery museum in Breitscheid. The guided tours and pottery courses are particularly interesting here. The museum is open from May to September on Sundays from 15:00 - 17:00.

If you are out and about at the weekend, you should pay a visit to the "Zu den wilden Weibern" rest stop, which is always open on Sundays!

Refreshment stops:

• Heimatliebe Bistro & Café


• Breitscheider Stube at the airfield, Breitscheid


• Ströhmann country inn, Gusternhain


• Hofcafé and Hofgut Begegnungen, Breitscheid


• Rest stop "Zu den alten Weibern", Langenaubach


• Restaurant Zum Cockpit Breitscheid

To help you prepare for your hike, we will be happy to send you our free information pack. At www.rothaarst eig.de/prsopekte 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.

You can order the original Rothaarsteig hiking map on a scale of 1:50000 on waterproof paper, with up-to-date route guidance and useful markings, such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops and much more, from www.rothaarsteig.de/wanderkarte for €11.00 with free shipping to your home.

There is also a hiking pass for the Rothaarsteig trails. You can download this at www.rothaarsteig.de/prospekte or order it to your home free of charge. Once you have hiked a trail, have your hiking pass stamped at a refreshment stop, tourist information office or other point along the trail. If you have hiked at least eight of the 14 tours, you will receive a hiking certificate, a Rothaarsteig pin and you will be entered into our annual prize draw.

Travel by train to Herborn station. From here, take bus no. 510 to the terminus at Breitscheid, Rathaus.

Start at the Wildweiberhäuschen parking lot:

• Hikers' parking lot Wildweiberhäuschen

At the start from the center of Breitscheid

• Parking lot at Breitscheid airfield


• Breitscheid-Erdbach town center


• Breitscheid town center