Rothaarsteig trail Ilsetal path

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 with "good" feet.

In our small hiking store at rothaarsteig.de/shop you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig articles 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 German outdoor outfitter Tatonka.

Hiking rucksack

With a suitable hiking rucksack, your tour on the Rothaarsteig is twice as much fun! Thanks to their ventilated carrying system, hiking rucksacks are 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 will 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 the unpleasant wind. Gaiters that protect your trouser legs from dirt and moisture are also practical.

At our partner, the German outdoor outfitter Tatonka, you will find high-quality, breathable rain jackets with minimal pack size, lightweight rain capes and gaiters for 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 ensure that you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig without restrictions, a first aid kit should be in your rucksack for safety's sake. 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 the German outdoor equipment manufacturer Tatonka are filled with all the important materials for first aid treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guideline for the correct behavior in emergencies in the great outdoors. You can find Tatonka's first aid kits here!

Food and drink

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 normal 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 frighten them and do not look them directly in the eye.


• If the animals approach you, 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 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 a lead. If an animal attacks your dog, take it off the lead! The dog is faster and more agile than you and will definitely find you again!

When the sun is shining, the Weidelbacher Weiher is a place of power and contemplation.

To help you prepare for your hike, we will be happy to send you our free information pack. At rothaarsteig.de you can easily select the information you need. A good companion for every tour is our Rothaarsteig signpost with the hosts along the trail and other useful information.

In our brochure "Rothaarsteig Trails - All circular hiking trails at a glance" you will find map sections and brief explanations of all 13 circular hiking trails, including a map of the Breitscheid cave tour. The other 12 Rothaarsteig trails are also shown here with maps, brief explanations and the most beautiful resting places along the route. At rothaarsteig.de you can order the booklet conveniently and free of charge to your home or view it online as a PDF or flip catalog.

We also recommend our Rothaarsteig Trails Hiking Pass. If you have hiked 8 of the 13 trails in total, you will receive a hiking certificate and a Rothaarsteig pin and take part in our annual prize draw. You can also order the hiking pass free of charge at rothaarsteig.de or download it directly online.

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, can be ordered free of charge at rothaarsteig.de for 11.00 euros.

Feudingen is easy to reach by public transport. You can find more information on connections at

www.kurhessenbahn.de

www.vws-siegen.de

From Siegen:

By bus from ZOB Siegen:

• SB5 (direction Bad Laasphe Bahnhof) to Feudingen town center: approx. 54 min.


• Approx. 10 min. walk to the WanderPortal

By train from Siegen station:

• RB93 (Rothaar-Bahn, direction Bad Berleburg) to Erndtebrück: approx. 56 min.


• Short changeover time (< 5 min.)


• RB 94 (Obere Lahntalbahn, direction Marburg) to Feudingen: approx. 19 min.


• Approx. 10 min. walk to the WanderPortal

We recommend that you use public transport at the start of your tour and park a car at the end point. This way you do not have to follow the bus/train timetable on your hike.