Word of the Rothaarsteig's good quality has spread

The long-distance hiking trail takes second place in the ranking of Germany's most popular hiking trails

9,900 search queries on Google and 43,000 hashtags on the social media platform Instagram: Beyond Camping magazine has compiled a ranking of the most popular hiking trails in Germany, and the Rothaarsteigverein is delighted with the result: The Rothaarsteig has made it into second place after the Rennsteig and ahead of the Rheinsteig.

More and more people are being drawn to the great outdoors because they have discovered hiking for themselves. According to Google, interest in hiking in Germany has more than doubled in the last three years. For the fourth time, Beyond Camping magazine has published an analysis and compiled a ranking of the ten most popular hiking trails in Germany. The editorial team has also put together a few tips for an unforgettable hiking experience. "We are delighted that there is so much interest in the Rothaarsteig. Everyone involved, especially our volunteers, do a great deal to promote it," says Harald Knoche, head of the Rothaarsteig office.

Routes for experienced and inexperienced hikers
The Rothaarsteig is one of the best-known long-distance hiking trails in Germany and offers hikers a unique experience of nature. With a total length of around 154 kilometers, the hiking route leads through the picturesque Rothaargebirge mountains, which stretch from Brilon in North Rhine-Westphalia to Dillenburg in Hessen. "It mostly runs along the Rhine-Weser watershed and passes natural and cultural monuments. Even for inexperienced hikers, the Rothaarsteig is easy to walk, despite its course within the low mountain range," writes the magazine. Katharina Schwake-Drucks, responsible for marketing and public relations at the Rothaarsteig Association, is delighted: "It's great to see that the years of investment in the brand and marketing are paying off and that the Rothaarsteig still has a leading position in the now saturated hiking market after more than 20 years."

Good public transport accessibility
There are also tips for getting to and from the trail. Many places are well connected to the bus and train network. Beyond Camping points out the tours that are particularly easy to reach. One recommendation is to park your car at your destination and then take public transport to the starting point of the hike. "This way, you can plan your bus and train journeys better, especially at weekends with limited traffic, and enjoy your hike without time pressure," writes the magazine and recommends the following "public transport tours", which the Rothaarsteigverein also advertises on its website: On the Rothaarsteig from Hilchenbach to Lützel, from Langewiese to Winterberg, from Dillenburg to Haiger, from Hohenleye to Bad Berleburg, from Dillbrecht to Dillenburg, from Burgbach-Würgendorf to Haiger and from Vormwald to Feudingen.

Many reasons to hike the Rothaarsteig
There are very good reasons to discover the Rothaarsteig: Thanks to the good signposting with trail signs every 250 meters, hikers can clear their heads and concentrate on nature, whether summer or winter. A week's vacation is enough to walk the entire Rothaarsteig in eight stages, and on some sections you can experience real silence, with just the hikers and nature. Fancy a break? There are forest sofas and hammocks along the trails where you can make yourself comfortable. Hikers can look forward to magnificent views over the mountainous landscape and refresh themselves at the eleven springs along the way.
In late summer, the blooming heathland is particularly fascinating, so it's worth pulling out your camera. Another popular photo spot for hikers is the suspension bridge on stage 4. Another advantage of the Rothaarsteig is its location in the middle of Germany and the fact that you can plan your arrival and departure by train. The certified Rothaarsteig quality businesses along the Rothaarsteig look forward to pampering their guests. Dogs are also very welcome. There is dog-friendly accommodation at all stage destinations.
If you need help planning your tour on the long-distance hiking trail, you can contact the Rothaarsteigverein team. Support is free of charge.

Information about the Rothaarsteig

All information about the Rothaarsteig: www.rothaarsteig.de
Service number of the Rothaarsteig Association: 02974 4994163
E-mail: info@rothaarsteig.de

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