58 hiking trails, including five of the 14 Rothaarsteig trails, have been awarded the title of "Quality Trails in Hikable Germany" by the German Hiking Association (DWV) at the "Caravan Salon" trade fair in Düsseldorf. All of the circular trails received the award once again. "We are very proud of this," says a delighted Harald Knoche, office manager of the Rothaarsteig Association.
The certificate sets Germany-wide standards for hiking trails. The "Wanderbares Deutschland" quality trails must meet numerous quality criteria, which are derived from the needs of hikers. For example, the trails must offer varied landscapes, reliable markings and a natural surface.
The quality of the hiking trails is examined from various angles. The detailed assessment is based on a total of five pillars: Trail format (routing, surface, width), hiking guidance system (signposting, marking), nature/landscape (natural attractions, landscape information), culture (regional sights, architectural monuments) and civilization (inns, public transport stops, parking spaces, surroundings). With regard to the hiking guidance system, this means, among other things, that the trail must be marked without gaps, without errors, clearly and uniformly. Hikers must find a signpost at least every 250 meters or at junctions and crossroads.
The Rothaarsteigverein is pleased that volunteer trail patrons ensure that the trails are marked without gaps and check the markings at least twice a year and repair them if necessary. "Without the support of the volunteer trail markers, the certifications would hardly be possible. I would therefore like to thank everyone who supports us in their free time," emphasizes Harald Knoche.
All quality trails must successfully pass the intensive testing process of the German Hiking Association every three years if they want to advertise themselves with the certification on a permanent basis. "A major advantage of certified trails is that hikers can rely on the quality at all times and enjoy a relaxed hike. Thanks to the continuous marking, no map or hiking app is necessary. You can let yourself go and enjoy your time in nature. That's why we recommend paying attention to the quality seal when choosing a trail," says Katharina Schwake-Drucks, responsible for marketing and public relations at the Rothaarsteigverein.
The Rothaarsteig Trails are particularly beautiful, scenic circular hiking trails that can be found along the entire Rothaarsteig. Many natural, narrow paths peppered with cultural highlights make the Rothaarsteig trails an extraordinary hiking experience. They run along part of the Rothaarsteig or along a Rothaarsteig access path and are between 7 and 23 kilometers long. The uniform trail markings - the white, horizontal Rothaarsteig-R on a black background - make the circular hiking trails almost "untrackable". The tours are exciting both for people who are just getting into hiking and for experienced hikers.
Kahle Pön
The 6.9-kilometre Rothaarsteig trail "Blick ins Land Kahle Pön" near Willingen-Usseln inspires with fantastic panoramic views around the "Kahle Pön" mountain. Through heathland, sparse forest and along narrow paths, the trail heads towards the "Kalied" mountain. From here, hikers can enjoy a wonderful view. Accompanied by the Hessian and North Rhine-Westphalian state border, you return to the Graf Stolberg Hütte, which is also the starting point of the hike and invites you to take a leisurely break.
Grönebacher Dorfpfad
The 10.9-kilometre Grönebacher Dorfpfad is an ideal trail for all novice hikers - not too steep, not too flat, but very varied. Exciting scenery changes through open meadow landscapes and deep forests as well as picturesque viewpoints of Grönebach and Hildfeld after short climbs make the Dorfpfad a tip for families, history buffs and nature lovers. The variety of wild flowers, herbs and plants is particularly beautiful.
Gernsdorf high-altitude tour
A varied landscape and great views with forests and idyllic meadow landscapes await hikers on the 13.4-kilometre Gernsdorfer Höhentour around the Wilnsdorf district of the same name. The "Gernsdorfer Weidekämpe" nature reserve is a special feature due to the diversity of the cultivated landscape with its different types of grassland. Hedges, individual trees, swamp areas and springs provide a habitat for many rare animal and plant species and an attractive landscape for all hikers.
Romantic Hickengrund
Nature and literature! These two experiences come together on the 23.5-kilometre "Romantic Hickengrund" Rothaarsteig trail near Burbach, the longest of its kind. At seven listening stations, all you have to do is press a small button and great German poets and writers such as Goethe and Schiller have their say. They drew inspiration for their works from nature. In addition to literature in nature, the trail invites you to take a journey on foot through impressive forest landscapes, green meadows and past small streams. An interesting relic from the time of volcanism is "The Great Stone". A volcano whose lava solidified into angular basalt columns.
Breitscheid cavescave tour
Coral reefs, caves, gorges and burial chambers - on the 14.4-kilometre Breitscheid cave tour and in Hessen's oldest nature reserve, these treasures can be found in a very small space. One special feature is the "Herbstlabyrinth" stalactite cave, which was only discovered a few years ago (tickets at www.schauhöhle-breitscheid.de). After emerging from the underworld, the picturesque valley of the "Aubach" awaits hikers.
All information about the Rothaarsteig: www.rothaarsteig.de
Service number of the Rothaarsteig Association: 02974 4994163
E-mail: info@rothaarsteig.de
Picture line:
Certificate presentation at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf: from left to rightr Reinhard Padberg (Grönebacher Dorfpfad/SGV Grönebach), Markus Scheidt (Breitscheid cave tour/Naturpark Lahn-Dill-Bergland), Thomas Gemke (Vice President DWV and board member of the Rothaarsteigverein), Klaus Dieter Steiner (Gernsdorfer Höhentour/Wanderverein Gernsdorf), Mario Otterbach (Romantischer Hickengrund/Gemeinde Burbach) and Katharina Schwake-Drucks (Rothaarsteigverein). Photo: Rothaarsteigverein