High hiking quality on the circular hiking trails on the Rothaarsteig confirmed by certification

Three circular hiking trails have once again received awards at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf

A special moment at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf: Harald Knoche, head of the Rothaarsteig Association's office in Schmallenberg, was delighted that three Rothaarsteig trails were certified as Wanderbares Deutschland quality trails by the German Hiking Association (DWV). The circular hiking trails Ilsetalpfad, Dill-Bergtour and Wacholderweg have been certified once again. Together with volunteer trail patrons, Harald Knoche accepted the certificates in Düsseldorf.

The Rothaarsteigverein, the municipalities of Bad Laasphe, Haiger and Dillenburg and the volunteers are delighted. After all, just because a trail has already been certified does not mean that another award is a given. Here too, nothing comes from nothing. As with a new certification, it is a great effort for all those involved and also involves many conditions. Numerous criteria must be met in order to receive the award. The German Hiking Association reviews the Rothaarsteig trails every three years. The route, adventure character, markings and signage are closely scrutinized.

Almost impossible to get lost
The Rothaarsteig Association is very grateful for the tireless efforts of the volunteers. "Our thanks go above all to the trail markers, whose commitment ensures that the hiking trails are so wonderfully marked. It is almost impossible to get lost on the Rothaarsteig and the trails," emphasizes Harald Knoche. The volunteers are out and about at least twice a year - in spring and fall - to check and repair the signposts and markings. The fact that their efforts have been recognized with renewed certification by the DWV is a great incentive and motivation for everyone.

14 Rothaarsteig trails are particularly beautiful quality trails
A total of 14 Rothaarsteig trails can be found along the entire Rothaarsteig as particularly beautiful quality trails. Natural, narrow paths and cultural highlights make the trails an extraordinary experience for hikers. The trails are between 7 and 23 kilometers long, uniformly marked with a black Rothaarsteig sign and are particularly suitable for day trips and for people who simply want to try out hiking and the Rothaarsteig.

An overview of the trails certified at the Caravan Salon:

Ilsetalpfad: Accompanied by the Lahn, Ilse and Weidenbach rivers, the 16.5-kilometre Ilsetalpfad leads through open landscapes with small slate cliffs and wonderful views of the villages of Bad Laaspher. On the 645 meters of elevation gain, hikers cross open landscapes with natural wild growth and deep forests. The trail through the enchanted Ilse Valley with its mystical rock faces is adventurous, while the Weidelbacher Weiher pond with its water lilies, which bloom in the warmer months, is romantic. The path over the Bettelmannsbuche beech has historical significance, where pilgrims and charcoal carters used to camp on their way to the coal and iron road. The views from the Lahnhelle on the way to Volkholz are considered majestic.

Dill mountain tour: Idyllic Dill valley and Rothaar ridge with stunning views: hikers can combine the two on the 15.8-kilometre-long Dill mountain tour. On the way to the Rothaar ridge, hikers cross the historic Hauberg Offdilln on narrow paths, which provides exciting insights into this ancient form of forest management. The rangers of the Landesbetrieb Wald und Holz NRW also offer guided tours on request and to gain a deeper insight. The picturesque spring of the Bocksborn invites you to take a break. Once you reach the Rothaarsteig, the view of the Lahn-Dill-Bergland and Siegerland is magnificent. The evening atmosphere on the "nose in the wind" viewing platform on Tiefenrother Höhe is particularly recommended. The Luca oak near the Steinbach forester's lodge watches over the hikers. It has been stretching 27.5 meters into the sky with a 385-centimeter trunk for around 220 years.

Juniper trail: Not only the eponymous juniper, but also numerous rare and strictly protected animal and plant species inhabit the "Alteberg", "Sauernberg" and "Wacholderheide" nature reserves on the 16-kilometre-long juniper trail near Dillenburg-Donsbach. Nature lovers will find the small tree nature trail in Reistenbachtal and the Hessen-Forst CO2 nature trail at Haigerer Tor particularly exciting, providing interesting visual and tactile insights into a very topical subject. The Waat pedal facility with a barefoot path offers relaxation for tired feet along the way. The Sandorbbach stream provides spring water for cooling off. Those who like it "beastly" can make a detour to the Donsbach wildlife park. The crowning glory of the Juniper Trail is quite literally the 454 m high Kornberg, which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape with its "Taunusblick".

From left to right: Helmut Stützel (SGV Feudingen), Theresa Fetz-Helfert (City of Haiger), Dr. Harald Knoche (Rothaarsteigverein e.V.), Niklas Gail and Lenny Kolb (both Dorf- und Verschönerungsverein Donsbach e.V.) at the certificate presentation in Düsseldorf. Photo: Rothaarsteigverein

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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