- Culturally interesting
- Place to stop for a bite to eat
The public transit tour from Vormwald to Feudingen has a lot to offer. You can look forward to great spots for photos and picnics, as well as the sources of the Eder and Sieg rivers. The historic Ginsburg Castle and the adventurous Gillberg Tower are also part of the tour.
Vormwald Station
Feudingen Train Station
Places to stop for refreshments and lodging along the route:
For more information about the Rothaarsteig, visitwww.rothaarsteig.de or call the toll-free service hotline at +49 2974 / 499 4163. We’d be happy to provide personalized advice on planning your trip.
If you’re traveling by car, we recommend parking it in Feudingen at the start and taking the train to the starting point in Vormwald.
The hike begins at the Vormwald train station. If you’re already thirsty by this point, you’ll find a nice beer garden at the station building. Take Trail X3 from the station up to the Rothaarsteig. Once you reach the top, the Ginsburg awaits you. This is where the Rothaarsteig was officially opened on June 5, 2001. The Ginsburg tower is open to the public for a donation, and from the top you can enjoy a 360-degree view. You can also grab a bite to eat at the Ginsburg. The next tower isn’t far away. Continuing along the Rothaarsteig, you’ll now reach the Gillerberg Tower. The 15-meter-high tower, with its open structure, is a bit of an adventure and best suited for those who aren’t afraid of heights. The trail continues toward Lützel. After a few kilometers, you’ll descend into the village via a meadow path. Once you cross the road, you’ll soon be back in the countryside, where a footbridge and a welcome chance to cool off await you. Over the next few kilometers to the source of the Eder, you’ll come across a beautifully situated bridge that’s perfect for a photo. Once you reach the source of the Eder, you’ll find yourself in a raised bog.
Near the historic Iron Road, the trail continues on to Benfe. The next spring—the source of the Sieg—is now very close. A steep stretch leads high over the hilltop to Großenbach. Here, the Benfe Valley welcomes you in summer with blueberries and a profusion of foxgloves. Although the source of the Sieg isn’t directly on the route, the short 600-meter detour there and back is well worth it. A narrow path leads you to the river that gave the Siegerland its name, which flows into the Rhine after 155 kilometers.
From the intersection in Großenbach, follow the Rothaarsteig access trail (yellow horizontal “R”) toward Feudingen-Nord. The trail initially heads downhill, past a church with a pointed roof and a seating area, into the village of Volkholz. It’s worth taking a short break here, because just before the end, the steepest climb of the tour awaits you—and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view. Passing the wildlife enclosure, you’ll now reach Feudingen. For a relaxing end to the tour, the Hotel im Auerbachtal or the Roamtik Landhotel Doerr await you here.
Vormwald Station - Ginsburg - Gillerberg Tower - Lützel - Eisenstraße - Source of the Eder - Benfe - Großenbach - Source of the Sieg - Volkholz - Feudingen Station
The Rothaarsteig follows numerous nature trails away from agricultural and forestry roads. Therefore, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are a must for every hike. After all, we want you to experience the “Path of the Senses” not only with “dry” feet but also with “steady” ones.
In our small hiking shop atwww.rothaarsteig.de/shop, you’ll also find a selection of Rothaarsteig merchandise to help you prepare for your hike or to take home as a souvenir. We’re also happy to recommend the durable, high-quality outdoor gear from our long-standing partner, the outdoor equipment supplierTatonka.
Hiking Backpack
With the right hiking backpack, your hike on the Rothaarsteig will be twice as much fun! Hiking backpacks offer exceptional comfort thanks to a ventilated carrying system, which ensures that sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be secured with a chest or hip strap, ensuring they stay firmly against your back with every movement. They’re also equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often feature a compartment with a hose outlet for a hydration bladder, ensuring you stay hydrated at all times.
Rain Gear
If changeable weather is forecast for your hike on the Rothaarsteig, remember topackalightweight rain jacket or a rain poncho. They take up virtually no space in your backpack and also keep out unpleasant wind. Gaiters are also practical, as they protect your pant legs from dirt and moisture. At our partner, the outdoor gear supplier Tatonka, you’ll find high-quality, breathable rain jackets that pack down to a minimal size, lightweight rain capes, and gaiters to protect your pant legs from dirt and moisture.
Click here to see Tatonka’s rain jackets for women.
You can find Tatonka’s rain jackets for men here.
First-Aid Kit
To ensure you can fully enjoy your hike on the Rothaarsteig, it’s a good idea to pack a first-aid kit in your backpack. After all, nothing is more frustrating than not being able to immediately and properly treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries. Tatonka’s first-aid kits are stocked with all the essential supplies for treating injuries and also include an “outdoor cheat sheet” with concise and clear guidelines on how to respond to emergencies in the great outdoors.
Check out Tatonka’s first-aid kits here!
Food and Drinks
On some sections of the trail, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no places to stop for refreshments along the way. Be sure to pack food and drinks, especially for these sections. Staying properly hydrated is especially important in the summer.
Information About the Emergency Signs on the Rothaarsteig
Hiking trails usually run away from towns and settlements, and anyone who hikes has surely wondered at some point what would happen if an emergency were to occur. How can I be found here? Where am I, anyway? Can emergency services reach me?
But in an emergency, speed is of the essence! That’s why the Rothaarsteig is equipped with so-called emergency signs throughout its entire length. The green-and-white plaques attached to the signposts feature a number that you must provide when making an emergency call. This allows emergency responders to know exactly where you are, saving valuable time.
Note on the Increased Risk of Wildfires
Please be aware that due to dry conditions, there is currently an increasedrisk of wildfires! Therefore, please observe the following guidelines:
If it’s (too) late:
The forest will thank you!
Bison and Wildlife on the Rothaarsteig—Behavioral Tips
Many species of wildlife live in the forests along the Rothaarsteig. You may encounter red deer, wild boars, mouflon, and, more recently, bison. You may encounter bison along the Rothaarsteig between Albrechtsplatz and Dreiherrenstein.
The risks posed by bison to hikers are low and can be reduced to an absolute minimum by behaving appropriately and respectfully.
To help you prepare for your hike, we’d be happy to send you our free information packet. Atwww.rothaarsteig.de/prospekte, you can easily select the information you need. A great companion for any hike is our brochure “Rothaarsteig Guide,” which lists accommodations along the trail and provides other useful information.
The original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000 on waterproof paper, featuring up-to-date trail routes and useful markings such as mountain huts, parking lots, bus stops, and much more. You can conveniently order it online atwww.rothaarsteig.de/wanderkarte for 11.00 euros with free shipping right to your door.
Both Vormwald and Feudingen have train stations and are accessible via Deutsche Bahn. You can find current schedules at www.bahn.de.
If you’re traveling by car, we recommend parking in Feudingen—for example, at the train station—and taking the train to the starting point in Vormwald. That way, you can enjoy a relaxed hike and won’t have to rush to catch the train at the end of the tour.