Rothaarsteig from Jagdhaus to the Giller

This Rothaarsteig stage starts in the high-altitude village of Jagdhaus, where you can stop for a bite to eat. From there, you have the option of taking the bison trail to the Wisent-Welt nature experience center and observing the bison in a show enclosure. The route leads past the historic Margaretenstein to the Rhein-Weser-Turm. This tower, located on the Rhine-Weser watershed, opens up wide scenic views. The trail then descends into the Schwarzbachtal nature reserve, whose nature trail provides insights into the aquatic world. In summer, blueberries and blooming Heid characterize the landscape. The trail climbs through the Haberg nature reserve to the Heinsberg Hochheide with its juniper stand. Close to the Rothaarsteig access path in the direction of Heinsberg is the Heinsberg aqueduct, which supplies the fish ponds with Krenkelbach water. The Dreiherrnstein historically marks the convergence of the former state borders of Nassau, Westfalen and Electoral Cologne. The source of the Ferndorf, a tributary of the Siegen, is reached via the Oberndorfer Höhe. The route continues through the Ginsberg Heid to Ginsburg Castle. The Ginsburg is historically significant as the site of troop mobilization by William of Orange in the 16th century and today serves as a lookout tower. The final section of the Rothaarsteig leads to the Giller, where the Gillerberg tower is a striking landmark. An important mountain sports festival takes place there, complemented by the annual Whitsun tent festival KulturPur. The finish point of the stage is at the parking lot of the Gillerberg tower in the Hilchenbach district of Lützel.

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 www.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 outdoor outfitter Tatonka.

Hiking rucksack
With a suitable hiking rucksack, your tour on the Rothaarsteig is twice as much fun! Hiking rucksacks have a ventilated carrying system that makes them 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.
First aid kit
To ensure you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig to the full, a first aid kit should be in your rucksack for safety's sake. After all, nothing is more annoying than not being able to immediately treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries properly. Tatonka's first aid kits are filled with all the important materials for the initial treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guideline for the correct behaviour in the event of 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. The stainless steel bottles, stainless steel insulated jugs and stainless steel lunch boxes from Tatonka are not only practical, but also unbreakable and durable.

Information about the rescue signs on the Rothaarsteig
Most hiking trails run away from villages and settlements and everyone who hikes has certainly 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?
But 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 dry weather! Please note the following information:

• 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!

• Landscape frame and Rothaarsteig hammock near Jagdhaus
• View from the Grenzweg near Jagdhaus
• Rhein-Weser-Turm
• Schwarzbachtal nature reserve
• Haberg nature reserve
• Experience point" nature experience carousel
• Ginsburg Castle
• Giller and Ginsberg Heid

Restaurants:

• Hotel Jagdhaus Wiese
• Schäferhof
• Country Hotel Voss
• Inn Zu den Linden
• Country house Lenneper-Führt
• "The Rhein-Weser-Turm"
• To the Hahnenquelle
• Rucksack hostel on the Rothaarsteig
• Country inn Café Gut Ahe
• Farm guesthouse Bertram
• Hotel Ginsberger Heid
• Hotel-Gasthof Siebel

To help you prepare for your hike, we will be happy to send you our free information pack. At www.rothaarst eig.de/prospekte you can easily select the information you need. A good companion for every tour is our brochure "Rothaarsteig Wegweiser" (Rothaarsteig Trail Guide) with the hosts along the trail and other useful information.

You can order 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 at www.rothaarsteig.de/wanderkarte for 11.00 euros free shipping to your home.

Jagdhaus is served by the Schmallenberg Sauerland hiking bus. You can find the timetable here!

Hilchenbach-Lützel can be reached by train (from Siegen main station with the Hessische Landesbahn RB 93).

You can find more information at www.bahn.de.

Free parking is available at the hiking parking lots in Jagdhaus and at Giller, above Lützel.