Rothaarsteig from the Ginsberg Heid to the Lahnquelle spring

The stage of the Rothaarsteig, which stretches from the highest point of the Siegerland region, takes travelers to the region of origin of three important rivers: Lahn, Siegen and Eder. Historically significant is the route along the former Iron Road, which once served as a medieval trade route between Cologne and Leipzig and owes its name to the intensive trade in iron goods up until the High Middle Ages. This route over the Rothaar ridge thus combines experiences close to nature with cultural traces of bygone eras. The tour begins on the Ginsberg Heid and first leads to Ginsburg Castle, whose observation tower offers far-reaching views of the landscape. The Rothaarsteig then passes the Giller and reaches the diverse headwaters of the Eder, Siegen and Lahn rivers. The distinctive moorland landscapes along the Eder are characteristic of the route. The coal road in an easterly direction takes you to Benfe and on to the source of the Sieg, a natural source that presents itself as an authentic spring area. The Sieg, which gives its name to the surrounding countryside, drains into the Rhine. A little later, the destination of this tour, the source of the Lahn, is reached. The Lahn also seeks its way to the Rhine, shaping unique river landscapes along the way. Along this varied route, there are opportunities to stop for refreshments, rounding off the nature experience and inviting you to linger.

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 "well".

In our small hiking store at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig items 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

A suitable hiking rucksack will make your tour on the Rothaarsteig 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.

Here you can find hiking rucksacks from outdoor outfitter Tatonka in various sizes for day hikes and multi-day tours and with different ventilated back systems.

First aid kit

To make sure you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig to the full, a first aid kit should be in your rucksack. After all, nothing is more annoying than not being able to treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries immediately. The first aid kits from Tatonka 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 guide to the correct behavior in the event of an emergency in the great outdoors. You can find Tatonka first aid kits here!

Food and drinks

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. Especially in summer, it is important to drink plenty of fluids.

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 towns and settlements and all hikers have 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?

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 drought! Therefore, please observe the following instructions:

• 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!

• Ginsburg Castle


• Gillerberg Tower


• Iron Road


• Hohenroth forester's lodge


• Eder spring


• Sieg spring


• Lahn spring

Restaurants:

• Hotel Ginsberger Heid


• Hotel-Gasthof Siebel


• Country hotel Edermühle


• Romantik Landhotel Doerr


• Hotel im Auerbachtal


• Landgasthof zur Siegquelle


• Hotel Fünf10


• Pension zum Rothaarsteig

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 accommodation providers along the trail and other useful information.

The Rothaarsteig recommends:

• Hikeline hiking guide: Rothaarsteig long-distance hiking trail - From Brilon in the Sauerland over the ridge of the Rothaargebirge to Dillenburg


• Conrad Stein Verlag: Hiking guide Rothaarsteig - long-distance hiking trail. Rothaarsteig from Brilon to Dillenburg by Amrei Risse


• Rother Bergverlag: Rother hiking guide Rothaarsteig. With Sauerland-Höhenflug and Sauerland-Waldroute by Matthias Schopp

Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000

• Divided into two sheets (sheet north / sheet south)


• 10th edition - up-to-date route guidance


• With marked mountain huts, viewpoints, bus stops, parking spaces and much more.


• free shipping in the Rothaarsteig hiking store

You can reach Hilchenbach-Lützel by train. Unfortunately, the Lahnquelle is not served by public transport. You will have to take a cab to the nearest train station in Rudersdorf. There you can catch the train in the direction of Gießen or Siegen. You can order a cab by calling the chargeable hotline 22456 (mobile number for cab orders throughout Germany). The Rothaarsteig quality companies also often offer a shuttle service for you and your luggage. It is best to enquire about options and costs directly when booking.

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

There are free parking spaces for hikers in Lützel near the Gillerberg tower and at the source of the Lahn.