Rothaarsteig trail Breitscheid cave tour

The Rothaarsteig trail Breitscheid cave tour starts at the Wildweiberhäuschen hiking parking lot. This striking limestone rock, which is the subject of various tales, offers the opportunity to visit it at the end of the tour. From the starting point, the route leads along an avenue lined with trees of the year towards Breitscheid. From the edge of the village, the trail stretches across open terrain to the entrance of the Herbstlabyrinth stalactite cave. Participation in the guided tours of the cave is possible by prior arrangement. The trail then descends into the Gasseschlucht gorge, which leads to the Erdbach stream. This is followed by the ascent to the stone chambers (large and small) and the foxhole. From this point, the view opens up onto an extensive natural amphitheater. The tour continues in Breitscheid, where restaurants offer refreshment stops. The route continues through the Aubach valley, which is lined with basalt blocks that were transported during the last ice age. After passing the railroad bridge, you have the option of taking a detour to the Wildweiberhäuschen or continuing on the marked circular route. From the Aubach valley, the trail climbs to the "Zu den wilden Weibern" rest stop at the Langenaubach log cabin. Shortly afterwards, the starting point of the hike is reached again.

Information about the rescue signs on the Rothaarsteig

Most hiking trails run away from towns and settlements and every hiker has 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 an increased risk of forest fires, especially in dry weather! 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!

Crown your hike with a walk into the underworld and descend into the Herbstlabyrinth stalactite cave, which was only discovered a few years ago. Tickets and further information can be found at www.schauhoehle-breitscheid.de. The cave is open at weekends from April to November. In addition to guided tours on certain dates, events ranging from concerts to photo workshops are also offered in the special atmosphere of the cave. www.schauhoehle-breitscheid.de/veranstaltungen. Please register for guided tours and events in good time. Spontaneous participation is rarely possible due to the high level of interest.

Another insider tip is the interactive pottery museum in Breitscheid. The guided tours and pottery courses are particularly interesting here. The museum is open from May to September on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 15:00 - 17:00. You can find more information here.

If you are out and about at the weekend, you should pay a visit to the "Zu den wilden Weibern" rest stop, which is always open on Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm from April to October!

Refreshment stops:

Heimatliebe Bistro & Café

Country inn Ströhmann, Gusternhain

Rest stop "Zu den wilden Weibern", Langenaubach

Restaurant Zum Cockpit Breitscheid

Hofcafé and Hofgut Begegnungen, Breitscheid

DorfLadenCafe Erdbach

Book recommendations by the author

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.

Author's recommended maps

The original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000, divided into two sheets (sheet north / sheet south), with up-to-date route guidance and useful markings such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops and much more, can be ordered at www.rothaarsteig.de/wanderkarte for 11.00 euros free of charge.

The Rothaarsteig trails also have their own small brochure with the most important information and a map as well as a hiking pass. You can download this at www.rothaarsteig.de/prospekte or order it to your home free of charge. Once you have hiked a trail, have your hiking pass stamped at a refreshment stop, tourist information office or other point along the way. If you have hiked at least eight of the 14 tours, you will receive a hiking certificate, a Rothaarsteig pin and you will be entered into our annual prize draw.

You can also start this tour in Breitscheid at the town hall. Bus route 510 runs from Herborn station to Breitscheid on Mondays to Saturdays.

Parking lot "Wildweiberhäuschen" on the road between Haiger-Langenaubach and Breitscheid (50.70620376963141, 8.191908286917604)

Parking lot at the DorfLadenCafe Breitscheid-Erdbach (Denkmalstraße)

Parking lot at Breitscheid airport

Parking lot in the center of Breitscheid (only a few parking spaces)