Rothaarsteig Trails Receive Recertification

Award for Proven Hiking Quality: Several of the popular Rothaarsteig trails have once again been recertified as “Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland” by the German Hiking Association at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. The trails honored include the Grönebacher Dorfpfad, the Blickinsland Kahle Pön Trail, the Breitscheid Cave Tour, the Gernsdorf High-Altitude Tour, and the Romantic Hickengrund Trail.

The recertification underscores the high standards with which the Rothaarsteig Association and its partners continuously maintain and further develop the trails. This is because the “Quality Trail: Wanderbares Deutschland” designation is awarded only when specific criteria are met—including a route that follows natural terrain, reliable trail markings, varied scenery, minimal paved sections, attractive rest stops and viewpoints, and sustainably maintained trails and infrastructure.

“The renewed recognition of our Rothaarsteig trails is a strong testament to the quality of the hiking experiences along the Rothaarsteig,” emphasizes Harald Knoche, Executive Director of the Rothaarsteigverein e.V. “It shows that behind every trail there is a great deal of dedication, regular monitoring, and close collaboration with local partners. And for our guests, this means reliable wayfinding, unique nature experiences, and hiking enjoyment at a proven high standard.”

The Grönebacher Dorfpfad winds around the Grönebach district of Winterberg and combines nature trails with a village atmosphere. Meadows, forests, small paths, and beautiful views make the trail a varied tour that brings the character of the Sauerland cultural landscape to life.

The Rothaarsteig trail “Blickinsland Kahle Pön” between Willingen and Medebach stands out for its sweeping panoramic views. The trail lives up to its name and offers impressive views of the surrounding low-mountain landscape. Open highlands, nature-rich sections, and the alternation between forest and open spaces define the hiking experience.

The Breitscheid Cave Tour adds a special touch with its geological and scenic highlights. Around Breitscheid, hikers experience an exciting combination of nature, rock, karst landscape, and proximity to caves.

The Gernsdorf Highland Trail near Wilnsdorf, in turn, captivates hikers over 13.5 kilometers with its mix of forest trails, open highlands, and views across the Siegerland landscape, passing through the “Gernsdorfer Weidekämpe” nature reserve, among other places.

The Romantic Hickengrund near Burbach offers a particularly atmospheric route through a charming cultural landscape. Small valleys, quiet forest sections, and idyllic villages make the tour a relaxing hiking experience brimming with regional charm.

The quality of local hiking trails has also been confirmed beyond the Rothaarsteig routes: In the Sauerland-Wanderdörfer—through which the Rothaarsteig runs on its route from Brilon to Dillenburg—the Olsberg Kneipp Hiking Trail has once again been recertified as a quality trail.

These renewed accolades make it clear: Even in its anniversary year, the Rothaarsteig and its trails stand for certified hiking quality, diverse nature experiences, and the continuous improvement of its offerings. The Rothaarsteig trails perfectly complement the well-known long-distance hiking trail and invite hikers to discover the landscape along the “Path of the Senses” on shorter, character-filled loop hikes.

Download the press release as a PDF here.

Press Contact:

Ilka Robke, Rothaarsteigverein e.V.
Im Ohl 12, 57392 Schmallenberg
Phone: 02974-9692890, Email: info@rothaarsteig.de