Current restrictions

Specific restrictions are currently known in the following areas: 

The Rothaarsteig trail has been permanently rerouted on the outskirts of Winterberg in the Dumel/Helletal area. Please pay attention to the trail markings and follow the on-site signs. Thank you for your understanding!

Recommendations for Hikers During High Forest Fire Risk

The area around the Rothaarsteig is characterized by extensive forested areas, mountain ranges, and, in some cases, remote trails. During prolonged dry spells, fires can spread rapidly due to wind and the sloping terrain. The risk can be significantly reduced by planning your hike appropriately and taking the right precautions.

Before Your Hike
- Before setting out, we recommend checking the German Weather Service’s wildfire danger index. It ranges from Level 1 to 5. Additionally, you should take into account advisories from the respective city or municipality, the district, and Wald und Holz NRW, as local assessments may vary. (https://www.dwd.de/DE/leistungen/waldbrandgef/waldbrandgef.html)
- At danger level 5, shorter routes along the edge of the forest or hikes through more open landscapes can be a good alternative to remote forest and high-altitude trails.
- Current closures and detours should be factored into your planning. 

During the Hike
- Marked hiking and biking trails provide the best guidance. Closures and notices from forestry officials, the fire department, or local authorities should be heeded even if they make the planned route longer.
- Forest trails, barriers, and access roads must remain clear. In the event of a fire, they serve as access routes for fire departments and emergency services.
- Smoking, barbecuing, and open fires are strictly prohibited. In North Rhine-Westphalia, a statutory smoking ban is in effect in the forest from March 1 through October 31. Furthermore, fires and grills are generally permitted in the forest and within 100 meters of the forest edge only at appropriately approved facilities.
- Take all trash and potential ignition sources with you when you leave.
- If you’re traveling by car, you should use only designated or paved parking areas. Hot vehicle parts can ignite dry vegetation.
- The smell of smoke, unusual haze, or a rising column of smoke are reasons to carefully check your surroundings and, if necessary, cut your hike short.

If smoke or fire is visible
- Smoke and fires should be reported as early as possible by calling the emergency number 112.
- It is helpful to provide precise details regarding the location, the visible size of the fire, the amount of smoke, and the possible direction of spread.
- Throughout almost the entire Sauerland region and along the long-distance hiking trails, there are emergency points or green-and-white emergency signs. The identification number listed there allows the dispatch center to quickly pinpoint the location.
- Alternatively, you can provide GPS coordinates, the last trail sign, a hiking parking lot, a shelter, or other landmarks.
- Do not attempt to fight a large or spreading fire on your own. The priority is to evacuate early to a smoke-free area with as little vegetation as possible.
- Instructions from the fire department, police, forestry personnel, or park rangers provide the most reliable guidance in this situation.

Good to know:

If the risk of wildfire is very high, you don’t necessarily have to cancel your hike. A shorter route outside dense forest areas, near towns, and with multiple exit points can be a suitable alternative. However, if there are official closures or noticeable smoke, rerouting or cutting the hike short is the safer choice.
We would like to thank the many volunteers—including those from our fire departments and other aid organizations in the Sauerland region—for their tremendous efforts in fighting the current wildfires.

African Swine Fever

To combat African Swine Fever (ASF), sections of the Rothaarsteig have been fenced off. However, gates and barriers allow hikers to traverse the Rothaarsteig without restrictions. 

Preventing Forest Fires
To helppreventforestfires, please follow the rules below! 

• Comply with the legal ban on smoking in the forest—it applies in spring, summer, and fall, specifically fromMarch 1 through October 31.
• Observe the ban on open fires in the forest and within 100 meters of the forest.
• Please take any glass with you when you leave the forest—thank you!

If it’s (too) late:

• Extinguish small fires as they start, if it’s safe to do so. If necessary, check the area carefully.
• Report fires by calling “112.”
• Leave the danger zone by the shortest route.

The forest thanks you!