- Family friendly
- Nature highlight
- Refreshment stop
- Accommodation option
- Signage
- Tour with dog
- Quality Trail Wanderbares Deutschland
- free of charge / accessible at any time
Rothaarsteig from Giller to Haincher Höhe
The Rothaarsteig stage runs for almost 27 km from Giller to Haincher Höhe - past the Ederquelle, Waldland Hohenroth, Sieg-, Lahn-, Ilsequelle, Kaffeebuche and Hauberg to Haincher Höhe.
Tour starting point:
Parking lot at the "Giller" observation tower
Tour destination point:
Hiking parking lot Haincher Höhe
Properties:
Additional Information
Further information about the Rothaarsteig can be found at www.rothaarsteig.de or by calling the free service hotline on +49 2974 / 499 4163, where we will be happy to advise you personally on planning your tour.Category
regionaler WanderwegLength
26.8 kmDuration
6:55 hElevation ascent
389 mElevation descent
443 mLowest point
522 mHighest point
673 mCondition
Difficulty
Recommended seasons
On this stage, the Rothaarsteig leads from the roof of the Siegerland region to the headwaters of three major rivers: Lahn, Sieg and Eder.
On this tour, the Rothaarsteig roughly follows the course of the historic Iron Road over the Rothaar ridge. The Iron Road was part of the medieval trade fair route from Cologne to Leipzig and owes its name to the fact that trade in iron goods was conducted here until the High Middle Ages.
First, however, the tour leads to Hilchenbach-Lützel railroad station and then follows the valley of the young Eder upstream through the Eicherwald nature reserve. Here, the Eder still runs undisturbed by human hands. Once you have passed the center of the Siegen-Wittgenstein district, you will come to the high moor at the source of the Eder. From the source of the Eder, the Rothaarsteig now leads via the Kohlenstraße to Benfe and on to the source of the Sieg. Following its redesign in 2014, the source has once again become a natural spring area. The river that gives its name to the Siegerland region flows into the Rhine after 155 kilometers. If you fancy a short detour, it is worth visiting Waldland Hohenroth, a former forester's lodge that now houses an information center for forests, forestry, nature conservation and forest encounters.
After another three kilometers, you reach the source of the Lahn. Like the Sieg, the Lahn also flows towards the Rhine, but only after 246 kilometers. The trail continues directly to the Ilse spring, which is not known for its size, but for its mysterious healing powers. The Ilse was considered a holy spring, especially in the Middle Ages, and was a place of pilgrimage for many years. Today, you can enjoy the refreshing spring water on site.
From the Ilse spring, the Rothaarsteig trail leads back westwards. Over the Jagdberg (674 m), the trail reaches the "Kaffeebuche" rest area, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view. Once you reach your destination, you will see the village of Hainchen with the only high-altitude moated castle in Westphalia lying in the valley below.
Information
Directions
Gillerberg tower - Lützel railroad station - Ederquelle - Erndtebrück-Benfe - Siegquelle - Lahnquelle - Ilsequelle - Kaffeebuche - Haincher Höhe
Equipment
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 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
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 ensure that you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig without any restrictions, you should always have a first aid kit 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 first aid treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guide to the correct behavior in case of emergencies in the great outdoors. Here you can find the first aid kits from Tatonka!
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.
Safety guidelines
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? 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 means that 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!
Author Tip
- Iron road
- Hohenroth forester's lodge
- Eder spring
- Sieg spring
- Lahn spring
- Coffee beech and Hauberg
- Ilse spring
- Haincher Höhe
Restaurants:
Literature
To help you prepare for your hike, we will be happy to send you our free information pack. You can easily select the information you need at www.rothaarsteig.de/prospekte. A good guide for every tour is our "Rothaarsteig Wegweiser" brochure, which lists the accommodation providers along the trail and other useful information.
Maps
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 spaces, bus stops and much more at www.rothaarsteig.de/wanderkarte for €11.00 with free shipping to your home.
Public transit
Lützel has a train station and can be reached by train. Unfortunately, Haincher Höhe is not served by local public transport and you can find more information at www.bahn.de.
Parking
Free parking spaces are available for hikers at the Giller parking lot as well as in Hainchen.
