Rothaarsteig celebrates: 25 years of the "Path of the Senses"

A quarter of a century full of nature experiences, innovations and shared successes: the Rothaarsteig was officially opened at the Ginsburg in Hilchenbach on May 6, 2001. Since then, in its 25 years of existence, the "Path of the Senses" has developed from Germany's first premium hiking trail into one of the most famous long-distance hiking routes in the country and has become an integral part of hiking tourism.

The 154-kilometre Rothaarsteig connects 26 municipalities in six districts and three federal states. As a member of the "Top Trails of Germany", it stands for the highest trail quality combined with intensive nature experiences and sustainable tourism. The striking red trail signs attracted attention right from the start and gave hiking a modern, unmistakable appearance. Never before had anyone come up with the idea of marking hiking trails in this way and thus creating such recognition value.

Along the route, around 300 forest benches, forest sofas, forest loungers, snack islands, swings and hammocks invite you to linger. 11,300 signposts, 1,200 posts with 800 signposts as well as numerous footbridges, bridges and viewing platforms ensure orientation and comfort. The forest sofa developed especially for the Rothaarsteig is now widely used throughout Europe and symbolizes the special nature experience along the trail.

"The Rothaarsteig has sustainably modernized hiking in Germany and set quality standards. For 25 years, we have been consistently developing the trail and combining the experience of nature with innovation," explains Harald Knoche, Managing Director of the Rothaarsteig Association.

The anniversary year will be accompanied by a variety of activities. Back in March, the success story was looked back on at the ITB in Berlin. A broad-based marketing and social media campaign will focus on special places and stories along the trail and the additional Rothaarsteig trails. Formats such as a planned InstaHike and other events make it possible to experience the anniversary directly along the trail.

At the same time, the stakeholders in the "Smart Tourism Lab" project are working on the strategic further development of the long-distance hiking trail. The aim is to position the Rothaarsteig as Europe's first sustainable and climate-resilient long-distance hiking trail. And with innovative visitor guidance, digital infrastructure and assured quality standards. The project is being funded via the "Erlebnis.NRW" call within the ERDF/JTF program NRW 2021-2027.

"The Rothaarsteig is a flagship project for the Sauerland region and far beyond. For a quarter of a century, it has stood for successful cooperation, sustainable destination development and high tourist appeal," emphasizes Dr. Jürgen Fischbach, Managing Director of Sauerland Tourism. With its 25th anniversary, the Rothaarsteig thus combines tradition and future and remains a formative offer in German hiking tourism.

Download the press release as a PDF here.

Contact for the press:
Rouven Soyka, Sauerland-Tourismus e. V.
Johannes-Hummel-Weg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg
Tel.: 02974-969830, e-mail: presse@sauerland.com