Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg
67% of reviewers say this trail is hard
24.6kmLength
747mElevation gain
7–7.5hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
This route follows stage 2 of the Rothaarsteig, connecting the World Cup resort of Willingen with the famous winter sports hub of Winterberg on a visually stunning section. The hike leads over the Langenberg (843 m / 2,766 ft), the highest mountain in North Rhine-Westphalia, and through the Neuer Hagen nature reserve, the state's largest highland heath. Highlights include the sweeping panoramic views from the treeless summit of the Clemensberg, visiting the source of the Ruhr River, and the spectacular descent through the alpine-style Helle Valley gorge just before reaching the center of Winterberg.
Overnight stays are available in the numerous hotels, vacation rentals, and guesthouses in both Willingen and Winterberg; wild camping is prohibited in the nature park. Refreshments can be found in the towns and at the Hochheidehütte near Neuer Hagen. Transport is ideally facilitated by the train stations in Willingen and Winterberg as well as supporting bus lines; schedules and information can be found at https://www.vsninfo.de.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Rothaarsteig
Top sights
Ruhrquelle
Spring
Ruhrtal
Valley
Hoppecke-Quelle
Spring
Neuer Clemensberg
Peak
Langenberg
Peak
Richtplatz
Picnic site
Itterquelle
Spring
Äolsharfe
Attraction
Ritzhagen bei Willingen
Campsite
Original Willinger Glasmanufaktur
Attraction
Hillekopf
Peak
Hillekopfhütte
Hut
Ruhrquelle
Attraction
Holz-Hängematte
Attraction
Heimkehrerkreuz
Picnic site
Böhl
Peak
Hildfelder Höhe
Peak
Sommerrodelbahn Willingen
Attraction
Glindfeld
Peak
Sommertubing
Attraction
Top sights
Ruhrquelle
Spring
Ruhrtal
Valley
Hoppecke-Quelle
Spring
Neuer Clemensberg
Peak
Langenberg
Peak
Richtplatz
Picnic site
Itterquelle
Spring
Äolsharfe
Attraction
Ritzhagen bei Willingen
Campsite
Original Willinger Glasmanufaktur
Attraction
Hillekopf
Peak
Hillekopfhütte
Hut
Ruhrquelle
Attraction
Holz-Hängematte
Attraction
Heimkehrerkreuz
Picnic site
Böhl
Peak
Hildfelder Höhe
Peak
Sommerrodelbahn Willingen
Attraction
Glindfeld
Peak
Sommertubing
Attraction
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 24.6-km point-to-point trail near Willingen, Hesse. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 48 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are January through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Expected weather for Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg for the next 5 days is:
- Tue 22 September - 16 degrees/clear
- Wed 23 September - 12.5 degrees/showers
- Thu 24 September - 14.6 degrees/foggy
- Fri 25 September - 17.3 degrees/clear
- Sat 26 September - 20.5 degrees/clear
Where is Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg located?
Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg is a trail located in Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park.
How hard is Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg is considered a hard hike that covers 24.6 km, with an elevation gain of 747 m. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg is considered a hard hike that covers 24.6 km, with an elevation gain of 747 m. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg a point-to-point trail?
Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg is a point to point trail that covers 24.6 km, with an elevation gain of 747 m. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg is a point to point trail that covers 24.6 km, with an elevation gain of 747 m. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Dogs may be allowed on Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
January to October is the most popular time of year to visit Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg.
How busy is Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
According to trailgoers, Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg is usually busy. January to October is the most popular time of year to visit Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg.
Is camping allowed at Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Camping is allowed on Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg in Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is backpacking allowed at Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Backpacking is allowed on Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Yes, Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg is a forest trail in Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg in Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 18 September 2026 at 01:01 GMT+0