Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)
23.3kmLength
726mElevation gain
7–7.5hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
This route follows stage 4 (Valley Variant) of the Rothaarsteig, connecting the mountain village of Schanze with the Rhein-Weser Tower on a particularly diverse section. The hike first leads gently down into the gorge-like Gruben Valley, passing striking natural monuments before reaching the picturesque village of Latrop. After a steady climb to the "Millionenbank," where the valley and ridge variants reunite, the path continues via Jagdhaus and the historic Margaretenstein to the Rhein-Weser Tower at 684 m (2,244 ft), which offers a magnificent panoramic view over the Sauerland and Siegerland regions.
Overnight stays are available in the cozy guesthouses in Schanze, Latrop, or Jagdhaus, as well as directly at the Rhein-Weser Tower; wild camping is prohibited in the nature park. Refreshments can be found in the villages along the way and at the restaurant in the Rhein-Weser Tower. Transport is provided via hikers' buses or regional lines from Schmallenberg (for Schanze/Latrop) and Kirchhundem (for the Rhein-Weser Tower); schedules and information can be found at https://www.vsninfo.de or through regional transit authorities (ZWS/RLG).
For the full route and all stages, see https://www.alltrails.com/lists/rothaarsteig - Official AllTrails List.
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Grummes Köpfchen
Peak
Zur Hahnenquelle Wohnmobilstellplatz
Caravan site
Dicke Eiche
Weather shelter
Kleine Bamicke
Peak
Somborn
Peak
Sombornquelle
Spring
Margarethenstein
Attraction
Millionenbank
Hut
Margarethensteinhütte
Hut
Landwehr
Archaeological site
Heidkopf
Peak
Potsdamer Platz
Hut
Blutborn
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Check out this 23.3-km point-to-point trail near Schmallenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 42 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)?
Expected weather for Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 21.5 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 24 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 23.3 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 23.5 degrees/clear
- Wed 30 September - 17.1 degrees/showers
Where is Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) located?
Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) is a trail located in Schmallenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
How hard is Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)?
Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) is considered a hard hike that covers 23.3 km, with an elevation gain of 726 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 Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)?
Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) is considered a hard hike that covers 23.3 km, with an elevation gain of 726 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 Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) a point-to-point trail?
Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) is a point to point trail that covers 23.3 km, with an elevation gain of 726 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 Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)?
Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) is a point to point trail that covers 23.3 km, with an elevation gain of 726 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 Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)?
Dogs may be allowed on Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant). Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)?
Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)?
According to trailgoers, Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) is usually not too busy. Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Is backpacking allowed at Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)?
Backpacking is allowed on Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant). 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 Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant)?
Yes, Rothaarsteig Etappe 4: Schanze - Rhein-Weser Tower (Valley Variant) is a forest trail.
Last updated on 24 September 2026 at 02:53 GMT+0