Best backpacking trails in Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park

This route follows stage 1 of the Rothaarsteig, connecting the old Hanseatic town of Brilon with the popular resort town of Willingen on a scenic section. The hike starts at the historic marketplace in Brilon and leads through the Briloner Bürgerwald up to the Borberg, the highest point of the Brilon plateau, offering expansive views of the Ruhr Valley. Further highlights include the Ginsterköpfe with its "forest sofa," the artistic "Feuereiche" (Fire Oak), and the imposing Bruchhauser Steine...

This route follows the second stage of the Rothaarsteig and connects the World Cup town of Willingen with the well-known winter sports center of Winterberg along a scenically stunning stretch. The hike takes you over the Langenberg (843 m), the highest mountain in North Rhine-Westphalia, and through the Neuer Hagen Nature Reserve, the state’s largest high moor. Highlights include the sweeping panoramic view from the treeless summit of the Clemensberg, a visit to the source of the Ruhr River,...

This route follows stage 3 of the Rothaarsteig, connecting the winter sports hub of Winterberg with the mountain village of Schanze on one of the trail's most famous sections. From Winterberg, the path leads past the St. Georg ski jump up to the Kahler Asten (842 m / 2,762 ft), the most renowned peak in the region. Here, the open heathland offers a spectacular 360-degree view that, on clear days, extends as far as the Harz Mountains and the Rhön. After visiting the source of the Lenne River,...

This route follows the 6th stage of the Rothaarsteig, connecting Lützel with Lahnhof on a water-rich and historically significant section. The hike begins at the Ginsberger Heide and initially leads to the historic Ginsburg Castle, as well as across the Giller mountain, before following the medieval Eisenstraße (Iron Road) over the Rothaar ridge. A special feature of this stage is the headwater region of three major rivers: hikers pass the mystical moorlands of the Eder, the naturally...

First stage of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route in Sauerland, North Rhine-Westphalia. The first day tour of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route, which has been awarded four stars by the ADFC, leads from the source of the Ruhr near Winterberg via Olsberg to Meschede. Along the way, the beautifully rolling hills of the Sauerland and marvellous views of the surrounding area can be enjoyed. There are restaurants to stop off at in the small villages. There are car parks at the starting point and the...

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...

This route follows stage 7 of the Rothaarsteig, connecting Lahnhof with Wilgersdorf on a historically rich and scenic section. The hike begins at the source of the Lahn and leads first to the Ilse source, which was renowned in the Middle Ages as a holy spring and place of pilgrimage. Passing the Jagdberg (674 m / 2,211 ft), the trail reaches the "Kaffeebuche" rest area, offering views of Hainchen, home to Westphalia's only hill-top moated castle. A scenic highlight is the "Nase im Wind"...

Scenic section of the Lahn hiking trail On this stage you have a wonderful view of the Lahn valley from the Entenberg; if you want, you can register in the summit book. It goes on to the Perfstausee and the Biedenkopfer forest, from which one has beautiful views again. Highlights: - Perf reservoir - Entenberg

A scenic section of the route in the Sauerland, North Rhine-Westphalia The tenth and last stage of the Winterberger Hochtour begins in the high village of Hoheleye and leads back to the starting point on the Kahler Asten. Follow the Rothaarsteig until you reach the Astenturm. From the mountain Auf der Höhe with a refuge you have a great panoramic view of the Sauerland landscape. On the Kahler Asten it goes over a historical ravine, here the end point of the high tour is...

Culturally rich route section in the Sauerland, North Rhine-Westphalia The first stage of the Winterberger Hochtour begins at the monument to the Winterberger merchant and leads over the beautiful Pilosophenpfad to the town hall. For a while, the hiking trail now runs parallel to the Rothaarweg X2 up to the Astenturm. Highlights: - Monument Winterberger Handelsmann -Philosopher's Path -Witch Trial Memorial -Ast tower