Rothaarsteig Stage 2: Willingen - Winterberg

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, and the spectacular descent through the alpine-like gorge of the Helletal shortly before reaching the destination in Winterberg. Overnight accommodations are available in the numerous hotels, vacation apartments, and guesthouses in Willingen and Winterberg; wild camping is prohibited in the nature park. Places to stop for refreshments can be found in the towns as well as at the Hochheidehütte on the Neuer Hagen. Transportation is ideal thanks to the train stations in Willingen and Winterberg and supplementary bus routes; schedules and information can be found at https://www.vsninfo.de.