Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen
50% of reviewers say this trail is hard
16miLength
3,425ftElevation gain
8–9hrEstimated time
Point to point
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 (National Natural Monument), before the trail descends via the Richtplatz into Willingen.
Overnight stays are available in the numerous hotels and guesthouses in Brilon or Willingen; wild camping is prohibited in the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park. Refreshments can be found at the Gutscafé near Bruchhausen or directly at the end of the stage. Transport is easily accessible via the Brilon Stadt train station or the Willingen station, both served regularly by regional trains; schedules and information can be found at https://www.vsninfo.de (for North Hesse) or local NRW transit sites.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Rothaarsteig
Top sights
Habberg
Peak
Gudenhagener Poppenberg
Peak
Drübel
Peak
kleiner Poppenberg
Viewpoint
Wallanlage Borberg
Archaeological site
Richtplatz
Picnic site
Propsteikirche St. Petrus und Andreas
Church
Kyrilltor
Monument
Ritzhagen bei Willingen
Campsite
Original Willinger Glasmanufaktur
Attraction
Borberg
Viewpoint
Trekkingplatz Feuereiche
Campsite
Borberg
Peak
Ginsterkopf
Peak
Haus des Gastes
Building
Rathaus
Building
Möhnequelle
Spring
Shoemaker's Apprentice
Peak
Klockliet
Peak
Hoher Limberg
Peak
Frühmittelalterliche Kirche
Archaeological site
Lütkenstein
Peak
Forstenberg
Peak
Sommerrodelbahn Willingen
Attraction
Juden
Peak
Eingangsportal Rothaarsteig
Attraction
Alte Skisprungschanze
Viewpoint
Sommertubing
Attraction
Jägerhof
Building
Cafe am Markt
Building
Top sights
Habberg
Peak
Gudenhagener Poppenberg
Peak
Drübel
Peak
kleiner Poppenberg
Viewpoint
Wallanlage Borberg
Archaeological site
Richtplatz
Picnic site
Propsteikirche St. Petrus und Andreas
Church
Kyrilltor
Monument
Ritzhagen bei Willingen
Campsite
Original Willinger Glasmanufaktur
Attraction
Borberg
Viewpoint
Trekkingplatz Feuereiche
Campsite
Borberg
Peak
Ginsterkopf
Peak
Haus des Gastes
Building
Rathaus
Building
Möhnequelle
Spring
Shoemaker's Apprentice
Peak
Klockliet
Peak
Hoher Limberg
Peak
Frühmittelalterliche Kirche
Archaeological site
Lütkenstein
Peak
Forstenberg
Peak
Sommerrodelbahn Willingen
Attraction
Juden
Peak
Eingangsportal Rothaarsteig
Attraction
Alte Skisprungschanze
Viewpoint
Sommertubing
Attraction
Jägerhof
Building
Cafe am Markt
Building
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 16.0-mile point-to-point trail near Brilon, North Rhine-Westphalia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 59 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter 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 Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Expected weather for Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 61 degrees/showers
- Sun, September 20 - 60 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 58 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 64 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 71 degrees/clear
Where is Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen located?
Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen is a trail located in Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park.
How hard is Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen is considered a hard hike that covers 16 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,425 ft. It takes about 8–9 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 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen is considered a hard hike that covers 16 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,425 ft. It takes about 8–9 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen a point to point trail?
Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen is a point to point trail that covers 16 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,425 ft. It takes about 8–9 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 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen is a point to point trail that covers 16 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,425 ft. It takes about 8–9 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 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Dogs may be allowed on Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen?
According to trailgoers, Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen is usually busy. Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include kleiner Poppenberg, Borberg, and Alte Skisprungschanze.
Is camping allowed at Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Camping is allowed on Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen 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 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Backpacking is allowed on Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen. 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 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Yes, Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen is a forest trail in Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Rothaarsteig Stage 1: Brilon - Willingen in Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 17, 2026 at 11:41 pm GMT+0