Rothaarsteig from Schanze to the Rhein-Weser-Turm (Valley Route)

Your hike begins in the small village of Schanze. Continuing along the valley route of the Rothaarsteig, the trail first descends gently into the gorge-like Grubental. The Rothaarsteig’s red trail markers will guide you along the entire route. Passing the “Altarstein” and the “Dicke Eiche,” you’ll reach the picturesque village of Latrop. There are several places to stop for refreshments here, so you can take a break right away. From Latrop, the trail climbs steadily all the way to the “Millionenbank.” There, the ridge and valley routes of the Rothaarsteig meet again.

Continuing on the Rothaarsteig, the trail leads over the Heidkopf (666 m) to Jagdhaus. From there, you can take the Wisent Trail—one of the 14 loop trails along the Rothaarsteig—to the Wisent-Welt Nature Experience Center. Here you’ll have the opportunity to observe a herd of bison up close in a 20-hectare exhibit.

Passing the Margaretenstein, a historic boundary stone, the Rothaarsteig then reaches the Rhein-Weser-Turm. The tower, situated on the Rhine-Weser watershed, offers a superb panoramic view.

The Rothaarsteig follows numerous nature trails away from agricultural and forestry roads. Therefore, weather-resistant clothing and sturdy footwear are a must for every hike. After all, we want you to experience the “Path of the Senses” not only with “dry” feet but also with “steady” ones.
In our small hiking shop at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop, you’ll also find a selection of Rothaarsteig merchandise to help you prepare for your hike or to take home as a souvenir. We’re also happy to recommend the durable, high-quality outdoor gear from our long-standing partner, the outdoor equipment supplier Tatonka.


Hiking Backpack With the right hiking backpack, your trip on the Rothaarsteig will be twice as much fun! Hiking backpacks offer exceptional comfort thanks to a ventilated carrying system, which ensures that sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be secured with a chest or hip strap, ensuring they stay firmly against your back with every movement. They’re also equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often feature a compartment with a hose outlet for a hydration bladder, ensuring you stay hydrated at all times.

First Aid Kit To ensure you can fully enjoy your hike on the Rothaarsteig, it’s a good idea to pack a first aid kit in your backpack just in case. After all, nothing is more frustrating than not being able to immediately and properly treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries. Tatonka’s first-aid kits are stocked with all the essential supplies for treating injuries and also include an “outdoor cheat sheet” with concise and clear guidelines on how to respond to emergencies in the great outdoors. Find Tatonka’s first-aid kits here!

Food and Beverages
Unfortunately, on some sections of the trail—especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg—there are no places to stop for refreshments along the way. Be sure to pack food and drinks, especially for these sections. Staying hydrated isespecially important in the summer. Tatonka’s stainless steel bottles, stainless steel insulated jugs, and stainless steel lunch boxes are not only practical but also unbreakable and durable.

Information on the emergency signs along the Rothaarsteig
Hiking trails usually run away from towns and settlements, and anyone who hikes has surely wondered at least once what would happen if an emergency were to occur. How can I be found here? Where am I, anyway? Can emergency services reach me?
But in an emergency, speed is of the essence! That’s why the Rothaarsteig is equipped with so-called emergency signs throughout the trail. The green-and-white plaques attached to the signposts feature a number that you must provide when making an emergency call. This lets emergency responders know exactly where you are, saving valuable time.

Note on the increased risk of wildfires
Please be aware that due to the dry conditions, there is currently an increased risk of wildfires! Therefore, please observe the following guidelines:

• Comply with the legal ban on smoking in the forest—it applies in spring, summer, and fall, specifically from March 1 through October 31.
• Observe the ban on open fires in the forest and within 100 meters of the forest.
• Take any glass with you when you leave the forest—the magnifying effect of glass can trigger forest fires.

If it’s (too) late:

• Extinguish small fires as they start, if you can do so safely. If necessary, check the area carefully.
• Report fires by calling “112.”
• Leave the danger zone by the shortest route.

The forest will thank you!

• Kyrill-Pfad, Schanze
  
• Latrop
• Latrop Foot Bath
• Landscape Viewpoint and Rothaarsteig Hammock at the Jagdhaus
• View from the Grenzweg near Jagdhaus
• Rhein-Weser-Turm

Places to stop for refreshments:

• ALMHÜTTE Schanze with AlmBEACH
• Schanze 1 Forest Kiosk
  
• Zur Hahnenquelle Restaurant

Rothaarsteig Quality Establishments:

• Schanze 1 Country Inn
• AlmBEACH Vacation Rental Schanze 17
• Old Schoolhouse
• Hanses-Bräutigam Hotel
• Hotel-Gasthof Hubertushöhe
• Latröpchen Guesthouse
• Landhotel Gasthof Hubertus
• Jagdhaus Wiese Hotel
• Schäferhof
• Voss Country Inn
• Gasthof Zu den Linden
• Lenneper-Führt Country House
• "The Rhein-Weser-Turm"
• Zur Hahnenquelle
• Bertram Farm Inn

To help you prepare for your hike, we’d be happy to send you our free information package. At www.rothaarsteig.de/prospekte, you can easily select the information you need. Our brochure “Rothaarsteig Guide” is a great companion for any hike, featuring accommodations along the trail and other useful information.

You can order the original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000—featuring the latest trail routes and useful markers such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops, and much more—at www.rothaarsteig.de/ for 11.00 euros with free shipping, conveniently delivered right to your door.

Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible by public transportation.
Schanze is served several times a day by the ISMO 466 hiking bus. You can take this bus to Schmallenberg, for example, and transfer to public transportation there.
Unfortunately, this service is not available at the Rhein-Weser-Turm. The only option is to call a taxi, which will then take you, for example, to Saalhausen, where you can transfer to public transportation.

You'll find free hiking parking lots in Schanze and at the Rhein-Weser-Turm.