Richsteig

Our route on the 12-kilometer circular hiking trail "Richsteig" starts at the Heimathaus and we follow the road for about 300 meters. We reach a standalone house and walk on an unpaved path that leads us gently uphill along a small forest to an open area. A farm track joins from the left, which we follow for about a kilometer by turning right. Then it goes sharply left, past a farm, and then continues over the district road K53. We follow the district road only a few meters to turn right and follow an asphalted farm track towards Großwiese.

After about a kilometer, at the end of the asphalted path, we keep left and follow the forest path, which gently ascends into a beautiful beech forest. We wander through this forest and then pass several meadows. Here we can enjoy the view and look back at our hike so far. At the end of this farm track, we turn sharply right and follow the path to the highest point of our hike: the "Stone" at about 640 meters. After the climb, we are rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view towards Bad Berleburg and the neighboring state of Hesse.

Here, the "Richsteig" meets the other Richstein hiking trail "Weitblick" – both routes now together lead to the "Didoll" hiking car park. The route partly runs along the Hesse border and we can see as far as the Sackpfeife. At the car park, we keep left, then after a few meters again right to follow a farm track. At the nature reserve "Finkental" it goes straight ahead.

At the crossroads, the two hiking trails separate. The "Richsteig" now goes straight for about 300 meters, then turns left onto a field path. At this height, we have a great view over the nature reserve, which is home to rare animals and plants. At the highest point, we keep right and after a few meters turn left. We hike through this beautiful area and come to a farm track that leads us to a bench. Here we can take a break and enjoy the view over Richstein to the Burgberg.

We then meet the next new route, the hiking trail "Steinreich". We follow our hiking sign of the balance and come to the village center of Richstein. The path goes past the church tower and the fire station towards the castle. At the street "Zur alten Kirche" we keep left, then immediately left again through a hollow way past the cemetery towards the castle.

Those who also want to climb the Burgberg can continue straight ahead. However, the "Richsteig" turns left and leads us below the castle back to the Heimathaus via a forest educational trail.

Access is via the L 903 from Arfeld. At the village entrance, turn right into "Lindenhof" street, then immediately left into "Haintal" street. Please keep right. The Heimathaus is on the left side.

From the direction of Bad Laasphe/Puderbach, go straight ahead at the village exit into "Lindenhof" street and then turn left into "Haintal" street as described above.

Richstein: The first documented mention of the place dates back to 1384. A look at the village shows its particularly distinctive character: Dominant is the steeply rising 490-meter-high Burgberg in the west with remains of the ruin, today a festival site and hiking destination with a very beautiful view of the forested surroundings. The valleys of the Richstein stream as well as the inflowing Großwiesen and Paders streams are also scenically appealing. The rural village image is mainly shaped by agricultural side businesses. Richstein offers its guests cozy and familial comfort. The 300-inhabitant village enables wonderful nature experiences with well-marked hiking trails.

Visit the Richstein local history room. A guided visit can be arranged by phone with Ernst Kümmel, Tel.: 02755-549.

https://www.museen-in-wittgenstein.de/heimatstube-richstein/