--- title: "Rothaarsteig from Ginsberger Heide to the Lahn source" url: "https://www.siegen-wittgenstein.info/en/tour/rothaarsteig-from-ginsberger-heide-to-the-lahn-source" description: "On this stage, the Rothaarsteig leads from the roof of Siegerland into the source area of three large rivers: Lahn, Sieg, and Eder. On this tour, the Rothaarsteig roughly follows the course of the historic Iron Road over the Rothaar ridge. The Iron Road was part of the medieval road from Cologne to Leipzig and owes its name to the fact that iron goods were traded here until the High Middle Ages. From the Ginsberger Heide it goes to the Ginsburg, which is accessible today as a viewing tower. Shortly afterwards, the Rothaarsteig leads over the Giller (653 m) and further into the source area of three large rivers: Eder, Sieg, Lahn. First, the distinct moor landscapes along the Eder appear. From there, the Rothaarsteig leads eastwards over the Coal Road to Benfe and further to the source of the Sieg. After a redesign in 2014, the source has become a natural spring area again. The namesake of Siegerland flows after 155 kilometers into the Rhine. Another three kilometers on the Rothaarsteig and the goal of the sixth stage is reached: the source of the Lahn. Like the Sieg, the Lahn also flows into the Rhine, but only after 246 kilometers of river course." language: "en" type: "SportsActivityLocation" image: "https://dam.destination.one/3308054/3ff8824813aff914de3545df941991fede1c552e27c41bc8f80054bf97e1c1a1/aussicht-von-der-ginsburg.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Siegen Wittgenstein > Special > Destination.Data Details > Tour" --- GPX ShareBookmark Bookmark Rothaarsteig from Ginsberger Heide to the Lahn source ===================================================== - 19.13 km long - Difficulty: difficult - Condition: very difficult - Great panorama - Regional hiking trail Aussicht von der Ginsburg - 5:05 h - 19.13 km - 342 m - 330 m - 523 m - 651 m - 128 m - - Start: Ginsberger Heide (near Hilchenbach-Lützel) - Destination: Lahn source near Netphen The Rothaarsteig stage leads approximately 19 km from the Ginsberger Heide to the Lahn source - passing the Ginsburg and the Gillerbergturm, through the Eder moor area as well as past the sources of the Eder and the Sieg to the Lahn source. On this stage, the Rothaarsteig leads from the roof of Siegerland into the source area of three large rivers: Lahn, Sieg, and Eder. On this tour, the Rothaarsteig roughly follows the course of the historic Iron Road over the Rothaar ridge. The Iron Road was part of the medieval road from Cologne to Leipzig and owes its name to the fact that iron goods were traded here until the High Middle Ages. From the Ginsberger Heide it goes to the Ginsburg, which is accessible today as a viewing tower. Shortly afterwards, the Rothaarsteig leads over the Giller (653 m) and further into the source area of three large rivers: Eder, Sieg, Lahn. First, the distinct moor landscapes along the Eder appear. From there, the Rothaarsteig leads eastwards over the Coal Road to Benfe and further to the source of the Sieg. After a redesign in 2014, the source has become a natural spring area again. The namesake of Siegerland flows after 155 kilometers into the Rhine. Another three kilometers on the Rothaarsteig and the goal of the sixth stage is reached: the source of the Lahn. Like the Sieg, the Lahn also flows into the Rhine, but only after 246 kilometers of river course. Read more Logo Waypoints --------- View on map Start Start Ginsberger Heide (near Hilchenbach-Lützel) - Hotel - Vantage point/Observation tower - Hotel - Game park/game reserve - Historic site - farm shop - Holiday apartment - Hotel - Hotel - Hotel - Parking facility - Waters - Nature discovery trail - Hotel - Parking facility Destination Destination Lahn source near Netphen Show more Good to know ------------ Best to visit suitable Depends on weather - Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec Directions Ginsberger Heide - Ginsburg - Gillerbergturm - Lützel - Eder source - Benfe - Großenbach - Sieg source - Lahn source Read more Tour information - Familiy-Friendly - Labelling - Premium Trail "Wanderbares Deutschland" - Stop at an Inn - Tour with Dog Equipment The Rothaarsteig leads over numerous natural paths off agricultural and forestry roads. Therefore, weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear are a must for every hike. We want you not only to experience the 'path of the senses' "dry" but also "on good foot". In our small hiking shop at you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig items to prepare for your route or as souvenirs. We gladly recommend the durable and quality outdoor equipment of our long-standing partner, the outdoor outfitter Tatonka. **Hiking backpack** With a suitable hiking backpack your tour on the Rothaarsteig is twice as much fun! Hiking backpacks offer very comfortable carrying properties through a ventilated carrying system because this ensures that sweat evaporates immediately. They can be fixed with a waist or hip belt and thus sit firmly on the back during every movement. They are also equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often also provide a compartment with a hose outlet for a hydration bladder, so liquid supply is ensured at all times. **First aid kit** To ensure you can enjoy your hike on the Rothaarsteig without restrictions, a first aid kit definitely belongs in your backpack. After all, nothing is more annoying than not being able to properly treat a blister on your foot or small injuries immediately. The first aid kits from Tatonka are filled with all important materials for initial treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guideline for the correct behavior in emergencies in the open nature. **Food and drinks** **On some stages, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, unfortunately, no refreshment possibilities are located along the way. Remember especially here to pack food and drinks. Especially in summer, adequate fluid intake is important.** Read more Directions & Parking facilities **Parking**Free hiking parking spaces are available both in Lützel near the as well as at the . Read more **Public transportation**You can reach Hilchenbach-Lützel by train. Unfortunately, the Lahn source is not served by public transport. Here you have to use a taxi, which takes you to the nearest station at Rudersdorf. From there you can catch the train towards Gießen or Siegen. You can order a taxi via the toll hotline (mobile number for taxi orders throughout Germany). The Rothaarsteig quality establishments often offer a shuttle service for you and your luggage. It’s best to inquire about options and costs directly when booking. More information can be found at . Read more Literature To prepare for your hike, we will gladly send you our free information package. At you can easily select which information you need. A good companion for every route is our brochure "Rothaarsteig Guide" with the hosts along the trail and further useful information. **The Rothaarsteig recommends:** - Hikeline hiking guide: - From Brilon in Sauerland across the Rothaar mountain ridge to Dillenburg - Conrad Stein Publishing: – long distance trail. Rothaarsteig from Brilon to Dillenburg by Amrei Risse - Rother mountain publishing: . With Sauerland high flight and Sauerland forest route by Matthias Schopp Read more Contact person Harald KnocheIm Ohle 12 57392 Schmallenberg Author Harald Knoche Organization Rothaarsteigverein e. V. License (master data) Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author - Ginsburg - Gillerbergturm - Iron Road - Hohenroth Forest House - Eder source - Sieg source - Lahn source **Guest establishments:** - - - - - - - - Read more Safety guidelines **Information about the rescue signs on the Rothaarsteig** Mostly, hiking trails run away from towns and villages and everyone who hikes has surely wondered what would happen if there was now an emergency. How can I be found here? Where exactly am I? Can emergency services reach me? In an emergency, time is of the essence! Therefore, the Rothaarsteig is continuously equipped with so-called rescue signs. The green-white plaques, which are attached to the posts of the signposts, bear a number you must give when making an emergency call. This lets the rescue teams know exactly where you are, saving valuable time. **Note about increased forest fire risk** Please note that due to dryness there is currently an increased **forest fire risk**! Therefore, please observe the following: - Observe the legal ban on smoking in the forest - it applies in spring, summer, and autumn, specifically from March 1 to October 31. - Observe the ban on open fires in the forest and within 100 meters of it. - Take glass out of the forest - the burning glass effect can cause forest fires. **If it is (too) late:** - Extinguish small fires if it is safe for you. Carefully check the spot if necessary. - Report fires via "112". - Leave the danger zone by the shortest route. **The forest thanks you!** Read more Map **Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000** - Divided into two sheets (North sheet / South sheet) - 10th edition - Current route guidance - With marked shelters, viewpoints, bus stops, parking lots and more. - Free shipping in the Read more This content has been partially or completely optimised or created by AI.* Nearby ------ View on map - Event - Stage diverse - Stage diverse - Place of interest - Rest area - Children's playground - Archaeological site - Tours 9.78 km - Regional hiking trail 27.72 km - Regional hiking trail 24.08 km - Regional hiking trail Contact **Rothaarsteigverein e. V.** Im Ohle 12 57392 Schmallenberg Download GPX file - - - -