Rothaarsteig from Irmgarteichen to Rodenbach

Irmgarteichen - Haincher Höhe - Dillquelle - Gernsbacher Höhe - Tiefenrother Höhe - Kalteiche - Lucaseiche - Forsthaus Steinbach - Rodenbach

The Rothaarsteig leads over numerous natural paths away from agricultural and forestry routes. Therefore, weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear are a must for every hike. We want you not just to stay "dry" but also to experience the "path of the senses" with a "good" step.

In our small hiking shop at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig products to prepare for your hike or as souvenirs. We also gladly recommend the durable and quality outdoor equipment of our longtime 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 that ensures sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be fastened with a belly or hip belt and thus sit firmly on the back during every movement. In addition, they are equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often offer a compartment with an outlet for a hydration bladder, ensuring liquid supply at all times.

Here you can find hiking backpacks from the outdoor outfitter Tatonka in various sizes for day hikes and multi-day tours with different ventilated back systems.

Rain gear

If changeable weather is forecasted for your tour on the Rothaarsteig, remember to pack a light rain jacket or a rain poncho. They take up almost no space in your backpack and also keep unpleasant wind away. Also practical are gaiters that protect the trouser legs from dirt and moisture. With our partner, the outdoor outfitter Tatonka, you will find high-quality, breathable rain jackets with minimal packing size, light rain capes and gaiters for the trousers to protect them from dirt and moisture.

Here you can find Tatonka rain jackets for women

Here you can find Tatonka rain jackets for men

First aid kit

So that you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig unrestrictedly, a first aid kit should definitely be in your backpack. After all, nothing is more annoying than a blister on the foot or small wounds that can't be treated immediately and cleanly. The first aid kits from Tatonka are filled with all important materials for first aid treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guideline for proper behavior in emergencies in the open nature.

Here you can find the first aid kits from Tatonka!

Food and drinks

On some stages, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no places to stop along the route. Be sure to pack food and drinks here. Especially in summer, sufficient fluid intake is important.

The stainless steel bottles, stainless steel insulated jugs and stainless steel lunch boxes from the outdoor outfitter Tatonka are not only practical but also unbreakable and durable.

Free hiking parking lots are available both in Irmgarteichen and in Rodenbach.

• Irmgarteichen is served by various bus lines including from the direction of Siegen. You can reach Siegen, for example, by train.
• Rodenbach has its own train station. From there you can travel towards Siegen and Dillenburg.

More information can be found at www.bahn.de.

We recommend using public transport at the start of your tour and parking a car at the endpoint. This way you do not have to orient yourself on the bus/train schedule during the hike.

Dining and accommodation options along the route:

• Gasthof Pension Jokebes


• Guesthouse Wilgesdorf


• Equestrian farm and guesthouse Eichenhof

More information about the Rothaarsteig can be found at www.rothaarsteig.de or by phone at the free service hotline +49 2974 / 499 4163. We will gladly advise you personally on your route planning.

To prepare for your hike, we will gladly send you our free information package. At www.rothaarsteig.de/prospekte you can easily choose the information you need. A good companion for every route is our brochure "Rothaarsteig Signpost" with the hosts along the trail and other useful information.

• Dillquelle
• Viewing platform "Nose in the Wind" on the Tiefenrother Höhe
• Hauberg trail
• Natural monument Lucaseiche

Hosts

• Gasthof Pension Jokebes
• Gästehaus Wilgersdorf GmbH
• Guest apartments Mechels
• Hotel "Windeck"

Information about the rescue boards on the Rothaarsteig

Most hiking trails run away from towns and settlements and everyone who hikes has surely at some point wondered what would happen in an emergency. How can I be found here? Where am I even? Can the rescue service reach me?

In an emergency, things have to happen quickly! Therefore, the Rothaarsteig is continuously equipped with so-called rescue signs. On the green-white plaques attached to the posts of the signposts, there is a number that you must give when making an emergency call. This way, rescuers know exactly where you are and valuable time can be saved.

Note on the increased forest fire risk

Please note that due to dryness there is currently an increased forest fire risk! Please observe the following notes:

• Observe the legal ban on smoking in the forest - it applies in spring, summer, and fall, specifically from March 1st to October 31st.
• Observe the ban on open fires in the forest and within 100 meters of the forest.
• Take glass out of the forest - the lens effect can cause forest fires.

If it is too late:

• Extinguish small fires if you can safely do so. Check the place carefully if necessary.
• Report fires via the emergency number "112".
• Leave the danger area by the shortest route.

The forest thanks you!

The original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50000 on waterproof paper, with current trail markings and useful icons such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops and more, can be conveniently ordered home free of postage at www.rothaarsteig.de/wanderkarte for 11.00 euros.