Rothaarsteig from Rodenbach to Dillenburg
- 4:35 h
- 15.79 km
- 401 m
- 476 m
- 224 m
- 407 m
- 183 m
- Start: Haiger-Rodenbach
- Destination: Dillenburg
You start your hike in Rodenbach. You can conveniently arrive by train. If you come by car, we recommend parking in Dillenburg and taking the train to Rodenbach. The first ascent is rewarded by the viewpoint "Westerwaldblick". From the Rothaarsteig hammock or the shelter you can enjoy the view and take a short break. Along a stream and through forest, you continue toward Manderbach. Now the forest gives way to open meadows, which bloom beautifully in spring and summer. Through deciduous forest, it goes back up to Galgenberg (302 m). Now you can already see Dillenburg. After a short detour through the industrial area, the Rothaarsteig leads again over narrow paths through a beautiful forest section. Along the way, there are already views of Dillenburg. A special point is the Bismarck Temple. Here you should definitely take out the camera and photograph the great view of Dillenburg and the Wilhelm Tower. A few meters further, you are directly in the historic town center. To recharge after the route, we recommend the bistro in Hotel Bartmanns Haus. Of course, you can stay overnight there as well.
Note: Those who still need to catch the last train or do not want to wait longer for a reward in the form of a refreshment can already hike directly into the town center of Dillenburg on the yellow-black marked Rothaarsteig access path in the industrial area.
Good to know
Best to visit
Directions
Rodenbach - Westerwaldblick - Manderbach - Galgenberg - Dillenburg
Equipment
In our small hiking shop at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig items to prepare for your route or as souvenirs. We also gladly recommend the durable and quality outdoor equipment from our long-time partner, the outdoor outfitter Tatonka.
Hiking backpack
Your tour on the Rothaarsteig is twice as much fun with a suitable hiking backpack! Hiking backpacks offer very comfortable carrying properties through a ventilated carrying system, which ensures that sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be fixed with a stomach or hip belt and therefore sit firmly on the back during every movement. Additionally, they are equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often also offer a compartment with an outlet for a hydration bladder, ensuring fluid supply at all times.
Rainwear
If changeable weather is forecast for your tour on the Rothaarsteig, remember to pack a light rain jacket or a rain poncho. They take up hardly any space in your backpack and also keep out unpleasant wind. Also practical are gaiters, which 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 pack size, light rain capes, and gaiters for the trouser legs to protect them from dirt and moisture.
Here you find rain jackets by Tatonka for women
Here you find rain jackets by Tatonka for men
First aid kit
So you can enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig without restrictions, a first aid kit surely belongs in your backpack for safety. After all, nothing is more annoying than not being able to immediately properly care for a blister on the foot or small injuries. The first aid kits from Tatonka are filled with all important materials for initial treatment of injuries and additionally contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guideline for correct behavior in emergencies in the open nature.
Here you find the first aid kits from Tatonka!
Food and drink
On some stages, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no opportunities to stop along the way. Especially here, remember to pack food and drinks. Especially in summer, sufficient fluid intake is important.
Directions & Parking facilities
- In Rodenbach you will find a free hiking parking lot
- In Dillenburg you can park for free at the swimming pool, the Aquarena. Address: Stadionstraße 10, Dillenburg.
More information can be found at www.bahn.de.
We recommend using public transport (ÖPNV) at the start of your tour and positioning a car at the endpoint. That way, you don't have to align your hike with bus or train schedules.
Additional information
Literature
To prepare for your hike, we gladly send you our free information package. At www.rothaarsteig.de/prospekte you can easily select which information you need. A good companion for every route is our brochure "Rothaarsteig Guide" with hosts along the trail and other useful information.
Contact person
Author
Harald Knoche
Organization
Rothaarsteigverein e. V.
License (master data)
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
- Viewpoint "Westerwaldblick" with original Rothaarsteig hammock
- Bismarck Temple with views over Dillenburg
- Wilhelm Tower in Dillenburg
- Old town of Dillenburg
Hosts:
Safety guidelines
Hiking trails often run away from settlements and villages, and everyone who hikes has surely thought about what would happen in case of an emergency. How can I be found here? Where 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. 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, rescue teams know exactly where you are, and valuable time can be saved.
Note on increased forest fire risk
Please be aware that currently there is an increased forest fire risk due to dryness! Please observe the following:
- Adhere to the legal smoking ban in the forest - valid in spring, summer, and autumn, specifically from March 1st to October 31st.
- Observe the prohibition of open fires in the forest and within 100 meters of the forest.
- Take glass out of the forest – the burning glass effect can trigger forest fires.
If it's (too) late:
- Extinguish small fires if safely possible. Check the area carefully if necessary.
- Report fires via "112".
- Leave the danger area on the shortest route.
The forest thanks you!
Map
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