Rothaarsteig from the Lahn source to Irmgarteichen

Lahn source - Ochsenborn - Historic Iron Road - Ilse source - Jagdberg - Kaffeebuche - Haincher Height - Irmgarteichen

The Rothaarsteig leads over numerous natural paths away from agricultural and forestry roads. Therefore, weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear are a must for every hike. We want you to experience the "Path of the Senses" not only "dry" but also with "good" feet.

In our small hiking shop at , you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig items to prepare for your route or as souvenirs. We also gladly recommend the durable and high-quality outdoor equipment from our long-term 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, which ensures that sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be secured with a belly or hip belt and thus fit firmly on your back with 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 so that hydration is ensured at all times.

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

First Aid Kit

To be able to fully enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig without restrictions, a first aid kit certainly belongs in your backpack. After all, nothing is more annoying than a blister on the foot or small injuries that cannot be treated immediately and properly. Tatonka's first aid kits are filled with all the essential materials for first wound care and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with concise and clear guidelines 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 dining options along the way. Remember to pack food and drinks, especially here. Sufficient fluid intake is especially important in summer.

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

Parking at the starting point of the stage: Hiking parking lot Lahnhof

Parking at the endpoint of the stage: Glockenstraße in Netphen-Irmgarteichen

The starting point of this route at the Lahn source is unfortunately not accessible by public transport. The endpoint of this route is reachable by bus line R16 from the station in Siegen (bus stop: Irmgarteichen Church, Netphen).

There are no dining options on this stage. Please remember to bring enough fluids and food. Further information on the Rothaarsteig can be found at www.rothaarsteig.de or by phone on the free service hotline at +49 2974 / 499 4163. We are happy to advise you personally on your route planning.

Author's book recommendations:

To prepare for your hike, we will gladly send you our free information package. On www.rothaarsteig.de/prospekte, 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 other useful information.

The Rothaarsteig recommends:

Hikeline Hiking Guide: Long-distance trail Rothaarsteig - from Brilon in Sauerland via the ridge of the Rothaar Mountains to Dillenburg

Conrad Stein Publishing: Hiking Guide Rothaarsteig – Long-distance trail. Rothaarsteig from Brilon to Dillenburg by Amrei Risse

Rother Mountain Publishing: Rother Hiking Guide Rothaarsteig. With Sauerland Höhenflug and Sauerland Forest Route by Matthias Schopp

Special points along the way:

• Lahn source
• Ilse source
• Rest area Kaffeebuche

Guest accommodations:

• Hotel Fünf10
• Pension zum Rothaarsteig
• Romantik Landhotel Doerr
• Hotel in Auerbachtal
• Gasthof Pension Jokebes

All listed accommodations are certified as Rothaarsteig quality businesses and offer a transfer to and from the Rothaarsteig for a small additional charge. Unfortunately, there are no dining options along the way.

Information on the emergency panels on the Rothaarsteig

Hiking trails mostly run away from towns and settlements, and everyone who hikes has surely thought about what would happen if an emergency occurs. How can I be found here? Where am I actually? Can the rescue service reach me?

In an emergency, it has to be quick! Therefore, the Rothaarsteig is continuously equipped with so-called emergency signs. The green-white plaques attached to the signpost posts bear a letter-number combination that you must provide when making an emergency call. This way, the rescue teams know exactly where you are, saving valuable time.

Note on increased forest fire risk

Please keep in mind that due to dryness, there is currently an increased forest fire risk! Therefore, please observe the following instructions:

• Observe the legal smoking ban 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 from the forest.
• Take glass out of the forest - the burning glass effect can cause forest fires.

If it’s (too) late:

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

The forest thanks you!

Author's map recommendations:

The original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000, divided into two sheets (North sheet / South sheet), with current trail guidance and useful markings such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops, and more, can be conveniently ordered to your home free of shipping costs for 11.00 Euros at www.rothaarsteig.de/wanderkarte.