--- title: "Rothaarsteig from the Lahn source to Irmgarteichen" url: "https://www.siegen-wittgenstein.info/en/tour/rothaarsteig-from-the-lahn-source-to-irmgarteichen" description: "The route begins at the source of the Lahn and leads directly to the Ilse source, which is not known for its size but for its mysterious healing powers. The Ilse was especially considered a holy spring in the Middle Ages and was a pilgrimage site for many years. From the Ilse source, the Rothaarsteig leads to the Jagdberg (674m), the highest point in the Lahn-Dill district. Over the Haincher Height, the path reaches the rest area \"Kaffeebuche,\" from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Johannland. Down in the valley lie the two villages of Hainchen, with the only elevated water castle in Westphalia, and Irmgarteichen. After crossing the district road, you now take the yellow-marked access path \"Irmgarteichen North\" at the end of the hiking parking lot to reach Irmgarteichen." language: "en" type: "SportsActivityLocation" image: "https://dam.destination.one/3547501/1a725e9e4852d483c4c9f8bec80d544d7801dd640ca0491cc633e5cdffe1ccce/rastplatz-kaffeebuche-auf-dem-rothaarsteig-im-herbst.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Siegen Wittgenstein > Special > Destination.Data Details > Tour" --- GPX ShareBookmark Bookmark Rothaarsteig from the Lahn source to Irmgarteichen ================================================== - 13.12 km long - Difficulty: difficult - Condition: difficult - Great panorama - Regional hiking trail Rastplatz Kaffeebuche auf dem Rothaarsteig im Herbst Meilenstein am Rothaarsteig Naturkunst auf der Haincher Höhe - 3:00 h - 13.12 km - 170 m - 340 m - 448 m - 674 m - 226 m - - Start: Lahn source - Destination: Village center in Netphen-Irmgarteichen This route over the Rothaarsteig takes you from the source of the Lahn past the Ilse source, over the Jagdberg and the Haincher Height to Irmgarteichen. The route begins at the source of the Lahn and leads directly to the Ilse source, which is not known for its size but for its mysterious healing powers. The Ilse was especially considered a holy spring in the Middle Ages and was a pilgrimage site for many years. From the Ilse source, the Rothaarsteig leads to the Jagdberg (674m), the highest point in the Lahn-Dill district. Over the Haincher Height, the path reaches the rest area "Kaffeebuche," from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Johannland. Down in the valley lie the two villages of Hainchen, with the only elevated water castle in Westphalia, and Irmgarteichen. After crossing the district road, you now take the yellow-marked access path "Irmgarteichen North" at the end of the hiking parking lot to reach Irmgarteichen. Read more Siegen Wittgenstein Logo Waypoints --------- View on map Start Start Lahn source - Parking facility - Spa/healing spring - Parking facility - Fortress/Castle Destination Destination Village center in Netphen-Irmgarteichen 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 Lahn source - Ochsenborn - Historic Iron Road - Ilse source - Jagdberg - Kaffeebuche - Haincher Height - Irmgarteichen Read more Tour information - Cultural Interesting Equipment 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. **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. **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. Read more Directions & Parking facilities **Parking**Parking at the starting point of the stage: Parking at the endpoint of the stage: Read more **Public transportation**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). Read more Additional information 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 or by phone on the free service hotline at +49 2974 / 499 4163. We are happy to advise you personally on your route planning. Read more Literature **Author's book recommendations:** To prepare for your hike, we will gladly send you our free information package. On , 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:** 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 Special points along the way: - Lahn source - Ilse source - Rest area Kaffeebuche Guest accommodations: - - - - - 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. Read more Safety guidelines **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!** Read more Map **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 . Read more This content has been partially or completely optimised or created by AI.* Nearby ------ View on map - Place of interest - Parking facility - Waters - Nature panel/information centre - Tours 24.91 km - Regional hiking trail 7.21 km - Regional hiking trail 8.86 km - Regional hiking trail Contact **Rothaarsteigverein e. V.** Im Ohle 12 57392 Schmallenberg Download GPX file - - - -