Wisent Trail - Rothaarsteig Track - Animal Hiking Fun

Our start and finish is at the Sonnenhof above Wingeshausen. After a special view through the Augenstein, the route leads through the extensive Rohrbachtal and past the new foot bath with a rest area. After about six kilometers on winding paths, we reach the "Wisent Wilderness on the Rothaarsteig". Here, there is the opportunity to enjoy a circular path through the enclosure and admire the largest land mammals in Europe. Jumping over streams, sneaking through a badger sett, and climbing on rock formations – the natural adventure trail is a true highlight on this route, especially families with little nature explorers will be thrilled. Entrance to the Wisent Wilderness is subject to a fee, while the large natural playground can be experienced free of charge. The "Wisent-Hütte" invites you as a rest station.

With or without a detour into the Wisent Wilderness – the path leads towards the Schmallenberg district of Jagdhaus. On the way to the romantic little village, we pass the Moonlight Bench and cross the border path a few meters further. We reach the Rothaarsteig via a feeder trail and continue our route on this hiking trail. In Jagdhaus, there is an opportunity to refresh your tired feet in a foot bath. Well refreshed, the route continues.

In the middle of the village, a turn-off opens into the valley towards Wingeshausen; this leads through the picturesque Ihrige valley. Over varied paths, we reach the Bockeshorn valley. Finally, we pass the Forellenhof. From here, it is only a few kilometers back to Wingeshausen.

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 "on good footing."

In our small hiking shop at https://www.rothaarsteig.de/de/Shop, you will also find a selection of Rothaarsteig items for preparing your route or as souvenirs. We also gladly recommend the durable and high-quality outdoor equipment of our longtime partner, the German 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 stomach or hip belt and thus sit firmly on the back with every movement. Additionally, they are equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often offer a compartment with an outlet for a hydration bladder, so fluid supply is always guaranteed.

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.

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 almost no space in your backpack and also protect against unpleasant wind. Practical are also gaiters that protect the trouser legs from dirt and moisture.

With our partner, the German outdoor outfitter Tatonka, you will find high-quality, breathable rain jackets with minimal packing size, lightweight rain capes, and gaiters for your trouser legs to keep them protected from dirt and moisture.

Here you can find the rain jackets from Tatonka for women

The rain jackets from Tatonka for men can be found here

First Aid Kit

To fully enjoy your hiking tour on the Rothaarsteig, a first aid kit definitely belongs in your backpack. After all, nothing is more annoying than a blister on your foot or minor injuries that cannot be treated immediately and properly.

The first aid kits from the German outdoor outfitter Tatonka are filled with all essential materials for initial treatment of injuries and also contain an "outdoor cheat sheet" with a concise and clear guideline for proper behavior in emergencies in the wilderness. Here you can find the first aid kits from Tatonka!

Food and Drink

On some stages, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, unfortunately, there are no opportunities to eat along the way. Remember to pack food and drink, especially here. Adequate drinks are 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.

From Bad Berleburg and Erndtebrück via L553 to Aue town center, then via K42 towards Wingeshausen/Jagdhaus; from Schmallenberg via K42 to the end of Wingeshausen; alternatively: Wisent Wilderness car park, Weidiger Weg

Car: An der Bracht 50, 57319 Bad Berleburg; Weidiger Weg 100, 57319 Bad Berleburg

Hiking car park Jagdhaus (at the end of Jagdhaus), 57392 Schmallenberg-Jagdhaus

Westertal car park at the sports ground, Casimirstaler Weg 1 in 57319 Bad Berleburg-Wingeshausen.

Parking at Sonnenhof, An der Bracht 50, 57319 Bad Berleburg - plenty of free parking spaces available

Parking at the Wisent Wilderness/Wisent-Hütte - Weidinger Weg 100, 57319 Bad Berleburg - plenty of free parking spaces available

By train from Bad Berleburg station, you reach the town of Aue-Wingeshausen after 20 minutes. From there, it is about an 800 m walk to the Westertal car park, where the route starts.

By bus line L196, you can travel from the station to the Kappler Mühle stop in Wingeshausen. From there, it is only about a 200 m walk to the Westertal car park.

https://www.zws-online.de/fileadmin/contents/2_fahrplaene_liniennetz/2_1_fahrplaene/2_1_3_fahrplantabellen/2_1_3_1_schienenstrecken/443.pdf 

https://www.vws-siegen.de/pdf/L196.pdf

We recommend using public transport at the start of your tour and positioning a car at the end point. This way, you don't have to align your hike to the bus/train timetable.

Places to eat along the route:

• Sonnenhof Wingeshausen
• Wisent-Hütte
• Hotel Jagdhaus Wiese
• Schäferhof Jagdhaus
• Forellenhof Wingeshausen

Further information:

• Tourist Information Bad Berleburg
  Marktplatz 1a
  57319 Bad Berleburg
  Tel. +49 2751 9363-3
  info@blb-tourismus.de
  www.blb-tourismus.de

• Rothaarsteigverein e.V.
  www.rothaarsteig.de
  Free service hotline: +49 2974 4994163

• Wisent-Welt-Wittgenstein
  www.wisent-welt.de

Marking: three markings (a wisent burned into wood, the black R, the Wisentwelt logo on a white background)

Further information about the Rothaarsteig can be found at www.rothaarsteig.de or by phone at the free service hotline +49 2974 / 499 4163. We would be happy to advise you on your personal tour planning.

To prepare for your hike, we would be happy to send you our free info package. At rothaarsteig.de/prospekte, you can easily select which information you need. A good companion for every tour is our Rothaarsteig guide with the hosts along the trail and other useful information.

A visit to the fee-based "Wisent Wilderness on the Rothaarsteig" is worthwhile!

Along the way, several gastronomy businesses invite you to take a rest.

Information about the rescue boards on the Rothaarsteig

Hiking trails often run away from towns and settlements, and every hiker has probably wondered what would happen in an emergency. How can I be found here? Where am I exactly? Can the rescue service reach me?

In an emergency, time is critical! For this reason, the Rothaarsteig is consistently equipped with so-called rescue signs. On the green-and-white plaques attached to the posts of the signposts, there is a number you must provide when making your emergency call. This way, the rescue forces know exactly where you are, saving valuable time.

Wisent and wildlife on the Rothaarsteig – behavior tips

The risks posed by the wisents to the average hiker are low and can be reduced to an absolute minimum by appropriate and respectful behavior.

• Walk calmly and unobtrusively at a distance past the animals, do not startle them and do not look them directly in the eyes.
• If the animals approach you, stay calm, do not turn your back to them, and leave the area without haste but always with sight to the animal. If the animals come closer than a comfortable distance, call out loudly, whistle, or make yourself noticed in another acoustic way.
• Watch for threatening gestures! If sows "clack their teeth" or wisents lower their heads, they expect you to withdraw. Step back!
• If you have a dog, keep it under control on a leash. If an animal attacks your dog, let it off the leash! The dog is faster and more agile than you and will definitely find you again!

Note on increased forest fire risk

Please note that due to dryness, there is currently an increased risk of forest fire!

Please observe the following:

• Comply with 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 distance of the forest.
• 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 safely possible for you. Check the area carefully if necessary.
• Report fires by calling "112".
• Leave the danger area via the shortest way.

The forest thanks you!

In our brochure "Rothaarsteig Tracks – All Circular Hiking Routes at a Glance," you will find map excerpts and short explanations for all 13 circular hiking routes, including a map for the Breitscheid Cave Tour. Additionally, the other 12 Rothaarsteig tracks are shown here with maps, brief explanations, and the most beautiful rest areas along the routes. You can conveniently and free of charge order this booklet to your home or view it online as a PDF or flip catalog at rothaarsteig.de/prospekte.

We also recommend our Rothaarsteig Tracks Hiking Pass. Anyone who has hiked 8 of the total 13 tracks receives a hiking certificate and a Rothaarsteig pin and participates in the annual raffle. You can also easily order the hiking pass free of charge to your home or download it directly online at rothaarsteig.de/prospekte.

The original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50000 on waterproof paper, with current route guidance and useful markings such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops, etc., can be ordered shipping-free for 11.00 Euros at rothaarsteig.de/shop and conveniently delivered to your home.