--- title: "Wisent Trail - Rothaarsteig Track - Animal Hiking Fun" url: "https://www.siegen-wittgenstein.info/en/tour/wisent-trail-rothaarsteig-track-animal-hiking-fun" description: "The hiking route around Aue-Wingeshausen delights with picturesque views and an exciting animal world. Admire the world of the wisents and follow the tracks of these majestic animals. The wisents are the namesake for the 13.5-kilometer-long \"Wisent Trail\" in Wingeshausen. The Wisent Trail leads over soft, sometimes very narrow forest paths and invites you on a discovery tour. A special insight is offered by the \"Wisent Wilderness on the Rothaarsteig,\" where a herd of wisents lives. The Wisent Trail leads from Wingeshausen over the Rothaar Ridge to Schmallenberg-Jagdhaus, through the picturesque Ihrige valley and paths in the Bockeshorn valley back to Wingeshausen." language: "en" type: "SportsActivityLocation" image: "https://dam.destination.one/3579135/eb1f80ec60e798f0ae26ad0b25009013e0477408546efec223334be0201a9621/wisent-pfad.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Siegen Wittgenstein > Special > Destination.Data Details > Tour" --- GPX ShareBookmark Bookmark Wisent Trail - Rothaarsteig Track - Animal Hiking Fun ===================================================== - 13.15 km long - Round trip - Difficulty: difficult - Condition: difficult - Regional hiking trail Wisent-Pfad Wisente Wisent-Pfad Wisent-Pfad Wisent-Pfad - Tretbecken Wisent-Pfad - Tretbecken Wanderung in Bad Berleburg: Tierisches Wandervergnügen: Wisent-Pfad - Rothaarsteig-Spur Rothaarsteig-Spur Wisent-Pfad - ein tierisches Wandervergnügen - 4:30 h - 13.15 km - 257 m - 257 m - 455 m - 676 m - 221 m - - Start: "Sonnenhof", Jagdhaus, Wisent Wilderness car park - Destination: At the chosen starting point: "Sonnenhof", Jagdhaus or Wisent Wilderness car park The hiking route around Aue-Wingeshausen delights with picturesque views and an exciting animal world. Admire the world of the wisents and follow the tracks of these majestic animals. The wisents are the namesake for the **13.5-kilometer-long "Wisent Trail"** in Wingeshausen. The Wisent Trail leads over soft, sometimes very narrow forest paths and invites you on a discovery tour. A special insight is offered by the **"Wisent Wilderness on the Rothaarsteig,"** where a herd of wisents lives. The Wisent Trail leads from Wingeshausen over the Rothaar Ridge to Schmallenberg-Jagdhaus, through the picturesque Ihrige valley and paths in the Bockeshorn valley back to Wingeshausen. Read more Waypoints --------- View on map Start Start "Sonnenhof", Jagdhaus, Wisent Wilderness car park - pub - Holiday apartment - Holiday apartment - Vantage point/Observation tower - Kneipp pool/water treading - Game park/game reserve - Children's playground - Game park/game reserve - Pension - café - Kneipp pool/water treading - Holiday apartment - farm shop - Holiday apartment - farm shop - Church - Holiday apartment - pub - restaurant - Train station - Nature discovery trail - Climbing hall/climbing park/high ropes course Destination Destination At the chosen starting point: "Sonnenhof", Jagdhaus or Wisent Wilderness car park 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 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. Read more Tour information - Loop Road - Stop at an Inn 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 "on good footing." In our small hiking shop at , 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 . **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. 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 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. **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. **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. Read more Directions & Parking facilities **Getting there**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 Read more **Parking**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 Read more **Public transportation**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. 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. Read more Additional information **Places to eat along the route:** - - - - - **Further information:** - **Tourist Information Bad Berleburg** Marktplatz 1a 57319 Bad Berleburg Tel. +49 2751 9363-3 - Rothaarsteigverein e.V. Free service hotline: +49 2974 4994163 - Wisent-Welt-Wittgenstein **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 or by phone at the free service hotline +49 2974 / 499 4163. We would be happy to advise you on your personal tour planning. Read more Literature To prepare for your hike, we would be happy to send you our free info package. At , 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. Read more Author BLB-Tourismus GmbH Organization BLB-Tourismus GmbH License (master data) Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author 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. Read more Safety guidelines **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!** Read more Map 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 . 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 . 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 and conveniently delivered to your home. Read more Nearby ------ View on map - Place of interest - Parking facility - Vantage point/Observation tower - farm shop - Tours 27.72 km - Regional hiking trail 10.95 km - Regional hiking trail 23.21 km - Regional hiking trail Contact An der Bracht 57319 Bad Berleburg Download GPX file - -