Rothaar Trail

One of Europe’s most beau­ti­ful high-alti­tude trails scores highly with its 154 kilo­metres, the Kyrill-Pfad (Kyrill Trail) and the an­nu­al mara­thon.

The Rothaar Trail is the flagship hiking trail of Sauerland and the Siegerland-Wittgenstein region, and is considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in Europe. This “path of the senses”, which runs for 154 kilometres along a wide variety of natural trails, paths and forest tracks, begins in Brilon in NRW and ends in Dillenburg in Hesse. Curved forest sofas and benches to rest on, picnic tables, original shelters and forest loungers “furnish” the Rothaar Trail. As well as numerous viewpoints, the path also runs past a variety of destinations with natural history, cultural or historic interest. The trail has been awarded the “Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland” seal of quality by the German Hiking Association (DWV).

One feature is the Kyrill-Pfad (Kyrill Trail), which was constructed close to Schmallenberg-Schanze by the Rothaar Trail rangers to serve as a reminder of the severe windstorms of January 2007. This 1,000-metre path was built among the windfall, with bridges and ladders allowing visitors to reach uprooted and fallen trees. A 40-metre hanging bridge over a small wooded ravine near the little village of Kühhude offers an informative insight into the forest ecosystem. The Rothaar Trail rangers also offer hikers advice and practical support, and can provide comprehensive information on paths, the forest and the region. Adventure hikes guided by the rangers are also available.

Once a year, nature fans also head over the Rothaar Trail in double-quick time, swapping hiking boots for soft soles: the scenic Rothaar Trail Marathon attracts runners, walkers and Nordic walkers from all over Germany and has developed into a real fun run with a place in the national marathon calendar.