Brachtser High Trail

To avoid having to walk the paved access road from Brachthausen twice, it’s best to start at the Vorspanneiche hiking parking lot on the L728. From the stately Vorspanneiche oak, follow the “K” trail marker along a wide farm road through a sparse grove. The trail then continues along a dirt road past a Wacholderheide and along expansive Weides, descending into the Silberbach Valley.There, turn right onto the trail marked “Z” and hike through the idyllic, varied valley. At times, sweeping views open up; at other times, a rushing stream accompanies the path—its meandering course in the middle section of the valley is particularly charming.After about 170 meters along the K19, which you walk downhill on your left, cross the road. A paved path then leads uphill to the next slope. Soon the path levels off, and the “Z” marker guides you on to Varste. There, follow the white diamond on the road “Zur Kophelle” to the Wegescheid hiking parking lot. From here, a connecting trail of the Rothaarsteig (RHS) takes over the route.After crossing a hilltop, a steep descent begins on a narrow nature trail toward Wirme. At the church, cross the L728 and climb steeply up a residential street to the edge of the forest. From there, the route continues uphill to the Kohlhagen pilgrimage church. Tip: The “7-Schmerzen-Weg” branches off along the way and, as a nature trail, offers a quieter alternative to the road.After visiting the Baroque church, follow the RHS access trail further uphill. From the hilltop, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the next destination: Gut Ahe. The view over the Sauerland hills from one of the benches is also impressive. The paved road ends at the Landhotel/Café Gut Ahe. The route continues uphill on a gravel path. At a forest clearing, leave the RHS access trail and turn right onto the ∆ trail toward Hilchenbach.A windthrow area opens up a view of the landscape before you cross the hilltop via the historic Kriegerweg and reach Hasenbahnhof after 10.5 km. From here, the route marked “⊥” leads back to Brachthausen. Alternatively, stay on the trail marked ∆, rejoin the K-Weg at the edge of the forest, and follow this trail back to the starting point at the Vorspanneiche.