Rothaarsteig from Kahler Asten to Schanze

The Rothaarsteig follows numerous nature trails away from agricultural and forestry roads. Therefore, weather-resistant clothing and sturdy footwear are a must for every hike. After all, we want you to experience the “Path of the Senses” not only with “dry” feet but also with “steady” ones.
In our small hiking shop at www.rothaarsteig.de/shop, you’ll also find a selection of Rothaarsteig merchandise to help you prepare for your hike or to take home as a souvenir. We’re also happy to recommend the durable, high-quality outdoor gear from our long-standing partner, the outdoor equipment supplier Tatonka.


Hiking BackpackWith the right hiking backpack, your trip on the Rothaarsteig will be twice as much fun! Hiking backpacks offer exceptional comfort thanks to a ventilated carrying system, which ensures that sweat can evaporate immediately. They can be secured with a chest or hip strap, ensuring they stay firmly against your back with every movement. They also feature a practical holder for hiking poles and often include a compartment with a hose outlet for a hydration bladder, ensuring you stay hydrated at all times.Here you’ll find hiking backpacks from outdoor gear manufacturer Tatonka in various sizes for day hikes and multi-day trips, featuring different ventilated back systems.

Rain Gear
If the forecast calls for changeable weather on your hike along the Rothaarsteig, remember to pack a lightweight rain jacket or a rain poncho. They take up virtually no space in your backpack and also keep out unpleasant wind. Gaiters are also handy for protecting your pant legs from dirt and moisture. At our partner, the outdoor gear supplier Tatonka, you’ll find high-quality, breathable rain jackets that pack down to a minimal size, lightweight rain capes, and gaiters to protect your pant legs from dirt and moisture.

First AidKitTo ensure you can fully enjoy your hike on the Rothaarsteig, you should pack a first aid kit in your backpack just in case. After all, nothing is more frustrating than not being able to immediately and properly treat a blister on your foot or minor injuries. Tatonka’s first aid kits are stocked with all the essential supplies for treating injuries and also include an “outdoor cheat sheet” with concise, easy-to-follow guidelines on how to respond to emergencies in the great outdoors. Find Tatonka’s first-aid kits here!

Food and Drinks
Unfortunately, on some sections of the trail—especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg—there are no places to stop for refreshments along the way. Be sure to pack food and drinks, especially for these sections. Staying hydrated is especially important in the summer. Tatonka’s stainless steel bottles, stainless steel insulated jugs, and stainless steel lunch boxes are not only practical but also unbreakable and durable.

Information on the emergency signs along the Rothaarsteig
Hiking trails usually run away from towns and settlements, and anyone who hikes has surely wondered at least once what would happen if an emergency were to occur right now. How can I be found here? Where am I, anyway? Can emergency services reach me?
But in an emergency, speed is of the essence! That’s why the Rothaarsteig is equipped with so-called emergency signs throughout the trail. The green-and-white plaques attached to the signposts feature a number that you must provide when making an emergency call. This lets emergency responders know exactly where you are, saving valuable time.

Note on the increased risk of wildfires
Please be aware that due to the dry conditions, there is currently an increased risk of wildfires! Therefore, please observe the following guidelines:

• Comply with the legal ban on smoking in the forest—it applies in spring, summer, and fall, specifically from March 1 through October 31.
• Observe the ban on open fires in the forest and within 100 meters of the forest.
• Take any glass with you when you leave the forest—the magnifying effect of glass can trigger forest fires.

If it’s (too) late:

• Extinguish small fires as they start, if you can do so safely. If necessary, check the area carefully.
• Report fires by calling “112.”
• Leave the danger zone by the shortest route.

• Kahler Asten
  
• Source of the Lenne
• Kyrill Trail Schanze

Places to stop for a bite to eat and stay overnight along the route:

• Nordhang Snack Bar
• Astenturm
• Romantik Berghotel Astenkrone
• The Beautiful Asten - Winterberg Resort
• Pension de Gasterei
• Hotel-Gasthof "Zur Post" Bremerich
• Gilsbach Country Inn
• DJH Winterberg Youth Hostel
• Hoheleye Hut
• Berghotel Hoher Knochen
• Country Hotel and Inn Schütte
• Schütte Guesthouse & Vacation Apartments
• Schanze 1 Country Inn
• Schanze Alpine Hut with AlmBEACH and Schanze 17 Vacation Apartment

To help you prepare for your hike, we’d be happy to send you our free information packet. At www.rothaarsteig.de/prospekte, you can easily select the information you need. Our brochure “Rothaarsteig Guide” is a great companion for any hike, featuring accommodations along the trail and other useful information.

You can order the original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000—featuring the latest trail routes and useful markers such as mountain huts, parking lots, bus stops, and much more—at www.rothaarsteig.de/ for 11.00 euros with free shipping, conveniently delivered right to your door.

• The Kahler Asten is served by an on-demand bus; call (0800) 3504031 to reserve a seat at least 30 minutes before departure
  
• At the “foot” of the Kahler Asten, the S40 bus stops at the Winterberg Nordhang stop
  
• The ISMO 466 hiking bus runs several times a day to and from Schanze. You can find more information here.
  

For more information, visit www.bahn.de. If you’re coming by car, we recommend taking public transportation at the start of your hike and parking your car at the end point. That way, you won’t have to worry about the bus or train schedule during your hike.

• Paid parking is available at the Kahler Asten
  
• At the “foot” of the Kahlen Asten, you can park for free at the Nordhang parking lot
• In Schanze, there is a large, free hiking parking lot at the entrance to the town