{"id":9527,"date":"2023-12-23T10:51:43","date_gmt":"2023-12-23T09:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/brilon-dillenburg-157km\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T20:21:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T19:21:41","slug":"brilon-dillenburg-157km","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/brilon-dillenburg-157km\/","title":{"rendered":"Brilon – Dillenburg (157km)"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1703101818778{padding-top: 250px !important;padding-bottom: 250px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/RothaarsteigHead.jpg?id=9254) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_content_width=”grid”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”The Rothaarsteig” font_container=”tag:h6|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]
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\n Brilon - Dillenburg \n (157km)<\/span>\n \n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/span> \t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n \t The Rothaarsteig is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in Germany and leads from Brilon in the Sauerland region to Dillenburg in Hesse. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

learn more<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/g><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/g><\/svg>\t<\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column el_class=”bg-image-over” css=”.vc_custom_1691246901665{margin-top: -7% !important;}”]
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\n Off to the Sauerland \t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”9252″ img_size=”200×200″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1703101669155{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Trail markings from the Rothaarsteig<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]The 154-kilometer-long Rothaarsteig is one of the most well-known long-distance hiking trails in Germany. It stretches across the low mountain range of the Rothaargebirge, which traverses the states of Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia.\r\n\r\nThe old Hanseatic city of Brilon is located in the northeast of the Sauerland region at the source of the M\u00f6hne River. The proud centerpiece of the historic trading city is the marketplace, where the Rothaarsteig begins. The Brilon Town Hall is one of the historically significant town halls in Germany. The two-story plastered building was likely constructed in the 13th century as a guild house. After leaving the town behind, we soon enter the forest and tackle a short but steep ascent. Shortly thereafter, we pass the M\u00f6hnequelle (M\u00f6hne Source). From the Gudenhagener Poppenberg, the last views of Brilon unfold. Many different deciduous tree species were replanted on Poppenberg after the storm Kyrill. This led to the creation of the Brilon Citizen Forest and the Kyrill Gate.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Here we gradually leave the outskirts of the last villages and hike through a diverse wooded valley for several kilometers. After a few kilometers, we reach the ruins of Borberg’s churchyard with a fantastic view of Olsberg. An even better view awaits after another 3 km on Ginsterkopf. One of the steepest sections of the entire Rothaarsteig rewards with magnificent views over the Briloner plateau, the upper Ruhr valley, and the Bruchhauser Steine. After the “Feuereiche” (Fire Oak), a tree transformed into a work of art, we continue past the Bruchhauser Steine information center. The rock formation was created millions of years ago through tectonic shifts and erosion. The Bruchhauser Steine are predominantly composed of quartzite, a hard rock. For a small entrance fee, those who wish to climb the only National Natural Monument in North Rhine-Westphalia can do so from here.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space]

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\n Via the source of the Ruhr to Winterberg \t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_column_text]From the execution site, the trail runs along the Rothaar Ridge on the border with Hesse. Along narrow paths, we reach the Langenberg (843 m), the highest mountain in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Langenberg is known for its high-heath areas, representing a special form of vegetation. After the descent, we pass the source of the Hoppecke. The trail continues over Hillekopf to the small village of K\u00fcstelberg. Starting from K\u00fcstelberg, the Rothaarsteig runs in a westerly direction, passing the former Wagenschmier quarry. Shortly before the source of the Ruhr, there are two good overnight options: the Schutz und Grillh\u00fctte at Westernau and the H\u00fcttendorf right at the source of the Ruhr. It is officially allowed to set up a tent for one night at the Schutz und Grillh\u00fctte.\r\nTip<\/strong><\/span>: From the source to the confluence with the Rhine at Duisburg-Ruhrort, you can hike along the Ruhr on the Ruhrh\u00f6henweg of the Sauerl\u00e4ndischer Gebirgsverein.\r\nNow it’s not far to the winter sports resort Winterberg. Just before reaching the center, the Rothaarsteig descends into the Helle Valley, a wonderful gorge. In the middle of Winterberg, you wouldn’t have expected such a beautiful section.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space]
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\n Kahler Asten \t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_column_text]Leaving Winterberg, the Rothaarsteig runs directly towards St. Georgs-Schanze, the city’s landmark, from where an impressive view can be enjoyed in clear weather. The route to Kahlen Asten follows a picturesque path, alternating between forest and heath landscapes. With good visibility, you can see the Brocken in the Harz, the Gro\u00dfer Feldberg in the Taunus, and the Wasserkuppe in the Rh\u00f6n.\r\nThere is a descent through the heath to the highest source in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Lenne (823m). Subsequently, a very short but steep path leads us back into the forest. Behind Heidenstock, the trail splits into a valley and ridge variant. The choice between these variants is up to the NST hiker, but most prefer the ridge variant in this section as it is less strenuous.\r\n\r\nInfo<\/span>:<\/strong><\/span> According to legend, here at Heidenstock, the last followers of Wodan (German name for Odin) lost their lives. During the Saxon Wars of Charlemagne (772 to 804), the Saxons who resisted the missionaries were murdered. The Frankish rule was codified in Charlemagne’s war law, and the practice of pagan customs was forbidden under penalty of death. This is a place to take a moment to reflect on the brutality and ignorance with which an existing belief system was violently eradicated.\r\n\r\nWhile the ridge variant passes by some sculptures of the Waldskulpturenweg (Forest Sculpture Trail) and the suspension bridge, the valley variant runs through the gorge-like Grubental to Latrop. The two variants meet again at the shelter behind the Million Bench. Continuing on the Rothaarsteig, the trail leads over Heidkopf (666m) to Jagdhaus.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]