The line is OpenStreetMap's mapping of the route (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), via Waymarked Trails, with heights from a 30 m terrain model. Check the current official route before a long trip: diversions and permitted paths change. See the source.
The trail
The Rothaarsteig follows the ridge of the Rothaar hills in the Sauerland and Wittgenstein from Brilon to Dillenburg, by Winterberg, Schanze and the Rhein-Weser-Turm, in eight stages. Its length is given as 154 to 157 km; the line here, from OpenStreetMap, measures 151 km.
Stages
A suggested split into 8 days of about 18.9 km (11.7 mi). Each day ends at the town or village on the way nearest to an equal share of the distance, or at a hotel or hostel where there is none. These are not the official stages: check where you can stay before you book.
- Day 1 Brilon to Bruchhausen 17.6 km · 17.6 km from the start
- Day 2 Bruchhausen to Winterberg 26 km · 43 km from the start
- Day 3 Winterberg to Schanze 16.4 km · 60 km from the start
- Day 4 Schanze to Rhein-Weser-Turm 21 km · 81 km from the start
- Day 5 Rhein-Weser-Turm to Lützel 18.0 km · 99 km from the start
- Day 6 Lützel to Lahnhof 14.6 km · 113 km from the start
- Day 7 Lahnhof to Wilgersdorf 17.2 km · 131 km from the start
- Day 8 Wilgersdorf to Dillenburg 21 km · 151 km from the start
Start and finish
Start: near Brilon, Hochsauerlandkreis. 51.39552, 8.56791
Finish: near Dillenburg, Lahn-Dill-Kreis. 50.73483, 8.29369
Places to stay
Rooms in the towns and villages along the way:
- Brilon, Hochsauerlandkreis · The start Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Bruchhausen, Hochsauerlandkreis · After day 1 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Winterberg, Hochsauerlandkreis · After day 2 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Schanze, Hochsauerlandkreis · After day 3 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Rhein-Weser-Turm, Kreis Olpe · After day 4 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Lützel, Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein · After day 5 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Lahnhof, Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein · After day 6 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Wilgersdorf, Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein · After day 7 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Dillenburg, Lahn-Dill-Kreis · The finish Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line comes from the source named under the map and the heights from a terrain model, so treat the figures as a guide. Check for diversions before you go, take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
