{"id":16208,"date":"2024-07-17T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/?p=16208"},"modified":"2024-07-17T14:36:07","modified_gmt":"2024-07-17T12:36:07","slug":"long-distance-hiking-trail-rothaarsteig-3-stages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/long-distance-hiking-trail-rothaarsteig-3-stages\/","title":{"rendered":"Rothaarsteig long-distance hiking trail"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A guest article by Linda Zimmermeier<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wild nature, incredible panoramic views, tranquillity and switching off far away from the stresses of everyday life. This is possible on the 156.8 km Rothaarsteig long-distance hiking trail. From Brilon in the Sauerland region to Dillenburg in Hesse, the trail winds its way along small paths through one of the largest forest areas in Europe. A place to take a deep breath and arrive. To rediscover yourself and dream. Together with Tatonka, I walked about 45 km on the long-distance trail. Come with me!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Linda<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1st stage from Bruchhausen to the Hochheide hut in Niedersfeld<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I pack all my essentials into the spacious Tatonka Pyrox 40+10 Women<\/a>, lace up my hiking boots, drive to the starting point by car and start the Rothaarsteig in Bruchhausen around midday. This time I leave the striking Bruchhausen stones to the left and follow the very well-marked path towards Langenberg. Once I reach the highest mountain (843 m above sea level) in NRW, I let my mind wander. Meditate and breathe in the wonderfully fresh air. I sit in the hammock and recharge my batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Linda<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Following the red R markings, I arrive at the Hochheide hut in Niedersfeld shortly before sunset. The view of the Sauerland mountains from here is breathtaking! I stand there, enjoying this moment of happiness and the feeling of freedom that rises up inside me. A red fireball sinks into the horizon and the hearty dinner at the hut replenishes all the calories I’ve burned.
Mrs. Voss picks me up at the top, takes me to her quaint guesthouse in Niedersfeld and I fall happily into bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rothaarsteig<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2nd stage from the Hochheide hut in Niedersfeld to Winterberg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rain is pattering against the window and the mountains are shrouded in fog. Time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast from Mrs. Voss and then start the longest stage in the Hochheide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Heather<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Between the blooming heath and a detour on the Clemensberg, we head into the forest. Up the mountain, down the mountain.
At break time, I find a typical Rothaarsteig hut and put my feet up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Linda<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Freshly fortified, I have my next destination in sight. The Ruhrqelle. A rain shower comes in between. How it smells! I love summer rain! And thanks to the rain cover, everything stays dry. My back too, but that’s thanks to the X-Vent Zero system, which allows air to circulate between my back and the backpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Linda<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After a few hours on the Rothaarsteig, we reach the small huts near the source of the Ruhr. Here you can see an exhibition on the “Forest as an economic area” and they are pretty too. A few steps further on is the source of the Ruhr. A trickle of water trickles down here. It’s unbelievable that the great Ruhr emerges from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wooden<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But that really was the last break for today, because Winterberg is not far away!
Overjoyed, exhausted and very, very hungry, I arrive at the Hotel Hessenhof<\/a> in the evening, where I round off the day with a fantastic dinner in the Stadtkern restaurant<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Forest<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3rd stage Kahler Asten and Schanze circular route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Silence, soft light, a cool breeze. A smile crosses my face. With joy, with gratitude to be here. In this landscape that radiates peace and tranquillity. Up here at sunrise on the Kahler Asten.
I just wander around and enjoy the perfection and closeness to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rothaarsteig<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bird<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I’m back at the Hotel Hessenhof in time for breakfast. And plan today’s stage.
I drive to Schanze in the car I parked in Winterberg and set off on a trail full of sensory impressions. I pass bizarre sculptures on the way to the highlight of the tour, the suspension rope bridge in K\u00fchhude. The shaky crossing at a height of 12 m is a little adventure and absolutely fantastic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Linda<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And then I’m back in Schanze. With one last look at the red sign with the horizontal R, I say goodbye to the Rothaarsteig. 3 wonderful days that have made me forget all the stress of everyday life are coming to an end! I drive home grounded and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Linda<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And what have I packed? This and a bit more. But there is so much storage space in the Pyrox 40+10 Women (or in the Unisex model Pyrox 45+10<\/a>), absolutely perfect, even for more than 3 days! And for lots of jam jar moments.
A little tip for all newcomers to multi-day hikes: don’t forget your fi<\/a>r<\/a>st aid kit<\/a> and plenty of water! And of course a good dose of good humor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip:<\/em><\/strong> In our tip “Long-distance hiking trails in Germany<\/a>“, we introduce you to more long-distance hiking trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rothaarsteig<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The stages at a glance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n