- Free of charge / accessible at any time
Rothaarsteig from Rodenbach to Dillenburg
From Rodenbach, you'll hike along a scenic stretch of the Rothaarsteig to Dillenburg, known as the "City of Orange."
Tour starting point:
Haiger-Rodenbach
Tour destination point:
Dillenburg
Properties:
Additional Information
There are no places to stop for refreshments along this stage. At the starting point in Rodenbach, there is a small grocery store (Edeka Michael Stahl, Zum Tiergarten 1). Please be sure to bring enough food and water. For more information about the Rothaarsteig, visit www.rothaarsteig.de or call the toll-free service hotline at +49 2974 / 499 4163. We’ll be happy to provide personalized advice on planning your trip.Category
regional hiking trailLength
15.8 kmDuration
4:35 hElevation ascent
401 mElevation descent
476 mLowest point
224 mHighest point
407 mCondition
Difficulty
Recommended seasons
You’ll start your hike in Rodenbach. You can easily get there by train. If you’re traveling by car, we recommend parking in Dillenburg and taking the train to Rodenbach. The first climb is rewarded with the “Westerwaldblick” lookout point. From the Rothaarsteig hammock or the shelter, you can enjoy the view and take a short break. The trail continues along a stream and through the forest toward Manderbach. Here, the forest gives way to open meadows that bloom beautifully in spring and summer. You’ll then hike through deciduous forest back up to the Galgenberg (302 m). From here, you can already see Dillenburg. After a short detour through the industrial park, the Rothaarsteig once again leads along narrow paths through a beautiful stretch of forest. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of Dillenburg. A highlight is the Bismarck Temple. Be sure to take out your camera here and snap a photo of the fantastic view of Dillenburg and the Wilhelmsturm. A few meters further on, you’ll find yourself right in the historic city center. To refuel after the hike, we recommend the bistro at Hotel Bartmanns Haus. Of course, you can also stay there overnight.
Note: If you need to catch the last train or simply don’t want to wait any longer for a well-deserved refreshment, you can hike directly into downtown Dillenburg from the industrial park via the Rothaarsteig access trail, marked in yellow and black.
Information
Directions
Rodenbach – Westerwaldblick – Manderbach – Galgenberg – Dillenburg
Equipment
The Rothaarsteig follows numerous nature trails away from agricultural and forestry roads. Therefore, weather-appropriate 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 Backpack
With 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’re also equipped with a practical holder for hiking poles and often feature a compartment with a hose outlet for a hydration bladder, ensuring you stay hydrated at all times.
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 practical, as they protect your pant legs from dirt and moisture. At our partner, the outdoor gear supplier Tatonka, you’ll find high-quality, breathable rain jackets with a minimal pack size, lightweight rain capes, and gaiters for your pant legs to keep them protected from dirt and moisture.
Find Tatonka’s rain jackets for women here
You can find Tatonka’s rain jackets for men here
First-Aid Kit
To ensure you can fully enjoy your hike on the Rothaarsteig, you should pack a first-aid kit in your backpack just to be safe. 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 and clear guidelines on how to respond to emergencies in the great outdoors.
Find Tatonka’s first-aid kits here!
Food and Drinks
On some sections of the trail, especially between Lahnhof and Dillenburg, there are unfortunately no places to stop for refreshments along the way. Be sure to pack food and drinks, especially for these sections. Staying properly hydrated is especially important in the summer.
Safety guidelines
Information About the Emergency Signs on the Rothaarsteig
Hiking trails usually run away from towns and settlements, and anyone who hikes has surely wondered at some point what would happen if an emergency were to occur. How can I be found here? Where am I, anyway? Can emergency services reach me?
But in an emergency, time is of the essence! That’s why the Rothaarsteig is equipped with so-called emergency signs along its entire length. The green-and-white plaques attached to the signposts feature a number that you must provide when making an emergency call. This allows emergency responders to know exactly where you are, saving valuable time.
Notice Regarding Increased Forest Fire Risk
Please be aware that due to 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.
The forest will thank you!
Author Tip
- "Westerwaldblick" Lookout Point with an original Rothaarsteig hammock
- Bismarck Temple with a view of Dillenburg
- Wilhelm Tower in Dillenburg
- Altstadt of Dillenburg
Host:
Literature
To help you prepare for your hike, we’d be happy to send you our free information package. Atwww.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.
Maps
You can order the original Rothaarsteig hiking map at a scale of 1:50,000 on waterproof paper—featuring up-to-date trail routes and useful markings such as shelters, parking lots, bus stops, and much more—at www.rothaarsteig.de/ for 11.00 euros with free shipping, conveniently delivered right to your door.
Public transit
You can reach both Rodenbach and Dillenburg via Deutsche Bahn. The two towns are connected by a rail line, so you can easily get to the starting point of your tour.
For more information, visit www.bahn.de.
We recommend using public transportation at the start of your tour and leaving a car at the end point. That way, you won’t have to worry about bus or train schedules during your hike.
Parking
- In Rodenbach, there are parking spaces right next to the train station: Zum Tiergarten 11, 35708 Haiger
- In Dillenburg, there are free parking spaces at the Aquarena: Am Sportzentrum, 35683 Dillenburg. Address: Stadionstraße 10, Dillenburg.