Introduction In Germany there are many long distance footpaths to choose from. If you want to walk long distances, you can choose one of the European Long Distance footpaths going through Germany. If you want to walk through mountains you can choose one of the tracks through the Alps. The Rothaarsteig© does not climb mountains and its length is moderate. It is a linear Trail between the towns of Brilon and Dillenburg. It was opened in 2001 and you can choose to take a short Trail of 154 kilometer or a long one of about 188 kilometer. The long Trail makes a detour to the Westerwald forest and this will add about one day to your walking. Most of the Trail is on unpaved roads or tracks. The Trail passes through forest most of the time. Some take 5 days to complete the Trail; others take a more comfortable 8 or 10 days. The Trail is also called Der Weg de Sinne. This translates into something like ‘The Way of Senses’; all your senses will be challenged when walking the Trail. The Trail has been promoted and you will meet fellow walkers. The busiest times are the periods before and after the summer holidays. During the summer the Trail appears to be quieter. The Trail is marked with the Rothaarsteig© logo; a red field with a white indication of the silhouette of a mountain. Official Rothaarsteig detours are marked with the same logo but on a yellow field. At major intersections additional signs are placed. These indicate what direction to take and how far the next destination is. Along the Trail there are several shelters and benches. Most of these are placed by the Rothaarsteig Verein; the organisation responsible for the Trail. There are also Rothaarsteig Rangers, easily recognised by their hats. Their task is to assist the people walking the Trail, look after its condition and to see that the regulations on the protection of the forest, animals and plant life are adhered to. This book is made for walking. In this book, you will find all the information necessary to make the Rothaarsteig© a pleasant journey. The core of the book is a comprehensive Trail description. Additional information is given on where to find accommodation, where to get supplies, what to bring along and public transport. The practical side of this book goes beyond information on the Trail. This book is printed on water-resistant paper, so it does not turn into a wad of pulp after a rainy day (it is recommended, however to keep the book in a plastic covering like a Ziploc plastic bag during periods of rain). The wire binding makes it possible to turn over the pages easily. Only limited runs of this book are printed on a quality color laser printer. This makes it possible to adjust the Trail description to changes made to the Trail or when a user reports a discrepancy between the Trail description and the actual situation. Rothaargebirge The name of the Trail originates from the Rothaargebirge, the Rothaar mountain range. Most of the Trail follows the direction of this range. There are different explanations for the name Rothaargebirge. The ones that spring to mind and the most romantic ones, like a tale about a red haired lady in distress are unfortunately far from the reality. ‘Rot’ or red is most likely linked 2 to the high iron content in the soil, making the soil and the water in rivers that run through it, somewhat reddish. The ‘Haar’ in Rothaar comes from an old German word for height. The Rothaargebirge is a natural territorial border and a divide between religions and local dialects. It is also the watershed between the Rhine and the Weser Rivers; the rain falling on the western slopes running off to the Rhine while the water running of the eastern slope runs of to the Weser. The region was once important for its iron industry. Iron and other metals were mined and wood was available to light the furnaces. During the last century this industry lost its importance. The tourist industry is now a major source of income. This is particularly visible in Willingen and Winterberg, where there are many hotels and holiday facilities. Winterberg is well known for its healthy environment and many health resorts are situated here. Things to see or notice along the Trail The Trail begins at Brilon, leading form north to south. There is nothing against starting in Dillenburg, going from south to north, just that this Trail description will then be of less use for you. Brilon has a long history and acquired municipal rights in 1220. Trading was once a major industry and it was part of the Hanseatic League. Later, mining in the region became an important source of income. The Trail starts at the Market Square in Brilon. Leaving the built-up area, it first passes near the hospital and then near the Youth Hostel. It also reaches the Möhnequelle or ‘Möhne’ spring, the start of one of the tributaries of the Ruhr River. It is the first of many springs along the Trail. Soon after leaving Brilon you reach the first forest. As mentioned, most of the Trail passes trough forests. In January 2007 a severe storm felled nearly 20% of the fir trees in the region. It changed the character of the Trail; where there used to be a dense forest there are now open areas of several hectares. The Trail description had to be adjusted because of the storm, at several places where forest was mentioned the forest had disappeared. The storm has improved the Trail considerably. There were too many trees to look at and especially during rainy days it was more a Trail of sensory deprivation than stimulation. Now there are wide clearings and good views of the surrounding countryside. At kilometer 8, you reach Borbergs Kirchhof; Borbergs Graveyard. This is a place of historic importance. Excavations revealed the remnants of a defensive wall. Part of the wall has been reconstructed. Graves were also found, which explains the name Borbergs Kirchhof. It appears that victims of the plague were buried here. On this site there is a small Maria chapel. People yearning for peace after the First World War built it in 1925. The Bruchhauser Steine are 4 large rocks protruding from a hill, named: Ravenstein, Bornstein, Goldstein, and Feldstein. They are of volcanic origin, of hard rock that weathers away at a lower rate than the surrounding area. The four rocks form a square and remnants are found of defensive walls between them. Even in historic times people where attracted to these stones. There is also evidence of calendrical observations in the landscape surrounding the Bruchhauser Steine. The area of the Bruchhauser Steine is a nature reserve. Some plants that grow here are unique for the region. There is a special project on the reintroduction of the falcon. During the last century the falcon became extinct in this area but it was later successfully reintroduced. Richtplatz is the former location of a court of justice. People used to be tried here and executed if found guilty. Most likely by hanging and not by the sword, as the plaque suggests. Passing Richtplatz you arrive at a particular 3 muddy section of the Trail. The Trail is on the top of a wide and flat ridge where the water doesn’t drain. Soon after, you reach Langenberg; the highest point along the Trail (843 meters). Neue Hagen is a large moorland. On this moorland the Trail takes you to Clemensberg. The Clemensberg sits on the edge of a large stone quarry. Entering the small village of Küstelberg, notice the large and old linden tree, it is 500 years old. Some kilometers after Küstelberg you reach Wagenschmier. Rocks used to be quarried here. The soil at this spot is very muddy and sticky when wet. The name Wagenschmier (wagon grease) originates from it. Near the Ruhrquelle; Ruhr spring, you arrive at a large parking area. Seats are provided at the spring. Soon after passing the spring, the Trail continues on a paved road. On this road, you pass a little shrine dedicated to St. Jacob. The shrine was erected in the year 2000 and reminds you that you are on one of the Pilgrims ways to Santiago the Compostela in Spain. Centuries ago people already passed this way for a pilgrimage to Santiago. Roads at that time were constructed on the high grounds because the valleys were wet and swampy. The next large place is Winterberg. Winterberg acquired municipal rights in 1270. It was situated in the center of several trading routes and was, like Brilon, member of the Hanseatic syndicate. Winterberg is a well known sky resort, has a bobsled track and an international ski jump and is very tourist oriented. From Winterberg, the Trail continues to Kahler Asten, the third highest place in Northwest Germany. Some say that when you include the buildings and tower it actually is the highest spot, but that is cheating. What is proven is that this is the coldest and wettest spot in Northwest Germany, in short, weather-wise the most miserable place to be. It is a well-known location and the site of a meteorological station. In and near the tower of Kahler Asten there is an information center on Naturpark Rothaargebirge, a hotel, a restaurant, and a café. Skirting skiing areas, you pass through several small villages. The Trail runs on the top of a ridge so there is a good view of the surroundings.