Rothaarsteig
~8 days · 94.3 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Rothaarsteig is known for
Rothaarsteig follows Rothaarsteigverein's officially published 8-stage itinerary from Brilon to Dillenburg. The official source describes 154 km; this hand-chained OpenStreetMap relation 2018275 main-line geometry measures 151.8 km. Approach, excursion, and alternative branches are excluded; named camp markers are overnight planning towns, not campsite assertions.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,464 ft to 9,052 ft over 94.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 35.4 mi · 38%
- Downhill 35.4 mi · 38%
- Flat 23.3 mi · 25%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Rothaarsteig?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Rothaarsteig scores 32/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Rothaarsteig take?
Most backpackers hike the Rothaarsteig in about 8 days (7 nights out) over its 94.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Rothaarsteig?
The Rothaarsteig climbs roughly 12,169 ft total — about 129 ft per mile, topping out near 2,779 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.