Discover a classic – hike Germany’s Siegerland-Höhenring in 6 days

Hiking Collection by Anette

Tours

44:35 h

98.3 mi

10,775 ft

Luscious springs, spectacular views, former border fortresses and impressive basalt rocks: you find it all on the Siegerland-Höhenring in Germany’s South Westphalia region. On this classic, 146-kilometre (90.7 mi) trail, you mostly hike the ridges of the Rothaargebirge Mountains around the Siegerland region and the district town of Siegen. The trail avoids almost all civilization and leads you into the low mountain range’s wonderful nature.

I’ve divided the circular route into six stages between 24 and 30 kilometres (14.9 and 18.6 mi) in length. My variant starts at Lützel train station. But, as it’s a circular route, you can start wherever you like. I also sometimes deviate from the official route and the beginning and end of stages to take you to places with accommodation, food and public transport connections. For information on current timetables and connections (in German), see: zws-online.de/start. You can also hike individual stages, split them or plan day hikes from one place – whatever you prefer. Your host might offer a transport service too – just ask.

Even though the Höhenring has lots of nice places to stop, don’t forget to pack a lunch and drinks. You often hike long passages through pure nature with a reasonable amount of climbing. It’s nice to be able to recharge your batteries with a picnic at one of the many charming rest stops.

Are you curious? Then pack your rucksack, lace up your boots and discover a classic German hiking trail through magnificent landscape.

On The Map

Do it yourself

Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.

Siegerland-Höhenring

90.7 mi

9,125 ft

9,100 ft

Last updated: May 10, 2023

Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 1: Lützel to Hainchen – Siegerland-Höhenring
07:07
16.1 mi
2.3 mph
1,225 ft
1,600 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The first stage on the Siegerland-Höhenring takes you from the train station in Lützel up to an ancient watershed with the headwaters of Sieg, Lahn, Eder and many other bodies of water. It is a beautiful, fertile mountain range covered by vast forests. From time to time the forest was left to its own…
translated by•View Original
by Anette
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 2: Hainchen to Burbach – Siegerland-Höhenring
06:51
15.0 mi
2.2 mph
1,675 ft
1,875 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Ever heard of a rhino hamster? No? Not bad, because it really only exists here and most of the time it is only recognized by children anyway. On the way up from Hainchen to the Höhenring you hike a bit on the Dilldappenweg, on the course of which you will be introduced to this and other mythical creatures…
translated by•View Original
by Anette
View
Sign Up To Discover Places Like This
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 3: Burbach to Kirchen (Sieg) – Siegerland-Höhenring
08:42
18.8 mi
2.2 mph
2,175 ft
2,700 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
South of Burbach you will reach the Höhenring again after a short distance and continue it towards Trödelsteine. Although this stage is a sporty 30 kilometers long, it is worth exploring this natural monument made of basalt columns and cliffs as well as a block field made of feldspar basalt. Once you…
translated by•View Original
by Anette
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 4: Kirchen (Sieg) to Friesenhagen – Siegerland-Höhenring
06:07
13.0 mi
2.1 mph
1,975 ft
1,800 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
On the outskirts of Kirchen (Sieg) you will meet the Siegerland-Höhenring again and follow it to the Freusburger Mühle. A mill was mentioned here as early as the 15th century and until 1845 the farmers were obliged to have their grain milled here. Today it is a small hydroelectric power station and is…
translated by•View Original
by Anette
View
Freudenberg
Hiking Highlight
The "Alte Flecken", the half-timbered core of Freudenberg in Siegerland, is a monument of international importance. After a devastating city fire in 1666, it was completely rebuilt as it was in 1540 and has hardly changed since then.
translated by•View Original
Tip by daha
Take Me There
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 5: Friesenhagen to Rahrbach – Siegerland-Höhenring
08:17
18.7 mi
2.3 mph
1,875 ft
1,300 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
At 30 kilometers, this stage is one of the longest of the circular hike. And apart from very few touches, this section of the route bypasses civilization. So make sure to bring a packed lunch and enough drinks with you.

You leave Krottorf and reach the beautiful Wildenburger Land in just a few steps…
translated by•View Original
by Anette
View
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 6: Rahrbach to Lützel – Siegerland-Höhenring
07:31
16.6 mi
2.2 mph
1,900 ft
1,500 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
On the Rahrbacher Höhe you will meet the Höhenring again. For this stage, too, it is advisable to have a picnic and drinks with you, as there are hardly any places to stop for a break until shortly before the destination.

You first hike to the Littfequelle, then on to the area of the old mining village…
translated by•View Original
by Anette
View