From Brilon to Willingen

From Brilon, the Rothaarsteigs starting point, this first stage quickly leads you into the forest. On your way to "Borberg's Kirchhof" the route first takes a swerve to allow an initial scenic view of the Arnsberger Wald. After that the Rothaarsteig offers the opportunity to climb up to the Ginsterkopf. The effort of walking this variant will be rewarded with a superb panoramic view.

A formation of rocks called the "Bruchhauser Steine" located immediately alongside the way, is the geological highlight of this stage. In prehistoric times these rocks served as a meeting place and were then converted into a fortification. Today the "Bruchhauser Steine" is a conservation area.

The way passes through the extensive woodlands of the Rothaargebirge and takes you to Willingen, the stages' destination which is located about 3 km away from the actual path.