As the winter season approaches, there’s no better time to savor the last rays of sunshine and embrace the crisp yet invigorating weather. For nature enthusiasts in and around Düsseldorf, there’s a treasure trove of beautiful hiking destinations waiting to be explored. Join me on a birthday hike on the Natursteig Sieg from Rosbach (Sieg) to Au (Sieg), a journey that promises picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and a delightful escape from the urban bustle.
What is the Natursteig Sieg?
The Natursteig Sieg is a long-distance hiking trail located in the Sieg Valley region in Germany. It follows the course of the Sieg River, offering hikers a chance to explore the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and picturesque landscapes of the region. The trail is well-marked and spans approximately 200 kilometers, making it an attractive option for both experienced and novice hikers.
Natursteig Sieg is divided into several stages, each with its own unique characteristics, including forests, hills, and riverbanks. Hikers can expect a diverse range of terrain, from challenging uphill climbs to leisurely walks along flat paths. The trail is often marked with signs and symbols on trees, helping hikers navigate their way.
Today, we’re hiking the Natursteig Sieg from Rosbach (Sieg) to Au (Sieg).
Welcome to Rosbach (Sieg)
Rosbach (Sieg) is a quaint town in North Rhine-Westphalia, home to just over 4,000 residents. Before embarking on your hike, I recommend walking around the quaint little town. It only takes a few minutes, and the town is built nicely into the hill you will walk up to start your hike.
The Rosbach (Sieg) to Au (Sieg) Hike
The hike kicks off right as you disembark from the train, as you’ll be ascending a hill that leads you through the heart of the town and onto the trail. This hike does not have the clearest trailhead, so I’d recommend punching in the Deutschen Jugendherbergswerk Landesverband Rheinland EV into your Google/Apple Maps and then crossing the street.
Once you’ve crossed the street, you’ll find the trail on your left.
Once you walk up, you will see several signs going in different directions. I decided to take the trail to Au (Sieg) because it leads you to the train station, where you can take the S-12 back to Köln Messe/Deutz.
The Natursteig Sieg hikes are typically marked with stamps on trees to guide your way. However, for the trail to Au (Sieg), you might notice a bit more space between these markers. To ensure a smooth hike, consider using Strava or a similar app to access the trail maps online. Rest assured, the roads are never too far away from this trail, allowing you to easily loop back to a road and re-route your journey if needed.
Terrain Difficulty
This hike offers a wonderful mix of uphill and flat terrain. The first 3-4 kilometers primarily involve an ascent, but you’ll also enjoy flat stretches before a descent towards Au (Sieg). The challenge is present but not overwhelming. Throughout the hike, you’ll experience transitions between densely forested areas and scenic overlooks of the valleys below.
While the trail could be marked more explicitly, that adds a touch of adventure. Getting a bit lost amidst the woods can be an enchanting part of the experience. Keep in mind that following heavy rainfall in North Rhine-Westphalia, the trail can become quite muddy. So, ensure you’re wearing appropriate attire for the occasion.
Life in Düsseldorf Tip: Check out Decathlon for all your hiking attire needs – we like to consider this shop “the ikea of outdoor sports equipment and apparel” a great price and excellent quality.
Welcome to Au (Sieg)
Au (Sieg) is a charming town straddling the border of Rhineland-Palatinate. It boasts a well-connected train station, making it highly accessible from Düsseldorf or Köln.
How to Get There
The trail is just over two hours from Düsseldorf, and with an early start, it’s an excursion that’s certainly worth your while. Start your journey at Düsseldorf HBF, where you’ll hop on the RE5 train headed towards Koblenz HBF, with a stop at Köln/Messe Deutz. From there, switch to the S-19 bound for Schladern (Sieg) and disembark at Rosbach (Sieg). A picturesque 18-minute walk uphill will lead you to the trailhead.
*Note: It’s advisable to stick with the S-Bahn and avoid bus routes. On weekends, buses require an hour’s advance booking for pickup at designated stops. Opting for the S-Bahn ensures a safer and more convenient journey.
Looking for another hike? There are a ton more amazing hikes for you to explore: Müngstener Brücke, Solingen, the Kettwiger Panoramasteig, and many more!
