Forest, vastness, bisonAutumn stories from Siegen-Wittgenstein

Germany's most densely wooded district is home to a true hiking paradise. The Rothaarsteig long-distance hiking trail has wonders of nature both great and small along the way.
The tour is definitely not boring here, even if the hike is undertaken unaccompanied. Mastering a stage of the "Path of the Senses", as the Rothaarsteig is also known, is definitely a special experience. Even if the path can be a little wobbly at times. And then there are the largest terrestrial mammals in Europe. The encounter will definitely be an unforgettable experience. Why is the town of Freudenberg also called a jewellery box? That becomes clear as soon as you arrive.

Everybody out to the Siegen-Wittgenstein district!

The others are still asleep when the young woman sets off. Travelling alone for a day and just being with herself. Think about nothing or simply let your mind wander. Enjoying the warm autumn sun and taking in the many small and large natural wonders. Where better for her to do that than in the forest?

I can already hear them coming. The colourful autumn leaves rustle under her footsteps. Sometimes it cracks in the undergrowth. Otherwise everything is quiet. Only a few birds are already chirping. No one else for miles around. What a magical picture! All alone, she walks between the metre-high trees, through which the first rays of sunlight fall to the ground. She almost seems a little melancholy. Lost in thought, but also happy. No wonder the Rothaarsteig is also known as the "path of the senses". The long-distance hiking trail, which is considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in the country, leads from the Sauerland region through the Rothaargebirge mountains to the Siegen-Wittgenstein region, where I have made myself particularly at home. It can therefore proudly bear the title of Germany's most densely wooded district.

I accompany the young woman at every turn, so to speak, and show my best side on this glorious autumn morning, causing her to pause again and again. Sometimes it's just a toadstool, its red cap glowing in the sun and captivating her for the moment. Sometimes it is the white blossoms of a flower growing through the soft forest floor between the moss-covered rocks. But it could also be the eyes of a full-grown bison. For a few years now, Europe's largest mammals, which were almost extinct, have been living here with me again. We get on well together. And my companion today is not afraid of them either. On the contrary. In the bison wilderness directly on the Rothaarsteig, she gets particularly close to these wild-looking but peace-loving animals.

I'm delighted to see how keen my visitor is to explore. Even wobbly paths don't put her off. The Kühhude suspension bridge is 40 metres long and crosses a deep gorge. Not for the faint-hearted - I know many people who prefer to take a diversion and continue through the valley ... Speaking of which. In my area, there is not only the aforementioned suspension bridge. I have also had large hanging loungers set up along the hiking trail, where you can take a marvellous rest with a view of my entire expanse. The warming rays of sunshine do their bit to help you relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

But before the sun sets again soon, I say goodbye and send the Rothaarsteig explorer to the "Alter Flecken". Alongside Bad Berleburg with the castle of the Sayn-Wittgenstein family, the historic town centre of Freudenberg is one of the sights of South Westphalia. And one of the most photographed. More than 80 black and white half-timbered houses are lined up here in "neat" rows of four. Real gems that almost form something like a small open-air museum. Just the right place to round off an exciting and at the same time relaxed day alone with yourself and nature.

The people at home will be wide-eyed when they find out later what the young woman experienced with me. I hope that she will bring home one or two snapshots of her eventful day with me.