Hikes in the Teutoburg Forest
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
The Teutoburg Forest region around Osnabrück, Minden, Bielefeld, Paderborn and Höxter is one of the most popular hiking areas in Germany. The low mountain range is criss-crossed by an extensive network of hiking trails that are well developed and marked in an exemplary manner.
On the famous Hermannsweg, at the Externsteine or on a nature-oriented circular trail, you can enjoy the fresh air while hiking. Discover the natural and cultural landscape while hiking in the Teutoburg Forest!
The 10 most beautiful hikes in the Teutoburg Forest
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The hiking trails and routes in the Teutoburg Forest Nature Park lead through species-rich mixed forests and idyllic villages with Westphalian half-timbered houses. Rugged cliffs, unusual formations such as the famous Externsteine stones and sights such as the Hermann Monument or the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument lie along the way, depending on the route.
There are many fascinating vantage points with a wide view over the densely wooded region, including the Nonnenstein in the Wiehengebirge or the Köterberg in the Lippisches Bergland.
Video: Teutoburger Wald Tourismus | OstWestfalenLippe GmbH
The Hermann Heights: Hermannsweg and Eggeweg
Two special long-distance hiking trails lead over the Hermannshöhen: Hermannsweg and Eggeweg. They are among the „Top Trails of Germany“ and are cult in the Teutoburg Forest. For most hikers, a walk up to the Hermannshöhen, even if it is only for a few kilometres, is one of the most outstanding experiences.
Questions and answers: Hermann Trail / Hermann Heights
How does the Hermannsweg run?
For a total of 226 km, the Hermannsweg and Eggeweg ridge trails run along the entire ridge of the Teutoburg Forest. Even the ancient Germanic tribes were on the move on these two paths.
Hermannsweg and Eggeweg form a complete route, but can also be hiked separately. The trails are marked throughout with a white „H“ on a black background or with a white cross.
The highlights of the stages include the Dörenther Cliffs, Ravensberg Castle, the Hermann Monument as the landmark of the Teutoburg Forest and the Externsteine (Extern Stones). But small half-timbered towns and magnificent manor houses are also on the way along the ridges of the low mountain range.
How many stages does the Hermannsweg have?
Classically, the Hermannshöhen is divided into 13 daily stages, each about 20 kilometres long. However, it is easy to adapt the stages of the long-distance trail to suit individual needs, because there are many exit and entry points along the way and there are accommodation facilities in the nearby towns and villages.
Where does the Hermannsweg begin and end?
The Hermannsweg officially starts at the Tourist Information in Rheine, the ninth and last stage ends in Horn-Bad Meinberg at the summit Lippischer Verlmerstot. There you can continue hiking seamlessly on the Eggeweg to Marsberg in the Sauerland.
Worth seeing: The Externsteine
Theme trails in the Teutoburg Forest
In the Teutoburg Forest, there is a large selection of designated themed trails with different focuses.
Along the trails of the „VitalWanderWelt“, hiking is complemented with little extras for vitality, such as instructions for breathing or yoga exercises. An experience for the senses can be had on the „Path for Enjoyment“. Along the way, various experience stations are set up for hearing, smelling, seeing, feeling and tasting.
On the adventure trails of the „Exquisite Nature“ there are nature areas with rare plants and animals to discover. These „Nature Time Trips“, which are offered in the district of Höxter, focus on the changing landscapes. For those interested in historic buildings, the half-timbered route in Detmold in the Teutoburg Forest is the right circular hiking trail in the Teutoburg Forest.
The Fünf-Bäche-Weg leads through the south of the Paderborner Land and always follows the water.
The Maple Trail runs in a loop of about 100 km through the southern Osnabrücker Land. The stage route through the hilly landscape with forests and fields as well as five lookout points awaits hiking enthusiasts with six daily stages.
Delicacies in the midst of nature
Hiking in the Teutoburg Forest means being in the middle of nature. But you can always stop for a bite to eat in a cosy inn or with a quality host nearby.
If you don't know Pickert (similar to Reibekuchen), you should try it here. Many inns and bakeries offer it as a meal for in-between meals. Very savoury.
Ham and pumpernickel rolls are very hearty and should be included in your rucksack as a typical regional hiking snack. If you like, you can try the Steinhäger (a juniper-flavoured spirit) as a nightcap after the hike.
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