Hermannsweg Trail: castles, abbeys and idyllic nature in the Teutoburg Forest

The 156km Hermannsweg Trail in North Rhine-Westphalia runs along peaks of the Teutoburg Forest and is considered one of Germany's most beautiful ridge walks.

Named after Hermann the Cheruscan, who defeated the Romans in the Battle of Varus 2,000 years ago, the trail follows his route across the ridge of the Teutoburg Forest from Rheine to Velmerstot near Horn-Bad Meinberg. A monument to Hermann the Cheruscan commemorates these historic events and is one of many sights to visit en route. The trail is also dotted with dramatic natural monuments such as the Dörenthe cliffs, a 4km-long sandstone formation, and the Externsteine fissured rocks near Horn-Bad Meinberg at the end of the route. An exceptional backdrop of half-timbered buildings is provided by the little medieval hill town of Tecklenburg with its castle ruins. Bad Iburg's castle and Ravensberg Castle have been well preserved. The lure of the eight-stage trail lies in its geologically diverse scenery and historical villages offering plenty to see.

Tip

Berlebeck eagle sanctuary
This sanctuary for birds of prey is the oldest in Europe and has the widest variety of species. Some of the eagles and falcons feel so at home here that they fly around freely yet always return. A highlight is provided by the flying demonstrations that take place here at various times during the day.

At a glance

• Starts: Rheine
• Ends: Horn-Bad Meinberg
• Length: 156km
• Number of stages: 8
• Altitude variation (approximate values): Ascent 6,100m, descent 5,900m
• Terrain: 35% unmade, 18% asphalt, 47% other, e.g. gravel