Hermannsweg

It is considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in Germany: The Hermannsweg leads on its 156 kilometres through two nature parks and over the ridge of the Teutoburg Forest. Hermann the Cheruscan, who defeated the Roman commander Varus in 9 AD, gave his name to the popular hiking trail.

The Hermannsweg offers a first-class nature experience

The Hermannsweg starts in the plains of the Münsterland and takes you up to the heights around Horn-Bad Meinberg. The fact that the Hermannsweg offers an exciting nature experience is widely known among hiking enthusiasts. The Dörenther Cliffs with their unique view of the Münsterland, the Externsteine or the Silberbachtal near Horn-Bad Meinberg are just a few outstanding examples. Although the ridge of the Teutoburger Land is forested in large parts, there are always wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Münsterland moves | Hermannsweg

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On the trail of history

With its combination of nature and history, the Hermannsweg surprises many hikers. The Bentlage Monastery and the Salinenpark in Rheine are well worth a visit. The same applies to the eagle observatory in Berlebeck and the Sparenburg castle in Bielefeld. Hikers are particularly impressed by the picturesque historic town centres of Tecklenburg and Bad Iburg, where time seems to have stood still. The hike on the Hermannsweg is of course crowned by a visit to the Hermann Monument.

Places of interest along the route

1
Bentlage Monastery
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Bentlage Monastery

Bentlage Monastery is located very close to the hiking route. Take time to visit the former monastery and its exhibitions. The café invites you to take a break and the extensive garden leads you to the Salinenpark.

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2
Gravenhorst Monastery
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Gravenhorst Monastery

Another stop on your hike could be Kloster Gravenhorst. Today, the estate is home to the Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst, which also has a café and restaurant.

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3
Tecklenburg Old Town
© Münsterland e.V./Daniel Merbeck
Tecklenburg Old Town

Germany's most northerly "mountain town" transports you to a bygone era. Here, the listed historic town centre, the narrow alleys and stairways, the dreamy nooks and crannies and the romantic half-timbered houses exude their very own charm.

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4
Haus Marck is located on the popular 100 Castles Route
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
House Marck

Haus Marck is also an absolute highlight. Located south of Tecklenburg, you will find it in the middle of an old cultural landscape. It was first mentioned in the 14th century as the seat of the von Horne family.

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5
Iburg Castle
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Iburg Castle

With its museum and impressive visuals, the castle is definitely worth a visit. The Knights' Hall, which has been preserved to this day, is an excellent example of perspective-painted mock architecture that is now considered the last surviving example north of the Alps.

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6
The Sparrenburg in Bielefeld
© Bielefeld Marketing / Mike Rehm
Sparrenburg

The 13th century castle is one of the most popular destinations in the region. And rightly so: with its 31.5-metre-high tower, the castle really makes a statement.

7
Oerlinghausen Open-Air Archaeological Museum
© Stadt Oerlinghausen
Oerlinghausen Open-Air Museum

From the summer camp of ice-age reindeer hunters to the early medieval farmstead, you get an impression of prehistoric everyday life in six large assemblies. Exciting!

8
The Hermann Monument near Detmold
© Tourist-Info Detmold
Hermann Monument

This structure is the namesake for this hiking route. The Hermann Monument is one of the most famous monuments in Germany and Europe - and one of the most popular destinations. It is meant to commemorate the Cheruscan prince Arminius, but especially the so-called Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.

9
The Externsteine
© Teutoburger Wald Tourismus A.Hub
Externsteine

The Externsteine - a striking rock formation towering some 40 metres high in the valley of the Wiembecke near Horn-Bad Meinberg.

10
Lippe Velmerstot
© Teutoburger Wald Tourismus
Lippe Velmerstot

At the end of the hike you will reach the highest point of the tour, the 441 m high rock group of the Lippische Velmerstot, from where you have an incomparable view of the surroundings.

11
Gräflicher Park Bad Driburg
© Bad Driburger Touristik GmbH
Count's Park

Finally, you can take a break in the Gräfliche Park Bad Driburg, an English landscape garden with extensive manicured lawns and unique solitary trees.

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The Hermann Trail at a glance

  • 162 km
  • Route tour
  • medium
  • signposted
  • Multiday tour
  • Nature
  • Culture
  • Rheine
  • Hörstel
  • Ibbenbüren
  • Lengerich
  • Lienen
  • Dissen
  • Hall
  • Bielefeld
  • Oerlinghausen
  • Detmold
  • Horn-Bad Meinberg

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Lusia Derhake with her dog
© Lusia Derhake
We have tested the Hermannsweg for you

Accompanied by her four-legged friend Hedwig, our guest blogger Lusia Derhake set out on the Hermannsweg. Find out how she experienced the hiking route, what her personal highlights are and what tips she has for you in her article on the MünsterlandBlog.

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