Hermannsdenkmal & hidden paths in the Teutoburg Forest

The tour starts in Bad Meinberg and leads along natural paths from the Werretal valley to the ridge of the Remmighauser Berg. From there, you descend into the Wiembecke and Berlebecke valleys. Varied forest paths enable the ascent to Grotenburg Castle, where the Hermann Monument presents itself as a central monument to the myth of the Varus Battle in the Teutoburg Forest. Away from the lively surroundings of the monument, the route extends into the extensive forests of the Winnfeld. The route takes you along partly steep hollow paths as well as wide forest roads, ensuring a varied exploration of the forest landscapes and their small valleys. After passing the "Gauseköte", the route circles the upper Langenberg, which impresses with its wide views. The historic pass crossing "Kleiner Rigi" with the archaeological excavation "Hohlweg" is another interesting point; its use in Roman times is the subject of scientific study, although there are indications of its earlier use. A descent then leads to the Externsteine, a cultural and natural monument of considerable historical and cultural relevance, where a refreshment stop is available. Finally, the circular tour leads around the old town of Horn and through the Naptetal valley, known for the historic healing moor extraction of Bad Meinberg, before returning to the starting point in the Werretal valley.

A simple MTB is sufficient. Alternatively: E-MTB.

A spare inner tube and an air pump should not be missing in the lonely wide forests of the Teuto.

A full drinks bottle is recommended.

• The forest roads in the Teutoburg Forest are generally very good to use.


• Seasonal weather events or forest maintenance work may cause damage / obstructions / road closures.


• The NRW State Forestry Act must be observed. This has been taken into account when planning the route.


• The "Hermannshöhen" hiking trail is off-limits on the ascent from Heidental to the Hermannsdenkmal.


• The downhill route at the Hermannsdenkmal is not suitable for normal cyclists.


• The author accepts no liability for the accuracy of the tourist information / links and the GPX track.


• The Senne military training area may not be entered or driven on.


• Mobile phone network reception is restricted or not possible in parts of the Teutoburg Forest, please take this into account when using non-outdoor GPS devices.

The author is an ADFC tour guide and recommends:

• Visit to the Bandelhütte at the Hermannsdenkmal.


• Excavation of the Kleiner Rigi hollow path


• Externsteine information center


• Moor treading in the Bad Meinberg healing moor extraction

Travel guide "The Teutoburg Forest Eggegebirge Nature Park" Author Sabine Schierholz

Bielefelder Verlag BVA cycling map of the Lippe district ISBN 978-3-87073628-6

Nearest train station: Horn - Bad Meinberg.

From there continue by bus to the public transport stop:

Horn - Bad Meinberg, Bad Meinberg bus station.

From there, the ADFC bike station is signposted with the "Bike-Rent" sign.

Always know what's running: The smart number for buses and trains in NRW: 01806 504030 (20 cents/connection from landlines and a maximum of 60 cents/connection from mobile networks).

Horn - Bad Meinberg can be reached via the Bundesstraße 1 "Hameln <> Paderborn - Exit Bad Meinberg" and via the Bundesstraße 239 "Detmold <> Höxter".

From the federal road 239 Bad Meinberg to the public parking lot via the signs "Kurgebiet Nord".

The free parking lot is located at the junction of "Brunnenstraße / Hamelner Straße", from there it is about 350 m to the starting point in the traffic-calmed center of Bad Meinberg.