Viewpoints and solitude in the Teutoburg Forest

From the starting point in Bad Meinberg, the route stretches through the topographically challenging eastern foothills of the Teutoburg Forest and Eggegebirge mountains. From the Napte valley, the ascent leads up to the Bellenberg, followed by a descent through wooded sections into the Heubach valley. Passing Vinsebeck Castle, the trail continues onto an exposed ridge above Sandebeck. This is followed by a route to the "Vulkan Embrio" volcano, followed by an ascent on a natural road to the Eggegebirge mountains. There, a short section leads down to the former NATO road before reaching the striking observation tower on the Prussian Velmerstot, a prominent point in the Eggegebirge. From 1950 to 1995, the mountain top served as a NATO anti-aircraft missile station; it was restored to its natural state as part of a nature reserve project. Rare pioneer plants gradually colonized this special location. The observation tower offers a far-reaching view of the region. The route then follows a steep descent into the upper Silberbach valley, through extensive, tranquil forests to the "Egge Bundesstraße 1" pass. Forest paths lead past the Barnacken, a prominent point in the Teutoburg Forest, to the Kleiner Rigi pass, which contains a ground monument with Roman traces. A descent on a challenging slope then leads to the Externsteine natural and cultural monument. The Felsenwirt and the information center offer refreshments and information. The route continues through the historic old town of Horn and leads back to the starting point on a meadow trail along the moorland reclamation plant.

A simple MTB is sufficient. Alternatively: Sporty touring bike suitable for climbing with at least 32 mm wide tires or 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 paths in the Teutoburg Forest are generally very easy to cycle on.


• The hiking trail "HERMANNSHÖHEN" in the section Feldrömer Pass - Preußische Velmerstot is not passable for MTB cyclists.


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


• The NRW State Forestry Act must be observed. This has been observed in the route guidance.


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


• Mobile phone network reception is limited 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:

• Vinsebeck airfield, on request and with luck there is the possibility of a flight.


• Vulkan-Embrio Sandebeck, geological feature in the Teutoburg Forest Nature Park.


• Eggeturm, particularly worthwhile on a "clear day".


• Externsteine, tourist magnet in the Teutoburg Forest with cultural history.

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 0800 6-50 40 30 (free of charge and available around the clock).

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

From the main road 239 in 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.