Teutoburgerwald nature reserve

The Hermannshöhen (literally ‘Hermann’s Rise’) is made up of two ridge walks – the Hermannsweg and the Eggeweg. One of the most beautiful walking trails in Germany, it has been awarded the ‘Wanderbares Deutschland’ seal of quality.

The Hermannsweg is named after Hermann the Cheruscan, who defeated the Romans in the Battle of Varus 2,000 years ago. Its 156km route runs all the way from Rheine to Velmerstot hill near Horn-Bad Meinberg. On its way to Detmold and the Hermann the Cheruscan Monument, it passes many sights of historical interest including the medieval village of Tecklenburg, Iburg Castle, Ravensberg castle ruins and Sparrenburg Castle in Bielefeld. The trail is dotted with dramatic natural features such as the Dörenthe cliffs – a sandstone formation stretching for four kilometres – and the mystical Externsteine fissured rocks near Horn-Bad Meinberg. At this point, the Hermannsweg meets the Eggeweg.