Hermannshöhen

In the footsteps of Hermann the Cheruscan

The Hermannshöhen trail combines the 160-kilometre Hermannsweg and the Eggeweg, its 70-kilometre extension, along the ridge of the Teutoburg Forest and the Egge hills. On its way from Rheine to Marsberg the route passes the Externsteine natural monument and offers lofty views from Velmerstot hill. In total there are twelve days of high-quality walking on offer. In 2004, the Eggeweg became the first walking trail in Germany to fulfil the criteria set out by the German Ramblers' Association. The Hermannsweg followed suit in spring 2008. Both routes jointly belong to the "TopTrails of Germany" association, which guarantees excellence in walking and now also confers a coveted seal of quality.

The Hermannsweg trail is one of Germany's most beautiful ridge walks. Named after Hermann the Cheruscan (Arminius), the trail follows his route across the peaks of the Teutoburg Forest from Rheine to Velmerstot near Horn-Bad Meinberg. The 156-kilometre trail offers fabulous walking, diverse scenery (thanks to a variety of geological origins) and historical villages with plenty to see.

Gently rising, sparsely populated upland ridges are the defining characteristic of the Eggeweg, which scores points for its exceptionally high number of unspoilt woodland and meadow trails. A succession of steep sandstone outcrops command views of the forest and the tranquil landscape below. After tackling the moderately challenging terrain, these vantage points are excellent places to draw breath.

98 per cent of the Hermannshöhen runs through two nature reserves (TERRA.vita/Egge hills and southern Teutoburg Forest), so nature really is everywhere: right beside you, incorporated into the trail and wherever your eyes may wander. There are numerous outcrops and man-made edifices where you can rest awhile, catch your breath and enjoy the panoramic views: the Luisenturm, Kaiser-Karls-Turm, Bierbaums Nagel and Velmerstot observation towers, Castle Hünnenburg and Castle Sparrenburg, the Hockendes Weib rock formation and the Externsteine fissured rocks to name but a few. As you can see, history and culture are well represented, too.