travel4dogs - Hörster Krug bis Landhaus Blumengarten

Embark on one of the most spectacular sections of the Hermannshöhen in the Teutoburg Forest with this suggested stage: from the monumental Hermannsdenkmal past the mystical Externsteine, through the Silberbachtal valley to the rugged twin peaks of the Velmerstot.
The trail is marked throughout with the "white H on black background" or the Hermannshöhen signpost.

Our stage begins at the Hotel Hörster Krug. From here, walk approx. 350 m up Teutoburger Wald Straße towards Haus des Gastes (due to renovation work, this is closed until the end of 2024).
Cross the road and follow Freibadstraße until you reach Hermannsweg.
Keep left and follow the "H" sign. Below the Hörster Berg you come to the Rethlager springs, which have very cold water all year round. These typical karst springs emerge on the northern slope of the Teutoburg Forest on the edge of the Dörenschlucht gorge. The springs are located in a gorge up to 20 m deep. Like all karst springs, the Rethlager springs have a flow rate that fluctuates greatly depending on rainfall. Down the valley, the water flows into the Werre. The next interesting point along the route is the Donoper Teich. This and the surrounding area were placed under protection together with the Hiddeser Bent in 1950.

Now the strenuous part of the hike begins: from Heidental to the Hermannsdenkmal monument, you have a challenging climb ahead of you. The view from the Hermann monument is your reward. The most famous excursion destination in the Teutoburg Forest is located on the 356m-high Grotenburg in Hiddesen, a south-western district of Detmold. 

The figure towers far above the landscape. It was built to commemorate the "Battle of the Teutoburg Forest", in which Hermann the Cheruscan prevented the Romans from advancing any further.

The next section leads through charming beech forests via the Hangstein
(also a café-restaurant, https://cafe-restaurant-haus-hangstein.business.site.) to Berlebeck. From here, it is worth making a detour to the Heiligenkirchen bird park and the Berlebeck eagle observatory. On the ridge paths you can even see the Velmerstot in good weather. From Berlebeck, you cycle over the Stemberg to your stage destination, the Landhotel Haus Weber. 

The next day, you have the opportunity to visit the sublime Externsteine, the most important natural and cultural monument in the Teutoburg Forest. Myths and legends surround the five vertically towering stones. Those with a head for heights can climb the rocks and are rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view.
 
The Eggeweg trail also begins at the Externsteine and runs largely parallel to the Hermannsweg trail until the end of this stage. Before the ascent to the Lippischer Velmerstot you pass the Silberbachtal valley. The high point is the barren Lippischer Velmerstot (441 m) with its rugged rocky landscape. While the Eggeweg leads to the neighboring summit of the Prussian Velmerstot, you follow the Hermannsweg to Leopoldstal and your destination, the Landhaus Blumengarten.