Forest and meadow route

From the relaxing forest space to the bike-friendly Herford
From Bad Salzuflen, the approximately 22 km long forest and meadow route in the surrounding area is worth it. Whether for a brisk circuit on the racing bike or for an extensive half-day tour. This bike tour enchants nature and culture lovers. Enjoyable highlights of the bike route are the paths in the green, shady forest, along the Finnebach and the Werre, as well as the cultural offerings in Herford and back at the destination in Bad Salzuflen.

Switch off and curiously discover the salt city
We start the forest and meadow route at the experience graduation works ensemble of Bad Salzuflen, the historical landmark of the salt city. Thousands of people visit the three graduation works every year to enjoy the special brine experience. The charming spa town of Bad Salzuflen, in addition to the brine healing springs, also has the awards for being a Kneipp and allergy-friendly spa resort.

On the paths of the Salzufler Kleinbahn
The first kilometers of cycling follow the nicely laid out, ground-level cycle and hiking paths at the Kurparksee and through the landscape garden. In the past, a historical narrow-gauge railway ran parallel to Extersche Straße. On this railway line, we pedal past chirping birds in bird aviaries or the slightly secluded fallow deer enclosure.
On the left-hand side, at the edge of the forest, is the forest restaurant "Zur Loose". Here we turn left into the romantic Finnebach valley. Especially in midsummer, you can feel the cool forest climate in the valley. Gently ascending, we follow the lightly traveled country road to the Heerhof golf course.
At the parking lot of the golf course, we follow a hiking trail between dense forest on the left and the golf course on the right. For those riding a racing bike on the circular track, it is recommended to stay on Finnebachstraße and turn left onto the streets "Zur Loose" and "Im Kuhnholt" to then turn right onto "Eckernkamp" street.

Unforgettable photo moment under the viaduct
On the bike path, we discover an impressive viaduct that connects to today's A2 motorway. It is one of the oldest motorway bridges in Germany. Built of red Eifel sandstone, the viaduct was ceremonially opened to motorway traffic in 1939. As part of the motorway expansion, the motorway bridge was widened to 38 meters in 1996. Since 1988, it has been under monument protection.
Photo enthusiasts stand excitedly in front of or under this architectural masterpiece.
After the photo break, we pedal vigorously uphill to "Vlothoer Straße".
Once at the top, we enjoy a fantastic view over the undulating, forested region and can take a break at the restaurant Waldesrand or visit the Herford Bismarck Tower around 900 m away.
The wheels roll swiftly along the road towards downtown Herford.
Arriving at the Werre, we cross the river and turn right onto Bergertorwall.

Discover Herford on two wheels
Against the clock, we cycle around Herford. We start in the Neustadt, smoothly transitioning through Radewig, the oldest district of Herford, and reach the Old Town. Afterwards, we cycle back to Bad Salzuflen along the northern bank of the Werre.

Tip-toeing on the Wall
After turning onto Bergertorwall, we discover the 3.5 km long ramparts on two wheels. Cycling along, you can marvel at the green, enchanted riverbank. Waterfowl chirp merrily at us or are busy preening their feathers.
New perspectives open up at Steintorwall, Aawiesenpark, and along the city moat.
To the right is the Daniel Pöppelmann House. It is worth getting off the bike to visit the exhibitions of the Herford Art Society. The Art and History Museum includes significant exhibits on the city's history of the Hanseatic city of Herford.
After visiting the museum, we get back on the bikes and cross the Aa River. We then follow the street "Unter den Linden".

Not without a detour to the bike-friendly Hanseatic city
Tip: Take the opportunity to visit the historic, bike-friendly city center and deviate from the original bike route for side trips. It's worth it!
Already at Wilhelmsplatz, you will discover history! The Saxon king Wittekind was considered a resistance fighter against the Christian faith and against Charlemagne. On the occasion of his conversion, the sculptor Walter Kruse created the Wittekind monument in 1959.

Contemporary history, culinary delights, and Damenstift
Opposite the town hall, the market hall entices with culinary delights and shopping. A few steps away is the Herford Minster. The hall church is one of the largest late Romanesque churches in Westphalia. The Herford women's collegiate used the minster church for prayer. Since the women's collegiate achieved imperial independence, the Herford princess-abbesses were represented at the imperial diets of the Lower Rhenish-Westphalian Imperial Circle of the Holy Roman Empire. In addition, the women's collegiate was a member of the Rhenish Imperial Prelates' College and thus also participated in imperial diets.
Unfortunately, the women's collegiate fell apart and in 1803 passed to the Prussian County of Ravensberg. The conversion into a collegiate for men led to the dissolution of the women's collegiate.

American star architect Frank Gehry left his mark
Those who love the river can observe the confluence of the Aa into the Werre at Rischmüllerufer. And admire the opposite Marta Museum on the Aa banks. Star architect Frank Gehry designed this chic building, which houses changing art exhibitions.
In Brüderstraße, not far from the Aa, you will see unique half-timbered buildings. Particularly, house No. 26 is worth a look. It is one of the most artistically rich late Gothic half-timbered houses in Westphalia.

From the Hanseatic city to Bad Salzuflen
After the eventful bike excursion through Herford, we let our impressions pass in review on the ground-level, popular bike path along the Werre. It is also nice to watch the numerous paddlers on the Werre who come towards us.
Back in the holiday region of Bad Salzuflen, we enjoy refreshing drinks and the rich, tasty cuisine during a break. We are happy to soon get back on the bike with you for an unforgettable bike tour or to embark on one of the popular hiking trails in the region.