On the border between Lippe and Prussia - hiking trail 4

Experience free views between border stones and lush beech forests
First, we stroll leisurely along the Kurparksee until we reach the VitaSol Therme. We cross the street at the parking lot and take the gently rising forest path to the Obernbergparkplatz. Among sturdy trees, we experience a soothing ascent in the greenery. On the left-hand side, the last houses lie at the edge of the forest, and hikers enjoy a wide view over the municipality of Bad Salzuflen between the forest and open fields.

On the approximately 10 km long hiking trail, we discover several excellent viewpoints.
Silent, fairytale-like forest ponds
In the shade of giant trees and on soft forest floor, the landscape passes by. After about three kilometers, we reach the underpass of the highway bridge and turn right onto the following hiking trail.
To the left, the narrow stream bed of the Steinsieksbach follows. The stream originates in the Salzufler Stadtforst, above the Herford animal park.

For a short stretch of the path, we hike parallel to the highway through a natural, green hiking area.

At the level of the Kellerteiche, the hiking trail again changes sides of the highway through an underpass. From here, we immerse ourselves in the lush green city forest of Bad Salzuflen and deeply explore border paths. The forest climate is a refreshing change in midsummer and a pleasant sight for the eyes in winter.
Following the traces of the border
Along the following section of the path, border stones line up like pearls on a string. The Lippe Rose on the front side is worth seeing. But taking a look at the back, in addition to the Ravensburger Sparren, you also discover the Prussian Eagle.
On historic monastery grounds
We now head towards Seligenwörden, below the Heerhofer golf course. This area belonged to the Amtshof Seligenwörden. Previously, this land belonged to the Damenstift Herford.

For a few hundred meters, we experience the wild and overgrown Finnebachtal by turning right. Although the Finnebach sometimes carries little water, it is still a very valuable landscape conservation area. Along the way, we can still spot some remarkable border stones. They used to mark the border of Lipperland with the counties of Ravensberg and Prussia.

On the right side of the path, on tree trunks and the newly erected hiking trail signs, we follow the "4" and hike on a gently rising forest path.
On the left, a golf course accompanies us. Over it, wide views open up into the distance towards the Weserbergland.
To the listed farmhouse castle
The hiking trail leads to the grounds of the Schwaghof with a remarkable farmhouse castle. The Schwaghof estate belongs to the former farmstead of Seligenwörden.
In the early days, there was an excursion restaurant at Gut Schwaghof, later a luxury hotel was built. The latter was closed in November 2016.

From the hiking trail, the two-story farmhouse castle, with walls about a meter thick, is still visible. Since 1989, the Schwaghof farmhouse castle has been protected as a historical monument.

The Schwaghof farmhouse castle served as a granary and a refuge during raids for a long time.

After a break on this historic ground, we take the descent of the hiking trail back to the Kurparksee. On the left, we can observe the activity on the golf course, and on the right, views open up to colorful meadows and through shady woods.
Arm baths have a holistic beneficial effect
For the final leg of the hiking trail, refreshing views of the Kurparksee await. We dip our arms into the Kneipp arm basin and enjoy a rest on the popular high benches in the landscape garden. With our legs dangling, we reminisce about the hike and enjoy the rest of the day with a trip to the culinary delights of Bad Salzuflen. Whether a charming restaurant, cozy beer garden, or comfortable café, there is a fine favorite spot for every gourmet.