Blueberry Route (formerly Bear Stone Route)

Externsteine, a rock formation made of Osningsandstone, is an impressive natural and cultural monument. It was formed in the lower Cretaceous period as a layer of sediment from a sea. About 80 million years ago, the layer was vertically folded due to crustal movements. The softer rocks were washed away by water and wind, leaving only the hard sandstone that now rises with its distinctive curves. In the area of Bärenstein, the path leads over its heights with impressive open mixed forests paired with blueberry and heath areas, various benches invite you to take breaks to enjoy the beauty and special features of flora and fauna. The gnarled oaks of the pasture forests are witnesses of time, as even in the 20th century, the livestock of the population of Holzhausen was herded here. Along a tributary of the Wiembecke, one can immerse oneself in complete tranquility and only listen to the birds' songs. Kickenhagen is a twin brother of Bärenstein, characterized by beautiful mountain heath landscapes. Here too, the livestock of neighboring communities was herded. Today, the sheep and goats of the Biologische Station Lippe keep the heath areas clear. In the protection of the forest, there are more rocks of the Externsteine. The path leads downhill to the Externsteine and offers a different, but beautiful perspective. The nature reserve of Schiepstein borders the Upper Pond with the Externsteine and the Lower Pond near the parking lot. These are connected by the biotope-like course of the Wiembecke. Various waterfowl find their home at both ponds, and the grey heron also likes to pay a visit to the ponds.