RI5 - Three-Castle Route

The already for the third time in a row (for the first time in spring 2016) certified short quality hiking trail in the category "dream tour" leads you to three castles in the Weser Uplands, which are quite different in terms of their history and appearance:

The highest castle, the Paschenburg, is actually not a real castle, but a former forester's house. Meanwhile, it has been converted into a restaurant. From here you have a magnificent view over the lake plateau of the many gravel pits between Kleinenwieden and Großenwieden, to the Rumbecker Berg and over the Weser Valley.

The other two castles are "real" medieval castles, but only the Schaumburg on the Nesselberg still stands almost completely. The Osterburg on the southwest slope of the Oberberg, on the other hand, is marked by destruction and decay. Only a plaque and the different elevations in the landscape remind of the location of a castle.

The present appearance of Schaumburg Castle is thanks to Prince Georg of Schaumburg-Lippe, who received it as a gift from Emperor Wilhelm II in 1907. The 30m high gate tower can be climbed. The Hotel-Restaurant Schaumburger Ritter in front of Schaumburg Castle invites you to coffee and cake.

The circular hike leads from the pass where Osterburg was located, over the ridge of the Oberberg to Paschenburg and then back in the opposite direction below the steep slope. Along the way, you will also pass the Springsteine, protected as a natural monument, as well as the legendary "Mäumkeloch". The trail boasts a very diverse and interesting flora.

Route: Burg Schaumburg - Deckbergen - Osterburg - Springsteine - Weser Uplands ridge - Paschenburg - Rohdental - Burg Schaumburg