Hermannshöhen - Stage 09 from the Hermannsdenkmal via the Externsteine to Leopoldstal

Please note: Directly below the Hermann Monument, there is a detour due to construction work. The diversion is signposted on site. You can find a map at www.hermannshöhen.de under "Aktuelles".
The stage at a glance:

1. Start and finish point of the stage
The stage starts at the Hermann Monument and ends in Leopoldstal.

2. Length of the stage in kilometers / altitude meters / route character
The stage is approximately 17 km long with an altitude difference of about 550 m. The route character is mostly flat or gently hilly with some short but steep sections.

3. Landscaping highlights
This stage leads you along the widening ridge of the southern Teutoburg Forest and passes the transition to the Egge Mountains at Velmerstot. At the foot of the mountain range, the vast sandy and heathland of Senne stretches out. At the foot of the legendary Externsteine begins the Eggeweg, which mostly runs parallel to the Hermannsweg until the end of stage 09. Before climbing the Lippe Velmerstot, the path goes through the Silberbachtal along the Silberbach stream. At the end of the stage is the Lippe Velmerstot - a barren peak with a rugged rock landscape.

Please note: While the Eggeweg leads to the neighboring peak of the Prussian Velmerstot, the Hermannsweg leads down to Leopoldstal. An additional 2,200 meters must be calculated for the approach to Leopoldstal.

Highlights on the route
The Hermann Monument - the landmark of the Hermannshöhen: The 54 m high monument commemorates Hermann, the Cherusci warrior who won the Varus Battle against the Romans in 9 AD. Tip: From the viewing platform of the monument, you have a great view over the landscape.
The Teuto Climbing Park at the foot of the Hermann Monument in Detmold offers six different difficulty levels with more than 80 climbing stations. In the diverse world of ropes, trees, and platforms, all climbing enthusiasts will get their money's worth.
The historic old town of Detmold: Former residence city with the Residence Castle and the Westphalian Open-Air Museum.
The Berlebeck Eagle Observatory: Europe's most species-rich and oldest bird of prey observatory. Here you can experience 180 large and small birds of prey of various species. Tip: Be sure to visit the flight shows. Here you will learn interesting and entertaining facts about the observatory and the birds of prey living there from the falconers.
The Externsteine: The most significant natural and cultural monument in the Teutoburg Forest. Myths and legends surround the five vertically towering stones. Tip: Climbing the rocks is worth it. From the Externsteine, you have a beautiful panoramic view.
You can find a good interactive tour map here: