Viaduct Hiking Trail
The perfect route for railway enthusiasts
A route where the railway is the star attraction: the Viadukt-Wanderweg (Viaduct Hiking Trail) rewards hikers with spectacular views of the impressive stone structure.
Among railway enthusiasts, Altenbeken at the gateway to the Egge Hills in the Teutoburg Forest is renowned as a true jewel of railway history: an increasing number of visitors from all over Germany and Europe come here to explore the town’s long-standing railway tradition. Visible traces include the impressive railway viaduct – the largest stone railway bridge in Europe – as well as station buildings, the triangular junction and the 044-series museum steam engine in the centre of the town.
The Viadukt-Wanderweg (Viaduct Hiking Trail) runs for around 30 kilometres around Altenbeken and offers a fantastic way to experience both nature and the history of the railway. All along the route, hikers will get fantastic views of the mighty railway viaduct. An evening visit is particularly worthwhile for camera-at-the ready views of the illuminated viaduct, which is transformed into a work of lightart. Impressive shots can be captured at any time of the day from a viewing platform above the viaduct.
Other interesting sights await further along the route, including the “baby brother” of the Altenbeken viaduct. Known as the Little Viaduct, it spans the Dune Valley in no less spectacular fashion. Crossing the railway line through a tunnel of around 200 metres in length can be an exciting experience – especially for kids.
As well as adventure and spectacular views, this hike through the Teutoburg Forest also has plenty of places to stop for a break, such as farm cafés or a beer garden in a former monastery.
The German Hiking Association (DWV) has already awarded the “Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland” seal of quality to the Viaduct Hiking Trail a number of times.