The stage at a glance:
1. Short stage route
The stage starts at the "Kaffeemühle" viewpoint, which you can reach via an access path from the train station through the town center with its completely enclosed church square. You reach Bielefeld via Steinhagen on the Kammweg. After passing the Hünenburg castle on Bielefeld's Johannisberg, the route takes you down the Osning Pass until you reach your destination - the Sparrenburg in Bielefeld.
2. Length of the stage in kilometers / altitude difference / route character
The stage is about 17 kilometers long and has an altitude difference of about 375 meters. The route is moderate and undulating overall.
3. Scenic features
On this stage, you hike along the narrow ridge of the Teutoburg Forest and can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Once you reach Sparrenburg Castle, you will be rewarded with a particularly beautiful panoramic view.
Highlights on the route
- The Schwedenschanze is a historic fort from the 17th century. It once served as a defensive structure during the Thirty Years' War and is home to a small restaurant, which is open at weekends in good weather. From here, you can see the Wiehen and Weser mountains in the distance.
- The Olderdissen Animal Park directly on the Hermannsweg is a popular excursion destination for families. Here you can experience around 450 animals of 100 different species in a natural environment. The zoo is open all year round and there is no admission charge.
- The Bielefeld Farmhouse Museum is the oldest open-air museum in Westphalia. A small, cozy museum where you can visit historic half-timbered houses and learn more about life in the countryside in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- You can reach the old town of Bielefeld via Winzker's Garten on the Johannisberg. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of your destination, Sparrenburg Castle.
- Sparrenburg Castle in Bielefeld is one of the city's most famous landmarks. It was built in the 13th century and once served as a fortress and residence for the counts of Bielefeld. It is worth taking a guided tour through the casemates and climbing the tower. But beware: The bats must not be disturbed in winter, so guided tours are not possible from November to March.
A wonderful alternative interactive tour map can be found here
