Durch Obernberg und Finnebachtal - Wanderweg 6

A sporty circular tour through forests, meadows and up the Obernberg

The view sweeps from the Kurparksee lake over the Arm-Kneipp pool to the tree-lined path through the landscaped garden. The lake is a hive of activity, people stroll along the shore or sit on the comfortable loungers.

The approximately 10 km long hiking trail initially runs through the landscaped garden and branches off uphill from the VitaSol Therme in the direction of Obernberg. At the VitaSol Therme parking lot, we cross Extersche Straße and follow a forest path to the last rows of houses in the housing estate.

On arrival at the Obernberg parking lot, we enjoy the view over the rooftops and turn our attention to the Salzufler Stadtforst and the Obernberg. A gentle, straight ascent leads up to the Obernberg (210 m).

On reaching the Obernberg, green shrubs and ground-covering plants accompany the hiking trail.

Crossing into the Herford city forest to the viaduct

A hiking and cycling bridge leads over the highway and takes nature lovers into the Herford city forest. The hiking trail winds its way north parallel to the highway.

The Finnebachtal bridge built from red Eifel sandstone soon appears. Built in 1938 and 1939, it was widened to 38 m after 57 years as part of the expansion of the A2. It is an architectural masterpiece and has been a listed monument since 1988.

After a photo break at the viaduct, we stroll gently downhill along the idyllic forest path. At the southern edge of the Heerhof golf course, we hear the occasional golf swing and birds chirping in the trees.

Through shady deciduous forest into the romantic Finnebach valley

The hiking trail continues through the shady beech and deciduous forest in the Finnebach valley.

At the rustic and cozy forest restaurant "Zur Loose", you can enjoy a leisurely snack or a tasty lunch as well as a round of mini golf in the shady forest.

Well fortified, the hiking trail follows parallel to Extersche Strasse, the former railway line. We immerse ourselves in the lush green of the landscaped garden again. Surrounded by old plane trees, we walk through the interesting and varied Salzetal valley.

On the way, we come across the memorial stone for Sebastian Kneipp and enjoy the bird aviaries and the birds' busy chirping.

Why bees are so important to us

We read exciting background information about bees on information boards. How important pollination by bees is for the distribution of food, more about the different bee species or their behavior.

Refreshment at the Kneipp foot basin in the landscape garden

In the landscape garden, next to the meditation circle, there is a soothing foot Kneipp basin. We take advantage of this pleasant refreshment in the Storchengang after the interesting hike over the Obernberg and through the Finnebach valley.
Only a few more steps lie ahead of us and we reach our destination on the northern shore of the Kurparksee lake.

Take advantage of Bad Salzufel's restaurants to round off the day's hiking or relax on a lounger by the salt water in the colourful Kurpark.