Hansaweg – Etappe 2 vom Sole-Heilbad Bad Salzuflen zur Hansestadt Herford

Background information on the Hansa Trail

The 75 km long qualified "Hansa Trail" follows historical paths along the old trade route of the Hanseatic towns of Hameln, Lemgo and Herford. In between are enchanted forests and lakes, culturally historic towns such as Bad Salzuflen or Aerzen and the Lippe mountains.

As early as 1930, hiking enthusiasts documented the long-distance hiking trail between Hameln and Herford. Since 2012, the Hansa Trail has been awarded the title "Quality Trail Wanderbares Deutschland".
 

Hansa Trail of 75 km in 6 stages

The most popular route starts in Herford for the first stage of around 11 km to Bad Salzuflen.

From Bad Salzuflen, the longest stage of 15 km takes you to the old Hanseatic town of Lemgo.

The third stage runs for 10 km to Dörentrup.

The fourth stage covers a good 13 km between Dörentrup and Extertal, crossing the state border into Lower Saxony.

The fifth section of the trail connects Extertal with Aerzen over around 14 km.

The sixth and final stage leads to the Pied Piper town of Hameln after a good 12 km.

The stages can be combined with other hikes, excursions or a mini-holiday in the forest, depending on your fitness level and preferences.

We recommend taking a snack and drinks with you on the way. At the finish - in Herford - a wide variety of restaurants awaits the hiker.

The ICE/IC train station Herford is only 7 minutes away by regional train from Bad Salzuflen station. 
From Bad Salzuflen station, electrically operated city bus lines of Stadtwerke Bad Salzuflen run to the market square (line no. 943). Bus route 942 continues in the direction of VitaSol Therme. The bus stop is located directly at the entrance to the thermal spa.

If you are traveling by car, leave the A2 at the Herford/Bad Salzuflen exit and continue on the B239 towards Bad Salzuflen. After a few hundred meters on the B239, turn left towards the Obernberg spa area. Then follow the signs for VitaSol Therme.

You will find a parking facility directly at the VitaSol Therme; alternatively, further parking facilities are available in the urban area of Bad Salzuflen

With the electric city buses, you can easily get to interesting starting points for hikes from Bad Salzuflen. Get more details on timetables, fares, etc. 

Experience varied landscapes, the hospitality of the people of Bad Salzufel, the adventure graduation works and the brine Kneipp experience in the spa gardens and landscaped gardens on the Hansa Trail.

Tip: If you want to follow the enchanted Bocksieksbach stream on another hike to the north-east, you will discover the idyllic, quiet Kellerteiche ponds and after a few kilometers you will come out in the wild and romantic Finnebach valley.

Along the hiking trail, you will pass the Restaurant Steinmeyer with a viewing terrace. The inviting view rewards every hiker and invites you to linger.

Wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the weather forecast.