Hermannshöhen - Etappe 07 von Bielefeld nach Oerlinghausen

Please note: Lämershagener Straße (A2 bridge) is closed until the beginning of September due to renovation work - the detour is not yet marked. → Info & map here: Hermannsweg route reports

The stage at a glance:

1ststart and finish point of the stage

The stage begins at Sparrenburg Castle in Bielefeld and ends in the town of Oerlinghausen.

2.length of the stage in kilometers / altitude / route character
The stage runs for around 15 kilometers and has an altitude difference of around 300 meters. The route offers moderate ascents and descents.

3.special landscape features
The stage leads mainly through wooded areas, which offer pleasant shade on warm summer days. From the Bielefeld promenade, you have sweeping views over the city. Did you know? The first section of the Kammweg from Sparrenburg Castle is called "Promenade".

Highlights on the route

• Sparrenburg Castle in Bielefeld is an imposing castle complex dating back to the 13th century. It is enthroned on a hill above the old town. The castle is Bielefeld's landmark and one of the most popular excursion destinations in the region. It is worth visiting the information center at the castle and the Anna & Hermann listening station just outside the castle grounds on the promenade.

• The "Iron Anton" is one of the few metal Bismarck towers, built in 1895 and faithfully restored in 2003. The observation tower is located to the east of Bielefeld on the Ebberg on the Hermannsweg and offers a view to the north and south over the Teutoburg Forest.

• The Romanesque Alexanderkirche in Oerlinghausen is a church worth seeing in the heart of the old town. The organ with its carved organ case from 1688, the colorful stained glass windows in the choir and the oldest bell in the parish from 1547 deserve special attention.