Soleweg - Südlicher Rundkurs

On the trail of white gold

The fascination of nature is clearly demonstrated on this cycle tour. From nature reserves, to hilly, natural meadows and forests, to the underground brine streams, you will discover places with natural healing springs and contrasting landscapes on the southern brine route.

The approximately 36 km long circular tour initially leads through the landscaped garden to the Gustav Horstmann thermal spring. From here, the landscape opens up into the open and the salt meadows spread out. We turn left for a gentle ascent along a footpath and cycle path to Alte Vlothoer Straße.

From Hühnerwiem to the Feldsteinkirche

At the Vierenberg we come across the well-known Hühnerwiem rest area. Golden yellow grain fields lie to the left and we cycle over gentle hills through small hamlets to Giershagen. Turning right, we reach the Römerweg, which continues to the left, after a few short steps. We make rapid progress on the well-maintained country road. Before you reach the village of Bergkirchen, it is worth taking a look to the right towards the edge of the forest. The typical Lippe half-timbered building of the fieldstone church shines in the forest backdrop and the play of colors invites you to stop for a photo.

Special boundary stones in the Lipperland

After some rural farms and hamlets are behind us, after three kilometers east of Wüsten, we see a worthwhile boundary stone with a Lippe rose in Pillenbruch.

The rose consists of five red petals, five golden yellow sepals and a golden yellow slug, the seed capsule. The 16 municipalities in the district of Lippe are symbolized by 16 points around the seed capsule.
The Lippe rose is also included in a slightly modified form in the coat of arms of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, below the symbols for the Rhine and the horse.

Nature and healing springs close at hand

The next few kilometers of the cycle route pass close to the Bonstapel (335 m) and through several nature reserves, such as the Großer Selberg (275 m) and Kleiner Selberg (272 m).
The wet meadows and moorland as far as Valdorf-Vlotho offer natural healing springs, which are still used today in the Bad Senkelteich and Bad Seebruch country spas. The Linnenbeeke river accompanies our cycle route between the two spas. To the left is the shady and attractive spa park with a playground, walking paths and places to linger.

A worthwhile detour to the Weser

After reaching the northernmost point of the cycle tour in Valdorf-Vlotho, adventurous cyclists can take a detour through the charming town centre of Vlotho to the Weser floodplains. There are also valuable nature reserves on the banks of the river.
Back in Valdorf-Vlotho, we cycle towards Bad Salzuflen through the Glimke nature reserve.

Romantic stream valleys near Bad Salzuflen

At the height of the wild and romantic Finnebach valley, we reach the former narrow-gauge railway line as we cycle along. It runs parallel to Extersche Straße.
Along the salt meadows, the cycle path leads smoothly through the fairytale-like Salzetal valley back to the Kurparksee lake and the VitaSol thermal spa on the right.
After an eventful cycle tour along the brine cycle path, it is worth visiting the popular restaurants in Salzuflen or spending a few relaxing hours at the VitaSol thermal spa.