Telegraph road

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17.86 km long
Difficulty: medium
condition: medium
Regional hiking trail
  • 04:44 h
  • 246 m
  • 207 m
  • 157 m
  • 323 m
  • 166 m
  • 17.86 km
  • Start: At telegraph station no. 32 near Oeynhausen
  • Destination: At telegraph station no. 30 on the Hungerberg near Marienmünster-Vörden
The Telegrafenweg connects the hist. Telegraph stations no. 30-Vörden, no. 31-Entrup and no. 32-Oeynhausen of the communication link between Berlin and Koblenz opened in 1884.

In 1833, the Prussian government issued an order to build an optical telegraph line from Berlin to Koblenz in order to provide a fast communication link. The telegraph line, which went into operation in 1834, consisted of 62 stations in particularly favorable topographical locations. A characteristic feature was the high mast with three double arms visible from afar. With the help of these so-called indicators, 1.5 to 2 characters per minute were transmitted to the next station, which was between 7.5 and 15 km away and usually located on a mountain. However, operation had to be stopped in fog or rain. After just 15 years, the entire optical telegraph line was shut down because electric telegraphy had been invented. The telegraph stations were demolished.

Newly erected observation towers at stations no. 30 and 32 provide a "view" of communication at that time. The rebuilt station no. 32 offers an insight into the life of the telegraph operator.

Good to know

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

The path is currently being revised and is marked with a standardized sign.

Tour information

  • Stop at an Inn

Directions & Parking facilities

Start at the hiking parking lot on the L755 (entrance to the Bilster Berg test track). Follow the N2a to the telegraph station

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At the end point: parking lot at Marienmünster Abbey or parking lot in the center of Marienmünster-Vörden.

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Take binoculars with you. The telegraph poles are difficult to see with the naked eye.

Map

Hiking in Nieheim (2015) - Available free of charge from the tourist office at Westfalen Culinarium Nieheim
Getting there
Telegraph road
33014 Bad Driburg