Extertal – Hiking, castle and sweeping views

Lippe’s cultural landscape and lush nature meet in Extertal. Those who want to explore the outdoors will find around 250 kilometres of marked hiking trails here. The options range from trails with a theme of their own to routes connecting several villages or offering sweeping views. The route you choose can shape the character of your holiday days – from views of the landscape and viewpoints to a trail with a distinctive history.

Hiking trails with their own character

Marketing Extertal e.V. has established twelve themed trails in collaboration with local village communities and heritage associations. One long-distance route is the 74-kilometre Hansaweg (X9): This historic trade route is certified as a quality hiking trail, passes through the northern Lippe municipality of Extertal and leads through Ostwestfalen-Lippe into the Weser Uplands. When choosing between a themed trail and a longer route, the character of the trail and its length offer different points of reference. You should check the individual trail conditions on site.

The five-kilometre Schnattergang is also known as the “Wundersame Wesen Weg” (Wonderful Creatures Trail). Colourful, artistically designed and clearly marked signposts are part of its distinctive character. The Wilddiebsroute in Extertal-Silixen offers a different historical focus: it follows in the footsteps of the Silixen poachers and timber thieves and is certified as a “quality trail”. The “Über Berg und Tal durchs Extertal” (Across Hills and Valleys through Extertal) adventure tour connects numerous villages in the municipality. It starts and ends in Bösingfeld and offers views across Extertal and the Weser Uplands, both nearby and in the distance.

Sternberg Castle and sweeping views

Sternberg Castle is a hilltop castle in the municipality of Extertal, at an elevation of 315 metres. Today, it is used for a variety of purposes: cultural events, with a focus on music, as well as seminars, workshops and private celebrations. The event programme may change. The Sounding Museum at Sternberg Castle displays instruments from the Peter Harlan collection. The castle thus brings together a range of cultural interests in one place.

Another destination for views across the landscape is Hohe Asch. It is 371 metres high; the observation tower there has a viewing platform 12 metres above the ground. On a clear day, views extend as far as Porta Westfalica with the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument, the ridge of the Teutoburg Forest with the Hermannsdenkmal, Köterberg, the North Lippe Uplands and the Weser Uplands. When planning your trip, these views and the hiking trails can offer different focuses, without limiting you to just one way of enjoying the outdoors.

Another perspective on the landscape

The Draisinenspaß route begins in Rinteln/Süd and runs through Extertal to Alverdissen, a district of Barntrup. Along the way, gentle rolling hills, meadows and small villages shape the scenery. Operating rules depend on the season or timetable, so check the current travel options when planning this trip.

The wider Lippe travel destination also offers an extensive hiking network: Lippe’s hiking trail network covers around 2,000 kilometres. It includes part of European long-distance path E1, as well as the award-winning “Hermannshöhen” and “Hansaweg” hiking trails. This regional perspective complements the choice in Extertal, where themed trails, a hilltop castle and viewpoints each offer their own reasons to visit.

Find accommodation to suit your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Extertal, you can start by considering which experiences you want to shape your trip: hiking trails and landscapes, culture at Sternberg Castle, views from Hohe Asch, or a combination of these. Looking at specific routes can help you organise your interests; individual trails are subject to their respective conditions on site.

Discover more destinations: Laßbruch, Leopoldshöhe, Lage, Kalletal, Oerlinghausen, Dörentrup, Blomberg, Lügde.

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