Eringerfeld: Castle History and Forest Trails

In the Geseke district of Eringerfeld, architectural history meets woodland scenery. Eringerfeld Castle has a rich history, while seven marked circular hiking trails pass through a variety of landscapes. Whether you are mainly interested in the castle, trails of different lengths or protected woodland areas, these topics provide a specific starting point for your search for accommodation.

Eringerfeld Castle and its architectural history

Eringerfeld Castle is a moated castle and a multi-wing complex arranged around a central courtyard of honour. Built as an early Baroque palace, it was constructed from 1676 to 1699 on the walls of an older castle complex. During this period, the cathedral canons Johann Gottfried and Rhabanus Christoph von Hörde had the castle rebuilt as a family endowment. The Capuchin friar and architect Ambrosius von Oelde and the master builder Jobst Scheck from Störmede were involved in the construction.

The castle chapel was consecrated as early as 1661 and is the oldest part of the castle. This means the building’s history reaches back to a structure that predates the early Baroque complex. Eringerfeld Castle has been listed as a historic monument since 1983 and is also regarded as a notable example of Baroque architecture in Westphalia-Lippe. The Eringerfeld Cross also commemorates an event in the village’s history: it was erected in memory of the difficult birth of Anna Elisabeth Freiin von Ketteler on 22 March 1882.

Circular hiking trails and finding your way around the village

There are seven developed and marked circular hiking trails of varying lengths within an area measuring 3 × 3 kilometres. Arranged like the petals of a rosette around the village centre, they all start at the wayside cross in the middle of the village. This shared starting point makes it easier to find your way; you can choose a route based on the distance you want to walk.

Some of the circular trails pass a castle, follow old stands of trees along the edge of the forest, and cross woods and meadows to reach the romantically wild valley of the Westerschledde nature reserve. The routes offer a variety of landscapes, but they are not all the same length or follow the same sections. Check the latest route information before setting out.

Woodlands and protected landscapes

The Eringerfeld Forest, northwest of Eringerfeld, forms a large, contiguous woodland area in the Geseke Börde. The “Eringerfelder Wald und Proevenholz” Special Area of Conservation (SAC) lies between Eringerfeld and Prövenholz and comprises two large, species-rich woodland areas on Cretaceous marl. In its western sub-area, the Eringerfeld Forest, beech forests with woodruff are found.

The “Eringerfelder Wald-Sued” nature reserve is also characterised by woodland: it encompasses a large limestone woodland complex and woodruff beech forests in a variety of site conditions. Near-natural spring areas, as well as stream and valley sections, are also part of this protected area. The Westerschledde and Ruthenbach streams run from south to north through the SAC; in some sections, they are near-natural watercourses that periodically dry up. The Westerschledde also crosses the “Eringerfelder Wald-Sued” nature reserve from south to north and carries water only at certain times.

More things to discover in Geseke

Geseke also offers cultural attractions and activities for families. The city’s “Discover Geseke for Kids” programme takes children on a tour of the city. The Hellweg Museum has geological, prehistoric and cultural history collections. Those interested in the Way of St James will find another historical connection in Geseke: the route follows the Hellweg and crosses the old rampart, which still completely encircles the old town.

At the “Mythos Stein” quarry park, an area of around seven hectares is open to the public. A gently sloping ramp about 700 metres long leads there and is also suitable for visitors with disabilities; check the latest access conditions before travelling. From a safe vantage point in the theme park, visitors can watch limestone extraction—from blasting and loading to transporting the raw material to the neighbouring cement works.

Find accommodation to suit your interests

This way, you can start your search with a clear idea of what you would like to discover.

Back to the main travel overview: Geseke.