Obernkirchen: Dinosaur Footprints, Sculptures and History

Obernkirchen can be explored through very different traces: from dinosaur footprints and art in public spaces to buildings and themes from industrial history. The landscape is part of the experience, too. Depending on whether you are particularly interested in nature, culture or both, you can tailor the focus of your stay accordingly.

Dinosaur Footprints and Nature Along the Trail

The Dinosaur Footprints nature trail brings several themes together: nine information stations cover dinosaurs, forests, nature and sandstone quarrying. So, alongside the footprints, the landscape and its different themes are also in focus. A ramp leads to the footprint slab and is suitable for visitors with a stroller or walking aid. If you have specific mobility requirements, check the conditions on site. Near the slab, the former Bremsschacht 7 building now serves as a bat roost.

The trails also offer different landmarks. The starting points of the 2-Bäche-Weg are connected to Sonnenbrinkbad and the car park at the golf course. On the mountain tour, the Bismarkeiche viewpoint looks out over the Schaumburg Forest and the Wiehen Hills. This gives you both a trail with named starting points and a viewpoint with a clearly described outlook to consider when planning.

Building History, Art and Sandstone

One distinctive building is the Schafstall: this grain store was incorporated into the wall of Obernkirchen Abbey around 1350. Its approximate date and former function give it a different historical focus from the later industrial sites. The sculpture trail offers another way to experience the town. It runs through Obernkirchen and features works created during nine sculpture symposia. For art enthusiasts, it brings together artworks in public spaces and a look at the results of several symposia.

The museum also incorporates the Bornemann locksmith’s workshop from 1830, the historic garden of the Brockmann family, and the old watermill on the Aue in Vehlen into its exhibitions around the town. These examples range from craftsmanship to a family garden and a watermill. Obernkirchen sandstone is another theme: it was used in Minden Cathedral, Cologne Cathedral and the Peace Palace in The Hague. The story of the sandstone can thus also be linked to significant buildings outside Obernkirchen.

Landscape and Traces of Industry

The approximately 25-kilometre Schaumburger Land Industrial History cycle route visits former industrial sites and traces more than 500 years of coal mining. Along the way, there are repeated views across the wide Schaumburg Plain. The route, its length, mining history and landscape views offer a different perspective from a walk through town. The entrance to the Liethstollen dates from 1902; the briquette factory dates from 1906. The golf course in the Liethbach valley offers expansive views across the North German Plain. As conditions at the course may change, check them before your visit.

Schaumburg as a Wider Area to Explore

The broader Schaumburg destination opens up views of further landscapes and places to visit. Schaumburg district can be reached by car, train and even by boat via the Mittelland Canal. A major east-west rail line runs through the district; stations are located in Stadthagen and Bückeburg, with smaller stations in Lindhorst and Kirchhorsten. In the northeast, the district borders Lake Steinhude near Hagenburg, while the Weser and the Weser Uplands shape the landscape in the south. The highest elevation in the district is 378 metres above sea level, in the Goldbeck district of the town of Rinteln.

The Weser Renaissance Route serves as a guide for art and history enthusiasts. Nature lovers can find two circular trails, 1.7 and 2.3 kilometres long, at the Liekwegen Old Quarry. At five stations currently, visitors can learn about the importance of the quarry habitat and its biodiversity. The two trail lengths offer a practical comparison if you are planning how much time to set aside for a walk.

Choose the Right Focus When Looking for Accommodation

When looking for accommodation, you can start by considering which themes you want your trip to centre on: dinosaur footprints and landscape, art and local history, or other places to visit across the wider Schaumburg destination. Choose where to stay based on the mix you want. This helps you distinguish Obernkirchen’s own attractions from possible regional additions as you plan.

Discover more destinations: Schaumburg, Bad Eilsen, Lüdersfeld, Haste, Bückeburg, Wölpinghausen, Auhagen, Rinteln.

Back to the broader travel overview: Schaumburg.