Hiddesen: Moor, Hermannsdenkmal and Hiking Trails

Discover Hiddesen through two distinctive highlights: the protected Hiddeser Bent and the Hermannsdenkmal on the Grotenburg. When choosing accommodation, consider whether nature and hiking or monument history and experiences should be the focus of your stay.

Moorland and trails around Hiddesen

The Hiddeser Bent is an active hillside bog in the Teutoburg Forest. Rare bog plants characterize this protected natural area, and an observation platform on its northern edge offers sweeping views across the moor. The KlimaErlebnisRoute 1 “Hiddeser Bent” is an easy, 9.65-kilometre regional hiking trail. As route information may change, check the trail details before setting out.

The Donoper Teich also combines landscape and history: it was created in 1641 as a watering place for horses by damming the Hasselbach stream in Hiddesen Forest. Birdwatching excursions in and around Hiddesen offer the chance to spot many different species; check dates and availability in advance. Another trail leads from the Haus des Gastes in Hiddesen along a direct, steep hollow way for the final stretch through the Heidental to the Dreiflussstein. The return route runs below the Bielsteinsender transmitter and offers a view of Hermann’s face. As trail conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Bus connections and the final stretch on foot

Bus routes 703 and 704 connect Hiddesen with Detmold city centre. To reach the Hiddeser Bent, take route 704 from Detmold railway station to the “Sternschanze” stop. The Hermannsdenkmal requires different travel planning: bus services reach the neighbouring districts of Hiddesen and Heiligenkirchen-Schling; from there, it is about two kilometres uphill on foot. Check connections before your journey so you can include this walking distance in your plans.

Hermannsdenkmal: history and visitor information

The Hermannsdenkmal stands on the 386-metre-high Grotenburg in Hiddesen. It was built to commemorate the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. Please note that the panoramic viewing platform is accessible only by a steep spiral staircase with 100 steps.

At HERMANNEUM, digital applications and a widescreen cinema present the history of the monument and its inspiration, Arminius. A multitouch table offers another way to explore the subject with the family game “Hermann Defender,” which is about protecting the Hermannsdenkmal. Exhibition content may change. If you would like to combine your visit with some activity, there is a climbing park at the Hermannsdenkmal with more than 80 climbing stations across six courses of varying difficulty and height. Three Bambini courses are designed for children aged three and older who are no taller than 130 centimetres. The park operates seasonally; check the details before your visit.

Hiking and events

The European long-distance trails E1 and R1 cross at the WALK by the Hermannsdenkmal. Located near Detmold, the WALK hiking centre of excellence offers exhibitions and events about nature, the region and hiking. Another long-distance hiking option is Stage 8 of the Hermannshöhen: it starts in the centre of Oerlinghausen and ends at the Hermannsdenkmal in Hiddesen. The open-air stage at the Hermannsdenkmal has 999 seats and a mobile stage for a variety of event formats. You can explore hiking, exhibitions and event venues as distinct interests, without combining every theme into a single outing.

Culture in the wider destination of Detmold

The wider destination of Detmold offers additional cultural attractions in their own right. Detmold Princely Residence Palace is a Weser Renaissance-style castle in the heart of Detmold. Falkenburg Castle near Detmold-Berlebeck was built in 1194 or 1195 by Bernhard II zur Lippe and his son Hermann II. Its ruins evoke a medieval hilltop castle, complete with a curtain wall, keep, palas, outer bailey and zwinger. The Die Falkenburg e.V. association offers guided tours; check availability before your visit.

At the LWL Open-Air Museum Detmold, a blacksmith, baker, weaver, miller and potter demonstrate traditional techniques in historic workshops. The demonstration programme may change. The palace, hilltop castle and workshops each highlight different aspects of architecture, history and craftsmanship. You can therefore choose where to stay based on the subjects that interest you most, alongside Hiddesen’s moorland and hiking experiences.

For the wider travel overview: Detmold.