Relaxation through exertion: My hike from the Externsteine to the Hermann Monument
Do you know that feeling when you need to recharge your mental batteries? I did just that and hiked from the Externsteine to the Hermann Monument. Join me on my journey through beautiful heathland, past impressive rock formations and picturesque villages in the Teutoburg Forest.
Maybe you know the feeling: You work day in and day out, and sometimes you just need to recharge your mental batteries. And what better way to do that than by pushing yourself to the absolute limit? There are probably smarter ways to do it, but for me, it always helps a lot.
The same thing happened on April 6th, a Saturday. My wife had other plans (she was attending a bachelorette party), so I decided to use the day to hike from the Externsteine to the Hermann Monument. The weather was good, my mood was good, and so I set off in the morning for the trailhead parking lot, about a kilometer from the Externsteine (because it's free).
After the first few steps, I already noticed that I was a bit out of shape. But once my energy levels had "warmed up," things went really well, and after about a kilometer, I arrived above the Externsteine. From here, you have a fantastic view of the surrounding area and, since it was still quite early in the day, also a view of the deserted meadows in front of the impressive rocks.
It's really exciting to see the Externsteine, which are usually very crowded. Of course, I also took the opportunity to take some photos, as I do pretty much every time I'm here…
By now I was warmed up and continued on my way towards Holzhausen. After about 3.5 km, I passed through the small village and was pleased to see other hikers. I took every opportunity to snap a few photos. The scenery was certainly picturesque. The trail is quite challenging due to the distance and incline, but that's exactly what I need.
Throughout the entire distance, there are repeated views of the surrounding villages, which somehow appear quite charming in the Teutoburg Forest and through which I also pass.
At one point, I trusted my hiking app a little too much and found myself on an overgrown path just before Berlebeck, which runs above the "Geisterschlucht" (Ghost Gorge), an old quarry – until I came across a "proper" path again. Here's a little tip: If the path looks like it's no longer intact, then maybe just take a different route... Perhaps for next time.
It's a lovely feeling to remember other hikes when I revisit certain sections. For example, a few years ago we hiked through Berlebeck in pouring rain and took shelter in the church to wait it out – really annoying at the time, of course, but a great story in retrospect. Luckily, the sun is shining this time!
Back on the hiking trail: Passing the bird park, the path slowly climbs uphill towards the Hermann Monument. I'm increasingly noticing that the temperature, the distance, and the incline are taking their toll, but I continue on my way. Goal: A cold, non-alcoholic pilsner at the Hermann Monument's restaurant.
And after about 10 kilometers, I finally made it – I arrived at the Hermann Monument parking lot. From here, the path leads past the open-air stage and through the climbing park to the monument. There were already quite a few people around. Now I really wanted to put my plan into action – a cold pilsner with a view of… Well – what can I say? On April 6, 2024, there was a lot of construction going on at the Hermann Monument – so much, in fact, that I decided against having a pilsner there. Instead, feeling a bit disappointed and tired, I sat on a bench at the bus stop and ate the sandwich I had brought with me.
I'm now considering the easiest way to get back to the Externsteine – taxi? Bus? The tourist bus line is unfortunately no longer running… Should I get someone to pick me up? Ultimately, I wanted to prove to myself that I could manage this hike in the other direction as well, so after my break I set off again on foot towards the Externsteine.
I deliberately chose a different route, as I naturally wanted to gather a few other impressions. After a total of 16 kilometers, I also passed a beautiful patch of forest. Here, the forest floor was covered with moss, and the fir trees were a vibrant green.
After about 20 kilometers, I was “finally” back on the path that leads straight to the Externsteine – I had almost made it. My legs were trembling, my water supply was practically empty, and all I wanted to do was go home – exactly as I had imagined.
From there it was "only" three kilometers to the car – I ran into a colleague by chance and we walked a few meters together. The Externsteine were quite crowded again, but I treated myself to a few minutes on the grass in front of the rock formation and recharged my batteries.
After about seven hours and more than 23 kilometers, I was happy and exhausted.
Take a look at the route!
Click on the images to enlarge them.