Silberbachtal & Eggeturm: A hike for heart and mind
Do you love genuine time out in nature? Then join me early in the morning through the Silberbach Valley, up to the Prussian and Lippe Velmerstot – with quiet moments, thorny adventures, and a magical view from the Egge Tower. A hike that lets you breathe – and truly does something to you.
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It's 6:30 a.m. when I pull into the trailhead parking lot at Silberbachtal. The sun is still low, the day's heat only hinted at. Today is supposed to be really hot – my plan: start early, avoid the crowds, and give my mental batteries a boost. And indeed: at kilometer 3.5, I realize for the first time just how much I needed this. The dense greenery thins out, the view opens up to Silberbachtal – and a stillness settles within me. I pause briefly, take a deep breath. Not even at the finish line, and yet I've already arrived.
Roots, water, thorns – and a brief curse
The path leads me past the babbling Silberbach mill, across a dry ford, and onto shady forest trails. Here, everyone knows each other, at least the spiders do. I walk through fine webs, make the acquaintance of various insects – and a thorny bush that lies right in my path. I curse under my breath, then laugh at myself. Anyone hiking this route should definitely pack long trousers. And a sense of adventure.
The Egge Tower – and the surprising bedroom
The final climb is steep. I keep stopping, not just because it's strenuous, but because the view is simply too beautiful. And then there it is: the Eggeturm tower. Newly reopened, finally accessible again after the fire in 2023. I think I'll be alone here at 8:00 a.m. Wrong.
I've barely stumbled through the bushes when I meet another hiker—and shortly after, a real curiosity: two people who have spent the night in the tower. Sleeping bags, backpacks, half a bedroom on the top platform. At first, it's strange. Then I manage to ask, "May I walk through your bedroom?"—we laugh, and suddenly it's just charming. I'm a little envious. I'm rarely this close to my own comfort zone.
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Vast open spaces, goats, and the memory of Hawaii
The view up here is magical. The clouds hang low, the wind whispers softly through the branches. For a moment, I feel like I did back then on Mauna Kea in Hawaii – except that today I'm holding a Corny bar instead of banana bread. I take a few photos, go over to the goats, and let my thoughts wander. There's space in my mind here. Space to see, to feel, to think.
Return journey with a favorite feeling
I continue on towards Lippische Velmerstot. Heathland, blueberries, the Senne heath – a picture-perfect landscape. The light shimmers through the leaves again and again, almost like early morning. On the way back, I see the Hermann Monument in the distance. And I know: This route is one of my favorite hikes in Lippe. Not spectacular in the guidebook sense, but full of atmosphere – and free of crowds.
After about seven kilometers, I'm back. Tired legs, but a clear head. Now for a leisurely breakfast – and then the day will really begin.
Hike to the Eggeturm tower – my tips for you
- Starting point: Hiking parking lot Silberbachtal
- Route: approx. 7 km circular route via Silberbachmühle, Preußisch and Lippische Velmerstot
- Best time: Early morning or evening – for mood of light and peace and quiet
- Equipment: Long trousers (for thorns and ticks), sufficient water, camera
- Highlight: View from the Eggeturm tower, especially when the clouds are low.