Hiddesen: Moor, Hiking Trails and the Hermann Monument

During a stay in Hiddesen, you can focus on nature, hiking or culture. Hiddeser Bent and the Hermann Monument represent different themes: a moorland landscape and rare plants on the one hand, and history and an exhibition at the monument on the other. If you are looking for a hotel in Hiddesen, plan your stay around what interests you most. Bus connections to Detmold are also useful to know about.

Moorland and Hiking Trails

Hiddeser Bent is a protected, active hillside bog in the Teutoburg Forest, home to rare bog plants. An observation platform at the northern edge of the bog offers sweeping views across it. The KlimaErlebnisRoute 1 “Hiddeser Bent” is an easy regional hiking trail, 9.65 kilometres long. Its length and difficulty rating give you a concrete basis for planning a hike.

Donoper Teich also brings nature and history together: it was created in 1641 as a watering place for horses by damming the Hasselbach stream in Hiddeser Wald. When choosing your excursions, you can take in different aspects of the landscape, from bog vegetation to the history of how a body of water was formed.

The Hermann Monument and HERMANNEUM

The Hermann Monument stands on the 386-metre-high Grotenburg in Hiddesen and was built to commemorate the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. The panoramic viewing platform is accessible only via a steep spiral staircase with 100 steps. You can take this access into account when planning your visit.

At HERMANNEUM, beside the Hermann Monument, digital exhibits and a widescreen cinema present the history of the monument and its inspiration, Arminius. The offerings also include the “Hermann Defender” multi-touch table, a family game about protecting the Hermann Monument. The content of the current visitor exhibition may change.

More Things to Do at the Hermann Monument

The climbing park at the Hermann Monument has more than 80 climbing stations across six courses of varying difficulty and height. Three Bambini courses are designed for children aged three and up, and up to 130 centimetres tall. The climbing park operates seasonally; details may change. Check current opening information and details about the Bambini courses before visiting.

WALK, the hiking centre near Detmold, offers exhibitions and events about nature, the region and hiking. The European long-distance trails E1 and R1 cross at WALK by the Hermann Monument. This makes it a place where information about hiking meets a specific trail junction.

Routes and Wildlife Spotting

The Dreiflussstein can be reached from the Haus des Gastes in Hiddesen via a direct holloway through the Heidental, which becomes steep towards the end. The return route runs below the Bielsteinsender and offers a view of Hermann’s face. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Birdwatching excursions in Hiddesen and the surrounding area offer the chance to spot many different bird species. Check the dates and availability of the current programme in advance.

Bus Connections in and around Hiddesen

Bus routes 703 and 704 connect Hiddesen with Detmold city centre. From Detmold railway station, take route 704 to the “Sternschanze” stop for Hiddeser Bent. Bus service to the Hermann Monument extends as far as the neighbouring districts of Hiddesen and Heiligenkirchen-Schling; from there, it is about 2 kilometres uphill on foot. These different final stretches may be important when planning your day. Check bus connections before travelling.

For the broader travel overview: Detmold.