Discover Lage: brickmaking history and cycling routes

For a trip to Lage, the history of brickmaking, city walks and themed tours offer clear starting points. Themes range from the industrial heritage of the Hagen district to routes focusing on agriculture or traditional brickmaking. Lage is situated right on the edge of the Teutoburg Forest and has numerous hiking and cycling trails. When planning, you can choose how much to focus on cultural history and the different tour themes.

Brickmaking and city history

The LWL Industrial Museum Ziegelei Lage presents the history of brickmaking in the Hagen district. The historic facilities of a former family-owned brickworks have been preserved in their entirety. Together, the subject and the preserved facilities give Lage’s industrial heritage a tangible connection to its former brickmaking operations.

The Zieglerbrunnen (Brickmakers’ Fountain) is a point of interest on the historic market square. The Johannissteine are considered a prehistoric cult site and natural monument; future research may further clarify their interpretation. Lage is therefore home to various examples of urban and cultural history, from its industrial brickmaking tradition to a prehistoric cultural site.

Public guided city tours run from April to October. They cover history, architecture, art and stories about well-known people from Lage. The themes may change, so check the annual dates, times and current focus areas before your trip. The range of themes offers different ways to explore the city’s history, for example through architecture or art rather than focusing solely on the craft.

Private group tours and special tours for school and children’s groups can also be booked. If you are planning one for a specific date, it is advisable to confirm availability in advance.

Cycling routes and trails

The approximately 30-kilometre circular route In the Footsteps of Lippe’s Brickmakers starts and ends at Lage station. Its theme is rooted in the region’s brickmaking tradition. Check the latest route details before setting out.

The Rübenroute (Beet Route) focuses on sugar beet cultivation and includes agricultural information, viewpoints and rest areas. The Tichlerroute, by contrast, follows the region’s traditional brickmaking craft. The main difference between the routes is their focus: agriculture on one, brickmaking on the other.

Lage has numerous hiking and cycling trails, including the Hermannsweg. You can access digital cycling routes around Lage using a smartphone or GPS app. Since route details and the availability of digital platforms may change, check the latest route information and access to the relevant platform before setting out.

Lippe as a wider destination

Across the wider Lippe destination, the hiking trail network covers around 2,000 kilometres. It includes part of European long-distance path E1, as well as the award-winning Hermannshöhen and Hansaweg trails. Lippe also has seven historic town centres characterised by Renaissance architecture; the Externsteine are a cultural and natural monument in the heart of Lippe. Check current trail conditions before hiking.

Discover more destinations: Barntrup, Lemgo, Leopoldshöhe, Horn-Bad Meinberg, Bad Salzuflen, Rott, Oerlinghausen, Lügde

Back to the main travel overview: Lippe.