Discover hiking and culture in Oerlinghausen

In Oerlinghausen, hiking, observing nature and culture are different options to consider when planning your trip. Marked trails lead through forests and the Senne heathland; other attractions include St. Alexander’s Church, the Kumsttonne and the Climate Experience Centre. The route that suits you will also depend on whether you are looking for a specific circular trail or planning a longer hike.

Hiking trails, Tweten and nature

Oerlinghausen has 120 kilometres of signposted hiking trails through deciduous and mixed forests and the Senne heathland. The Hermannsweg passes through the town and offers opportunities for longer hikes towards Detmold or Bielefeld. When planning, you can compare a set circular route with the longer tours. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The 26 Tweten offer a specific route: marked with blue signs, they can be explored on foot. A 2.15-kilometre circular trail follows the Tweten. This gives you a specific distance to consider, while the Hermannsweg is an option for longer hikes towards Detmold or Bielefeld.

In the Wistinghauser Senne, visitors can watch Scottish Highland cattle and Exmoor ponies grazing. Several hiking trails pass the ponies’ paddocks and pastures and those of the Highland cattle. Access may vary seasonally; take this restriction into account when planning your route.

The Kumsttonne is also a starting point for walks and longer hikes. In good weather, it offers far-reaching views. The Kumsttonne is the stump of a windmill dating from 1753—a place where you can combine a hiking break with a look at the building’s history.

Culture and other experiences

St. Alexander’s Church probably dates back to the 9th century; elements of a Romanesque basilica have been preserved. Choir and orchestral concerts are held there regularly. As concert dates can change, it is worth checking the current schedule before your visit. This lets you plan your visit to the church around either its historic architecture or its music programme.

At the Climate Experience Centre, multimedia exhibitions, simulations and interactive stations explain climate change, weather and nature. The exhibition topics may evolve; if you are interested in a particular subject, check the latest information in advance. Another way to experience the surrounding area from a new perspective is to take a scenic flight with the Oerlinghausen Air Sports Centre. Flights are offered in gliders, motor gliders and powered aircraft. Flight operations depend on the weather and the operator’s conditions.

Getting to Oerlinghausen

The A2 and A33 motorways are close to Oerlinghausen, with only a few kilometres to the town from either motorway. Regional trains run hourly from Bielefeld to Oerlinghausen station. The station is in Leopoldshöhe-Asemissen; a connecting bus continues to Oerlinghausen. Timetables may change, so it is advisable to check the latest connections before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Horn-Bad Meinberg, Hörstmar, Barntrup, Detmold, Lage, Augustdorf, Leopoldshöhe, Blomberg.

For the regional travel overview: Lippe.