At 371 meters above sea level, the Hohe Asch observation tower offers a viewing platform 12 meters high. On a clear day, the view extends to Porta Westfalica and the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument, the ridge of the Teutoburg Forest with the Hermannsdenkmal, Köterberg, and the North Lippe Highlands and Weser Uplands. Extertal combines such sweeping views with hiking trails and cultural attractions, so you can plan your outings according to the scenery, route length and your interests.
Hiking trails ranging from short detours to long-distance routes
Marketing Extertal e.V., together with local village communities and heritage associations, has established twelve themed trails. In addition, Extertal has around 250 kilometers of marked hiking trails. For a shorter walk, there is the five-kilometer Schnattergang, also known as the “Wundersame Wesen Weg” (“Wonderous Creatures Trail”). Its route is marked by colorful, artfully designed signs. In Extertal-Silixen, the Wilddiebsroute follows in the footsteps of Silixen’s poachers and wood thieves; it is certified as a “Quality Trail.”
The 74-kilometer Hansaweg (X9) is considerably longer. This certified quality hiking trail is also a historic trade route. It passes through Extertal and leads through East Westphalia-Lippe into the Weser Uplands. This gives you two different scales to choose from: a five-kilometer themed trail and a regional long-distance route. The “Über Berg und Tal durchs Extertal” (“Over Hill and Dale Through Extertal”) adventure tour also links numerous villages in Extertal. It offers views across the municipality and the Weser Uplands, including distant vistas; both the starting point and the finish are in Extertal-Bösingfeld.
Another option is the DraisinenspaĂź route. It starts in Rinteln/SĂĽd, runs through Extertal to Alverdissen, a district of Barntrup, and passes through gently rolling countryside with meadows and small villages. It operates seasonally or according to a timetable. So check the current dates before including this route in your plans.
Sternberg Castle and views across the region
Sternberg Castle is a hilltop castle in the municipality of Extertal, at an elevation of 315 meters. Today, it is used for a range of cultural events, with a focus on music, seminars, workshops and private celebrations. The castle is also home to the Sound Museum, where instruments from the Peter Harlan collection are on display. Trails and viewpoints thus complement the cultural offerings with a focus on music and history. As the events program may change, it is advisable to check dates in advance.
As a wider travel destination, Lippe offers around 2,000 kilometers of hiking trails. The regional network includes part of European long-distance path E1, as well as the award-winning “Hermannshöhen” and “Hansaweg” hiking trails. This broader context extends beyond Extertal, while the local themed trails and approximately 250 kilometers of marked hiking trails provide a specific framework for outings within the municipality.
Choose accommodation to suit your plans
If you plan to take the DraisinenspaĂź route, bear in mind that it operates seasonally or according to a timetable. Then compare hotels and other accommodation based on your preferred dates and location. This way, you can tailor your search to the experiences that matter most for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Laßbruch, Lemgo, Schlangen, Rott, Kalletal, Dörentrup, Oerlinghausen, Augustdorf.
For the broader travel overview: Lippe.
