In the Geseke district of Eringerfeld, the architectural history of Eringerfeld Castle meets marked circular trails. Some stretches pass through woods and meadows and through the valley of the Westerschledde nature reserve. Two highlights can help you decide whether Eringerfeld is right for your trip: the history of a Baroque moated castle and the varied landscapes around the town. The circular trails start in the town centre and vary in length.
Eringerfeld Castle and its architectural history
Eringerfeld Castle is a moated castle, rebuilt from 1676 to 1699 by the cathedral canons Johann Gottfried and Rhabanus Christoph von Hörde as a family endowment. The early Baroque building was erected on the walls of an old castle complex. Those involved included Capuchin friar and architect Ambrosius von Oelde and master builder Jobst Scheck from Störmede. The multi-wing complex is arranged around a central courtyard of honour and is considered a notable example of Baroque architecture in Westfalen-Lippe. The castle has been listed as a historic monument since 1983.
The castle chapel is the oldest part of the complex; it was consecrated in 1661. Its history therefore dates back to a time before the castle was rebuilt. Visitors interested in architecture can distinguish between two historical periods: the chapel and the later early Baroque complex. The Eringerfeld Cross also commemorates a local event. It was erected in memory of the difficult birth of Anna Elisabeth Freiin von Ketteler on 22 March 1882.
Seven circular hiking trails starting in the town centre
Eringerfeld has seven developed and marked circular hiking trails of varying lengths across an area measuring 3 Ă— 3 kilometres. Arranged in a rosette pattern around the town centre, they start at the wayside cross in the centre of town. You can compare the different routes by length before choosing a hike.
Some circular trails pass a castle, follow the edge of the forest past notable old trees, and continue through woods and meadows to the romantically wild valley of the Westerschledde nature reserve. These landscape features belong to different trails; they do not all describe every route. As route details and signposting may change, check the latest trail information before setting out.
Woodlands, streams and protected areas
Northwest of Eringerfeld, Eringerfeld Forest forms a large, continuous woodland in the Geseke Börde. The “Eringerfelder Wald und Proevenholz” FFH area lies between Eringerfeld and Prövenholz and comprises two large, species-rich woodlands on chalk marl. The western section, Eringerfeld Forest, includes woodruff beech forests.
The “Eringerfelder Wald-Sued” nature reserve includes a large complex of deciduous woodland on limestone in the Eringerfeld area. Woodruff beech forests grow there in a range of site-specific forms; the protected area also includes natural spring areas and stretches of streams and valleys. The Westerschledde flows through the area from south to north and carries water only at certain times.
The Westerschledde and the Ruthenbach also flow from south to north within the FFH area. In some sections, they are natural watercourses that periodically dry up. These details highlight different aspects of the protected landscape: continuous woodland, beech forest, springs and waterways that sometimes run dry. This offers a perspective distinct from the castle’s architectural history and the marked circular trails.
Geseke as a wider travel destination
The wider travel destination of Geseke offers other topics of its own. The town runs guided tours for children as part of the “Discover Geseke for Kids” series. The Hellweg Museum has geological, prehistoric and cultural history collections. These attractions belong to Geseke and should be distinguished from the sights and natural areas in Eringerfeld.
The wider travel destination of Geseke also includes the “Mythos Stein” quarry park, where an area of about seven hectares within the quarry is open to the public. A roughly 700-metre-long, gently sloping ramp leads into the area and is also suitable for visitors with disabilities. From a safe vantage point, visitors can observe limestone extraction, from blasting and loading to the transport of raw material to the neighbouring cement works. Check the current access conditions before visiting.
Go to the overview of the wider travel destination: Geseke.
