Auf der Grenze zwischen Lippe und Preußen - Wanderweg 4

Experience open views and lush green beech forest between boundary stones

First, we take a leisurely stroll along the Kurparksee lake to the VitaSol Therme spa. At the parking lot, we cross the road and take the gently ascending forest path to the Obernberg parking lot. Under sturdy trees, we experience a pleasant climb through the greenery. On the left are the last houses on the edge of the forest and hikers can enjoy a wide view over the greater Bad Salzuflen area between the forest and the open view.

On the approximately 10-kilometre-long hiking route, we often discover excellent viewpoints.

Silent, magical forest ponds

The landscape passes us by in the shade of giant trees and on soft forest ground. After around three kilometers, we reach the underpass of the freeway bridge and turn right onto the following hiking trail.
The narrow bed of the Steinsieksbach stream follows from the left. The stream has its source in the Salzufler Stadtforst forest, above the Herford zoo.

For a short stretch, you walk parallel to the course of the highway in a natural, green hiking area.

At the Kellerteiche ponds, the hiking trail changes sides of the highway again through an underpass. From here, we delve deep into the lush green urban forest of Bad Salzuflen and along border paths. The forest climate is a refreshing change in midsummer and a pleasant eye-catcher in winter.

On the trail of the border

On historic monastery grounds

We now head towards Seligenwörden, below the Heerhof golf course. This area belonged to the Amtshof Seligenwörden. In the past, this land belonged to the Herford convent.

For a few hundred meters, we turn right into the wild Finnebach valley. Although the Finnebach has hardly any water in places, it is still a protected landscape. We can still see some interesting boundary stones along the way. They used to mark the border between the Lippe region and the county of Ravensberg and Prussia.

Following the tree trunks to the right of the path and the newly erected hiking signposts, we follow the "4" and hike along a gently ascending forest path.
A golf course accompanies us on the left. Across it, there are sweeping views into the distance towards the Weser Uplands.

To the listed farmhouse castle

The hiking trail leads to the grounds of the Schwaghof estate with its remarkable farmhouse castle. The Gutsanlage Schwaghof is part of the former Seligenwörden estate.
In the early days, the Schwaghof estate was home to an excursion restaurant, later a luxury hotel was built. The latter was closed in November 2016.

The two-storey farmer's castle, with walls around one meter thick, can still be seen from the hiking trail. The Schwaghof farmhouse has been a listed building since 1989.

The Schwaghof farmhouse was used for a long time as a granary and as a refuge in the event of raids.

After a break on this historic site, we take the descent of the hiking trail back to the Kurparksee lake. On the left, we can experience the hustle and bustle of the golf course and on the right, views of colourful meadows and shady woodland open up.

Baths have a holistically beneficial effect

For the last stage of the hiking trail, the views of the Kurparksee are refreshing. We dip our arms in the Kneipp pool and enjoy a rest on the popular high benches in the landscaped garden. Dangling our legs, we reflect on the hike and enjoy the rest of the day with an excursion to Bad Salzufl's culinary delights. Whether it's a charming restaurant, rustic beer garden or cosy café, there's a favorite spot for every foodie.