X7 - Runenweg

The Runenweg long-distance hiking trail (X7) begins at Sennerand in Schlangen. The route leads to the European Hiking Cross (E1-R1) and the Externsteine, a unique geological formation. The trail then passes through the historic town center of Horn, with its 14th-century castle, and the “Stinkebrink” marshland before reaching the Bad Meinberg spa park. In the Detmold area, boulders over 200 million years old—designated as a natural monument—characterize the Leistrup Forest. In some sections, the trail follows the path to the “Ortmühle,” the geographic center of Lippe. From Lemgo, a historic Hanseatic city with a view of Brake Castle, the trail leads through the Staff Landscape Park to the Försterteichen ponds and the former watermill “Corves Mühle” in the Kalletal valley. After climbing the Rafelder Berg, the route passes the Schlosskrug in Heidelbeck, first mentioned in 1257. Passing through the “Zweiländereck” and forested areas, the trail reaches the Möllenbeck monastery complex, built in 896, one of the best-preserved late-medieval complexes. The final section runs south of the Doktorsee into the university town of Rinteln (17th–19th centuries), whose origins date back to the late 11th century. The trail ends at the Klippenturm on the Luhden Cliffs, where it connects to the E11 and the Weserbergland Trail.