Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular
72% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
12.1kmLength
407mElevation gain
3.5–4hrEstimated time
Circular
Popular circular hiking trail in the Teutoburg Forest, North Rhine-Westphalia.
This is an extremely varied loop to the west of Horn, which leads to two of the region's most popular attractions: the Externsteine and the ruins of Falkenburg Castle. While it is often very crowded at the famous Externsteine, the rest of the hike is largely undisturbed on quiet forest paths, past idyllic bodies of water and an area of mountain heath. There are refreshment stops in Horn. Accessible by bus and train (short walk from the Externsteine junction stop in Horn).
Highlights of the hike:
- Externsteine FFH conservation area
- Upper pond and lower pond
- Bird baptism Holzhausen
- Mountain heath Knickenhagen
- Falkenburg Castle
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Grottenfels
Cliff
Stemberg
Peak
Sachsentaufe
Attraction
Knickenhagen
Peak
Falkenburg
Archaeological site
Europäisches Wanderkreuz
Attraction
Bärenstein
Peak
Wackelsteinfels
Cliff
Treppenfels
Cliff
Höhenkammer
Archaeological site
Wackelstein
Attraction
Felsengrab
Archaeological site
Turmfels
Cliff
Ransberg
Peak
Wiggengrund
Valley
Geisterschlucht
Valley
Top sights
Grottenfels
Cliff
Stemberg
Peak
Sachsentaufe
Attraction
Knickenhagen
Peak
Falkenburg
Archaeological site
Europäisches Wanderkreuz
Attraction
Bärenstein
Peak
Wackelsteinfels
Cliff
Treppenfels
Cliff
Höhenkammer
Archaeological site
Wackelstein
Attraction
Felsengrab
Archaeological site
Turmfels
Cliff
Ransberg
Peak
Wiggengrund
Valley
Geisterschlucht
Valley
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Check out this 12.1-km circular trail near Horn-Bad Meinberg, North Rhine-Westphalia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 33 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
Expected weather for Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 23.1 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 24.8 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 24.4 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 23.9 degrees/clear
- Wed 30 September - 22.2 degrees/clear
Where is Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular located?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is a trail located in Teutoburg Forest / Egge Hills Nature Park.
How hard is Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is considered a moderate hike that covers 12.1 km, with an elevation gain of 407 m. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is considered a moderate hike that covers 12.1 km, with an elevation gain of 407 m. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular a circular?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is a circular trail that covers 12.1 km, with an elevation gain of 407 m. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is a circular trail that covers 12.1 km, with an elevation gain of 407 m. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
Dogs may be allowed on Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
According to trailgoers, Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is usually busy. Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Is there running at Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
Yes, trailgoers have said that Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is good for running. This trail covers 12.1 km, with an elevation gain of 407 m.
Are there forests at Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
Yes, Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular is a forest trail in Teutoburg Forest / Egge Hills Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Externsteinen and Falkenburg Circular, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on 26 September 2026 at 14:35 GMT+0