Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop
72% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
7.5miLength
1,335ftElevation gain
3.5–4hrEstimated time
Loop
Popular loop hiking trail in the Teutoburg Forest, North Rhine-Westphalia.
This is an extremely varied loop west of Horn, which leads to two of the region's most popular attractions: the Externsteine and the ruins of the Falkenburg. While it is often very crowded at the famous Externsteinen, the hike continues largely undisturbed on quiet forest paths, past idyllic water bodies and a mountain heath. There are rest stops in Horn. Accessible by bus and train (a short walk from the Abzweig Externsteine bus stop in Horn).
Highlights of the hike:
- Externsteine FFH protection area
- Upper Pond and Lower Pond
- Bird baptism Holzhausen
- Bergheide Knickenhagen
- Falkenburg
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 7.5-mile loop 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 Loop?
Expected weather for Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop for the next 5 days is:
- Fri, September 18 - 64 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 19 - 62 degrees/showers
- Sun, September 20 - 59 degrees/drizzle
- Mon, September 21 - 58 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 60 degrees/clear
Where is Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop located?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is a trail located in Teutoburg Forest / Egge Hills Nature Park.
How hard is Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft. 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 Loop?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft. 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 Loop a loop?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is a loop trail that covers 7.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is a loop trail that covers 7.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Loop 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 Loop?
Dogs may be allowed on Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop?
Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop?
According to trailgoers, Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is usually busy. Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Is there running at Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop?
Yes, trailgoers have said that Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is good for running. This trail covers 7.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft.
Are there forests at Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop?
Yes, Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop is a forest trail in Teutoburg Forest / Egge Hills Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 13, 2026 at 5:05 am GMT+0