Camping in the Teutoburg Forest

The Teutoburg Forest in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia was the site of the legendary Varus Battle and is synonymous with nature camping in the countryside. Small lakes, unspoilt forests and mighty cliffs are the main features of this picturesque region steeped in history. Depending on the campsite, camping by the lake also allows you to catch your next meal for the barbecue and the numerous hiking trails enable long walks through the depths of the Teutoburg Forest.

Special features of camping in the Teutoburg Forest

The Teutoburg Forest is rich in ancient landmarks - both man-made and natural. This is precisely why the region is also ideal for wonderful excursions into unspoilt nature. The gentle hills are predestined for extensive hiking tours and romantic picnics and offer a magnificent view of the densely wooded area from numerous vantage points.

What could be better than refreshing yourself in a crystal-clear lake on a sultry summer's day? The region scores points here too, as various campsites in the Teutoburg Forest are located directly next to a bathing lake. The small Sonnensee lake and the Louisensee lake both boast marvellous stretches of shoreline.

How to get there

The cities of Detmold, Bielefeld, Osnabrück, Münster and Hanover are close to the 150 km long and only 1 to 3 km wide Teutoburg Forest. The journey from Detmold is just 9.5 km along the L938 and leads through the village of Hiddesen. Bielefeld borders directly on the eastern Teutoburg Forest, which is characterised by beech trees, semi-dry grassland and limestone cliffs. The 5.2 kilometre journey along Dornberger Straße leads past fields and the interesting Olderdissen wildlife park.

Osnabrück is located near the westernmost tip of the Teutoburg Forest, from where the forest can be reached by travelling 10.8 km along the B51. The quickest route from Münster from the west is via the A1 and A2 motorways. However, we recommend travelling via the L973 and then the A2, because although the journey takes only a few minutes longer, it is only 99.5 km compared to the first option at 143 km. From Hanover, we recommend the 128 km journey via the A2, which finally leads to the car park at the Hermannsdenkmal.

Destinations in the Teutoburg Forest

The peaceful, deep Teutoburg Forest is all about the Varus Battle and the dreamy natural scenery. The enormous length of the forest area between North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony makes it possible to visit many interesting hotspots. Whether it's monuments, romantic natural scenery or animal parks.

Hermann Monument

In the wooded area outside Detmold, more precisely on the 386 metre-high Grotenburg hill, there is a monument to the leader Arminius the Cheruscan, who, together with his Germanic warriors, succeeded in defeating three legions of the Roman general Varus in 9 AD. The monument comprises a circular pedestal on which the almost 25 metre high statue of Arminius (German: Hermann) triumphantly holds up his sword. Next to it is the Waldbühne, where plays and films are regularly performed. Just a few kilometres along the monument road, the Heiligenkirchen bird park awaits interested visitors.

Externsteine

Very close to Horn-Bad Meinberg, the bizarre sandstone formations of the Externsteine rise up from the earth. The mirror-smooth pond, which is fed by the Wiembecke river, combines with the tower-like rocks and the dense forest to create a masterful backdrop from the pen of nature. There is a car park and an information centre 400 m from the mythical site along Externsteiner Straße.

Activities and excursions

The Teutoburg Forest is a natural paradise with its small lakes, rolling hills and long forest paths. An ideal destination for sporting activities and interesting excursions for the whole family.

Canoe tour on the Werre

An exciting canoe tour starts from nearby Herford and leads along the Werre towards Löhne. Between Schweichelner Berg and Löhner Berg, the exploration tour through the large river bends offers great impressions in the midst of a lush cultural landscape. Weirs and mills occasionally dam up the river, creating a slow, gentle current. At the mouth of the Else, there are good opportunities to visit the restored floodplain. Kingfishers, beavers and pond lilies are waiting to be discovered there.

Olderdissen Wildlife Park

The Olderdissen Wildlife Park in the eastern Teutoburg Forest near Bielefeld is home to a large number of rare species or species that no longer exist in the wild. The zoo has expanded its facilities and prioritises the species-appropriate keeping of over 450 animals from 90 different species. The 16 hectares of ponds, meadows and forests have attracted many wild animals. The park is open daily.

Gastronomy

Numerous farm cafés, restaurants and excursion bars serve delicious specialities along the Teutoburg Forest. Gourmets can enjoy not only traditional, hearty classics, but also modern, light dishes.

One regional speciality is pumpernickel bread, which is baked for 24 hours at 100 degrees Celsius, giving it a sweet, hearty aroma. The light Nieheim cheese, which is made from quark, and Westphalian ham, which is cold-smoked over beechwood and left to mature for at least six months, go well with this. A variety of quaffable beers are an excellent accompaniment and, of course, a regional schnapps, Steinhäger. Borgholzhausen gingerbread is recommended as a sweet treat between meals.

Best time to visit

Even at the height of summer, the Teutoburg Forest has a pleasantly cool climate that generally does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius. The weather around the forest and in the clearings is typical of the region. In spring and autumn, the climate is pleasantly mild and the campsites are less busy than in summer. However, the risk of rain is higher.

The peak season during the summer months from June to August is particularly suitable for swimming fun and various outdoor activities. During this time, you can also make new friends with other campers. Many campsites close their gates for the winter and then reopen in the spring.