Germanic Cult Path

We begin the hike at the car park "Am Zollgarten" ("Rüspelsweg" is also possible). The Germanic Cult Path is signposted from there. From the wide path, we turn left (coming from Rüspelsweg) or right (coming from Zollgarten), following the signpost onto a narrow path into the Germanic primeval forest. Here mainly large beeches grow, along with some oaks and hornbeams. After about 200 m, the view opens to the Hünenteich pond.

1st Station: Stone altar with deity image

Opposite a rest area is the 1st station, the stone altar with deity image. Visitors are invited to take time here to rest and absorb the special atmosphere. Birds sing, and the wind rustles in the trees. In summer, the sun shines through the leaves; in autumn, it may be misty. The path to this place is accessible by wheelchairs and strollers. We follow the path around the Hünenteich pond. At the head of the pond, there is a nice view over the water. The path continues over a boardwalk where water flows from the dammed pond. Shortly after, we encounter the circular hiking trails "Hünenteich" and "Saugraben." We follow the path to the right, continuing along the pond. The path winds around some remaining stands of spruce, which are not originally native here. We arrive at another rest area at two thick old trees: a hornbeam and a cherry tree. Standing between the two trees and looking upward, it appears as if the hornbeam is pulling the cherry tree towards itself.

2nd Station: Plaggen altar with cult poles and deity image

A few meters further, the hiker's eye sees the plaggen altar with cult poles and deity image, the 2nd station. The tree crowns form a dome-like roof over it. Following the signpost, we turn left away from the Hünenteich on a path into the forest. The path slightly ascends and the tree stock thickens. On the right side of the path, you can see blooming wild garlic stands in May. On the left, a former clearing is growing back with young beeches and sycamores.

3rd - 5th Stations: Club idol, staff idol, sword idol

Halfway up the ascent is the 3rd station: a club idol amidst wild garlic.

The path now climbs more steeply. At the end of the ascent, the staff idol (4th station) is on the left side. About 50 m further, you see remains of the fortification Hünenburg; information is available on the display panel.

On the right side of the path is the sword idol (5th station). We follow the gently descending path further. The forest is now more open, thus more exposed to the weather and can be somewhat muddy in wet seasons. In spring, you can enjoy the fresh scent of wild garlic, which occurs extensively here. On the right, a small pond can be discovered.

6th Station: Branch fork idol

Directly opposite the water source, we reach the 6th station, a branch fork deity. From here the path rises again slightly and the forest becomes denser. It is advisable to walk a bit slower and listen to the many bird sounds.

7th and 8th Stations: Board idol and pole idol

On the right side of the path stands a board idol (7th station), flanked by two large oaks. Shortly before the forest opens, the 8th station, a pole idol to the right, marks the end of the Germanic Cult Path and releases the hiker from the forest back into the present. Over a wooden plank path, we reach a clearing with a view of the environmental education station. Two established paths, one along the forest edge and one through the middle of the clearing, lead back to the wide main path, which provides access to the parking areas.